Cordier’s July 31 Firearms Auction To Feature Exotic Taxidermy And Stanley Tool Collection

A pair of reclining Leopards ($4,000 - $6,000) and an African White Rhino shoulder mount ($5,000 – $8,000) will be among the approximately 50 pieces of exotic Taxidermy to be featured in Cordier’s Summer Firearms Auction Sunday, July 31.  Other highlights will include an Engraved Colt 1851 Navy inscribed to Charles L. Robinson, the 1^st Governor of Kansas ($8,000 - $10,000), and a Springfield Armory M1A Rifle ($1,000 - $1,500). 

Over 100 pieces of Antique Tools from the collection of the late William Snyder, Carlisle, will round out the auction. The offerings include several #55 Stanley Woodworking Planes with boxes. The sale will be held at Cordier’s auction house at 1500 Paxton Street, Harrisburg.

The stunning taxidermy collection is the result of Jim and Barb McCarthy’s lifelong shared passion for hunting and the outdoors. The McCarthys began their hunting career together in 1970, and by 1980 they were booking outdoor adventures for clients all over the world through their company Jim McCarthy Adventures, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Pieces in the collection hail from such diverse regions as Yugoslavia, Kenya, Mongolia, and Zimbabwe. Standout lots include two full-body mount Lions ($2,000-$3,000 each), a pair of Leopards mounted together ($4,000 - $6,000), and a White Rhino shoulder mount with original horns, estimated to bring $5,000 to $8,000.

Among the antique handguns, collectors will find a W.L. Evans 1826 Flintlock Pistol dated 1831 ($600-$900). Additional early 19^th century military pistols to be offered include an Asa Waters 1836 Flintlock Pistol dated 1844 ($800 – $1,200). Modern handgun enthusiasts will not be disappointed, as the sale also features a 6” Blued Colt Python ($1,800 – $2,200) and a Smith & Wesson Model 25 1955 Target Model ($1,000 - $1,500).

Fine antique and military rifles will also cross the block, including an antique John Grove (Greene County) PA Long Rifle ($800-$1,200) and a Spencer Repeating Carbine ($1,200 - $1,800). Military rifles will feature a Russian Mosin Nagant Sniper rifle ($400-$500), and a new in box Springfield Armory M1A rifle ($1,000-1,500).

Military collectors will find items from the Civil War, World War I and World War II including Civil War Letters, a Military Shako, and a WWII era German Police Sports Shirt.  In edged weapons, bidders will have the opportunity to win an 1833 Naval Cutlass ($300 - $500), and a 19^th Century Prussian Staff Officer’s Sword ($400 and $600), as well as several Sword Canes and a C. Roby 1860 Pattern Cavalry Sword.

The second part of this sale will feature an Antique Tool Collection which includes an impressive group of Stanley Wood Working Planes and other early hand tools from the estate of William Snyder of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Highlights of the over 100 pieces to be offered include a number of examples of Stanley’s popular #55 Combination Plane in the original boxes ($300 – $500 each). The Stanley No. 55, which has been called the “Swiss Army Knife of hand planes” and touted as being “a planning mill within itself,” has long been a favorite among collectors and woodworkers alike. Also to be sold are a #444 Plane also in its original box ($300-$500) and a complete #52 Chute Board ($300 – $500).