Cowan's Historic Firearms and Early Militaria department holds annual sales that feature items spanning the American Revolutionary War to WWII. Our auctions of antique firearms garner spirited bidding at world-record prices. Our army of experts includes some of the country's top authorities on historic firearms, Civil War weaponry, the American flag and other patriotic textiles. The firearms department's staff prides itself on being approachable and responsive to client needs while maintaining the high standards and integrity known from Cowan's.
Department News
8/16/2010
Are treasures hiding among the dust in your attic or garage? Have you always wondered about your family heirlooms and collectibles? Bring them to the experts to see if they are as priceless as you hope. Wes Cowan, founder and owner of Cowan’s Auctions, Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio, will be the ...
7/27/2010
Cowan's Auctions Historic Firearms and Early Militaria Department attended the July 2010 Kansas City Gun Show. While at the show they picked up some consignments and showcased the Henry Rifle that will be offered in their Fall 2010 Historic Firearms and Early Militaria Auction.
Pictured below ...
6/20/2010
Lincoln family ephemera led Cowan’s June 11, 2010, American History Auction. The auction marked the 15th anniversary of Cowan’s and garnered wide media attention for several important lots, many of which came from the family of Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith, the great ...
6/16/2010
Several items relating to Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln led Cowan’s June 11, 2010 auction, American History, Including the Civil War. The auction marked the 15th anniversary of Cowan’s and garnered wide media attention for several ...
6/16/2010
CINCINNATI – Cowan’s inaugural World at War Auction will take place June 22, 2010 in Cincinnati. The sale will be the first of its kind to feature international war regalia from the twentieth century. The ...
5/10/2010
Cowan’s April 28 and 29, 2010, Historic Firearms and Early Militaria had total proceeds reach over $1,023,700, with 859 bidders competing for 1265 lots. Featuring two significant collections of cavalry materials, the first day of the auction passed only five out of 676 ...
4/8/2010
Featured Items
FIRST MODEL HENRY RIFLE
Auction: 2010, Historic Firearms and Early Militaria, April 28 & 29
Sold for $22,425
U.S. MARKED COLT SINGLE-ACTION ARMY REVOLVER
Auction: 2010, Historic Firearms and Early Militaria, April 28 & 29
Sold for $17,825
MISSOURI-STYLE HEAD INDIAN TOMAHAWK
Auction: 2010, Historic Firearms and Early Militaria, April 28 & 29
Sold for $9,200
GRISWOLD & GUNNISON CONFEDERATE REVOLVER
Auction: 2010, American History, Including the Civil War, June 11
Sold for $11,750
Jack Lewis - Director (513.871.1670 x 27 or firearms @ cowanauctions.com)
Jack Lewis has 36 years experience in the firearms industry. Jack is nationally known for his expertise in the Springfield Arsenal and the Frankford Arsenal. Jack is a Life member of both the National Rifle Association and the Ohio Gun Collectors Association. He is also a member of the American Society of Arms Collectors.
Auction Estimate Request Form
If you would like to consign your items to an upcoming Auction, please fill out the form below to begin the consignment process.
Click here to access our Auction Estimate Request Form. Complete the form and mail or fax it to us, including all details. Send clear photographs either by snail-mail or digital email.
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Important Identified Ames M1833 Texas Saber
Sold for $37,375
Henry Rifle, First Model, Second Type,
Sold for $28,750
Winchester Model 1903 Rifle Presented by W.F. Cody
Sold for $17,250
Civil War 1st West Virginia Cavalry Guidon,
Sold for $12,650
Prussian Garde Du Corps Officer’s Spiked Helmet
Sold for $12,560
Colt Model 1866 Gatling Gun
Sold for $155,000
Medal Group Belonging to Lt. General Adna R. Chaffee, USA,
Sold for $28,750
Engraved Powder Horn Dated 1776,
Sold for$7,475
Edward S. Godfrey's 7th Cavalry Presentation Sword
Sold for $72,900
English Bowie Knife by G. Woodhead
Sold for $3,240
Gardner Gun Patent Model
Sold for $149,500
Savage Model 1899 Rifle Made for John F. Dodge
Sold for $230,000
Bedford County Percussion Full Stock Rifle
Sold for $8,050
Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Sold for $143,750
Superb Engraved Winchester Model 1886 Takedown Rifle
Sold for $450,000
Cased Civil war Presentation Sword
Sold for $21,850