The Comancheria Collection - Catalog 148 by Kyle Holmes - Dreamedia Studios

Indian / Western History Collected By Gary Hendershott SALE 148

Kiowa Mountain Lion Bow & Quiver Set ca. 1860

501-224-7555

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The Comancheria Collection

Welcome to one of the finest Western collections ever assembled; while including exceptional items from all American Plains Indian tribes, this collection also includes a rare offering of Southern Plains Indians “The Comancheria”.

The Comanche-Kiowa hunted and raided together across the west from Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas and into old Mexico. They established their territory along the Santa Fe Trail all the way into the heart of Mexico. Their horseback raids lasting up to six months, they became known as the finest organized cavalry force on the western frontier. The Land of the Comancheria was 1st recognized by President Sam Houston of the Republic of Texas, during Texas Independence in 1836 by Treaty, as the homeland of these nomadic tribes from Spanish Colonial times until the Treaty of Medicine Lodge in 1867. I trust you will enjoy the historical items in this catalog as much as those who collected them from generations past and that you, as a collector or a museum curator, will add many of these important rarities to your collections and exhibits. Please call at your earliest convenience, and we look forward to being of service to you.

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I sell the “Old Fashion Way” … all prices are NET with NO hidden fees and NO buyers premium.

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Lot 1

Kiowa – Classic Mountain Lion Bow & Quiver Set, ca. 1860 This Mountain Lion Bow & Quiver set includes, the original re curve sinew backed bow with red paint and sinew wrappings at each end, 6 green paint arrows (without fletching) all with iron points. It also has a horse hair quiver stick, and a magnificent 30 inch long drop beaded on both Red and Blue trade cloth, the actual tail of the Lion is sewn on the verso of this long drop. A similar example is illustrated in a William Soule’s photograph taken in 1867 of Southern Plains Kiowa-Comanche Indians. It is in excellent supple condition and truly a museum showpiece; approx. 4 ft long includes 46 inch bow and arrows and is accompanied by Letter of Authenticity from Paul Dyck. ......... $65,000

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 2

Sioux – Chief Stinking Bear’s Buﬀalo Horn Headdress with Mirror’s, ca. 1860 Sioux Chief Stinking Bear’s – Buffalo Horn head dress, sinew sewn on heavy buffalo hide, with a blue and white sinew beaded panel across the front with mirrors on each end and an old museum label inside “Stinking Bear No. 7”. Known as a leader amongst the so-called friendly Sioux on the Pine Ridge Reservation, there is a photograph taken of him in 1891 at Chadron, Nebraska wearing a similar split-horn Buffalo head dress with mirrors. However this one is quite early and dates prior to the 1860’s when he led his people on the open plains. A superb museum showpiece. ......... $16,500

Lot 3

Crow – Bear Cult Headdress, ca. 1860 Cap portion of the headdress is constructed from scalped grizzly bear, with an open crown cut in a zigzag design. A band of red trade stroud is attached to the rear or neck portion of the cap, and the top most section of the stroud cloth is decorated within a tubular band roll of beads in classic Crow colors and style. Directly below the beaded band are a number of white ermine tails and completing the neck adornment is a band of 5 hair locks, which are tied with red trade cloth wraps, secured to the hair with rawhide ties. Over 40 inches long, this is an outstanding warrior cult headdress. As well as a showpiece from the Northern Plains. 40 inches tall ......... $9,500

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Lot 4

Sioux – “Bear Clan” War Shield with both Inner Shield and Cover, ca. 1850-1870 One of the finest War Shields to have ever come onto the market. Large pictographic Bear Paw at center with “XX” drawn at bottom and 4 Blue Moons painted across the top, which still has its original red trade cloth crown. At all four points of the center are plains grizzly bear claws attached by hide drops. The inner shield is on heavy buﬀalo hide, with a blue outlined red sun that has shooting red lighting designs emanating from the center. The original hide handle remains on verso. In excellent and original condition, approx. 24 inches around both inner and outer War Shield. ex: Hart Collection ......... $185,000

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 5

Little Big Horn Chief “Rain-In-The-Face” – fully beaded War Shirt, he killed and cut the heart out of Capt. Thomas Custer during the famous battle in 1876. Fully documented and collected directly from “Rain-in-the-Face”, by US Indian Agent James McLaughlin, on the Standing Rock reservation.

