Clars Auction Gallery has an impressive mix of fine art, documents and antiques on offer this coming weekend. Of course many citizens of the auctioneer's home country of America will be entranced by the Superbowl, but serious collectors will keep their eye on another game as February has historically been a big month for the company.
It's difficult to focus in on particular lots, but a militaria collector will certainly be contented as there are two very different lots on offer worthy of investment.
Firstly, there is an ornamental Edward H. Bohlin ''The Ranchero'' sterling silver parade saddle, mounted with round floral decorated conchos, on the corners and around the perimeters, with sterling silver front binding, horn cap, swell caps and sterling silver Cheyenne binding.
 Bohlin sterling silver saddle |
Although unlikely to have been used for service, the piece is effectively armour
Described in the catalogue as ''as fine an outfit as anyone would want and one of which anyone would be justly proud'', it is in very fine and 100% original condition, circa 1940's.
Previously owned by a private Bay Area collector, the piece is expected to bring $15,000-$25,000.
One thing which the silver saddle wouldn't resist would be a bullet from the William Golcher .52 caliber rifle available in the sale. Made circa 1851, by William Golcher at the age of 17, while working in his father's factory in Philadelphia, the barrel is marked in old English letters ''James Golcher Maker Philadelphia''.
 Golcher rifle |
Displaying German silver furniture, but engraved with an American eagle, federal shield, and a stag on the opposite side of the stock, the lower rib is mounted with ramrod thimbles, scroll engraved panels, trigger guard and panels, as illustrated in the 1892-1893 Clabrough, Golcher & Co., No. 17, fall catalogue.
It comes with impressive provenance being from a direct descendant of the gunsmith, passed directly down through the Golcher and Bekeart family, two of the great American gunsmith families.
It will go under the hammer with a price-tag of $20,000 - $30,000 in Clars' auction which takes place on February 6th in California.
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