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Sioux Chief Rain-In-The-Face was among the Sioux War Leaders that attacked and defeated General George Custer and did the killing of the 7th US Cavalry Troopers at the battle of Little Big Horn on June 25th, 1876. Whereas Chief Sitting Bull was the Sioux Medicine Man and Spiritual leader, Rain-In-The-Face and the other warriors did the actual fighting and killing. After the battle/massacre, he later claimed that he personally killed and cut the heart out of Capt. Tom Custer on the battlefield, in reprisal for imprisoning him two years earlier for killing a US Surgeon and a civilian near Miles City, Montana in 1874. This battlefield account was popularized by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in his book “Revenge of Rain in the Face”. Most of the troopers of the 7th US Cavalry were, in fact, mutilated after the battle in reprisal for previous battles, arrests and failed treaties by General Custer, during his attempt to bring peace to the Northern Plains Tribes. Rain-In-The-Face fought his battle against the white man in 1866 during a raid against Fort Totten, Dakota, and again in 1868 he participated in the Fetterman massacre near Fort Kearny, Wyoming. It is interesting to note that many of Indian Agent McLaughlin’s personal papers have come onto the market over the past decade, including several personal letters from General Custer to McLaughlin in which Custer attempts to establish a long term peace amongst the Plains Indian tribes with McLaughlin’s help, less than a year before Custer met his death at the Little Big Horn. US Indian Agent James McLaughlin was friend to many of the Sioux leaders at the Little Big Horn, including Gall, Rain-In-The-Face, and Red Cloud, but became known as the antagonist/co-conspirator against Chief Sitting Bull. Indian Agent McLaughlin did everything he could to bring the Sioux Nation into a peaceful relationship with the United States, he served under 12 US Presidents as Indian Agent to the Sioux, and he knew Rain-InThe-Face personally. Accompanied by lengthy provenance of how McLaughlin received this war shirt from Rain-In-The-Face and how he actually used it in the Indian School on the Standing Rock reservation, and a photograph of US Indian Agent McLaughlin actually wearing this ‘very war shirt’ that Chief Rain-In-The-Face gave to him. 36 inches tall x 46 inches across the sleeves, exhibited on a beautiful custom made museum display, with black granite base that weighs over a 100 lbs., and five sided UV Plexiglas box. ......... $350,000 Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net |

Lot 6

Kiowa Bow and Arrows, ca. 1850 - 1860’s A large hunting bow with blue-dyed horse hair tuff, sinew sewn with a tacked native tanned hide grip. Excellent patina and 50 inches tall

......... $3,500

Lot 7

Comanche “Pony” Bow, early ca. 1860’s Small weapon and easy to use by Comanche warriors while in full gallop on horseback. These small Comanche Pony Bows are quite rare, this having dark Osage patina. The Comanche warriors could shoot them while hanging sideways off the horse in a full gallop. 33 inches tall ......... $2,500

Lot 8

Lot 9

Southern Plains Arrows with Blue paint, ca. 1860 - 1870

Plains Indian Arrows, Southern and Central Plains, ca. 1870’s

Rare and early iron tipped arrows with blue painted hafts, unfletched with long points. All are dated 1857, when captured during a battle with Comanche Indians on the Texas panhandle. 20 inches long ......... $350 each

Many appear to be Cheyenne or Arapaho, with excellent painted hafts in blue and red pigments, unfletched with long points. 20 inches long ......... $250 each

Interest Free Layaway Plan Available For Both Collectors and Museums. 8 |

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Lot 10

Sioux – Upper Missouri Quilled Warrior’s Battle Shirt, ca. 1840 The body of this early poncho style War Shirt is from native tanned Antelope or a Mountain Sheep hide. Over 50 Scalp locks trim the quilled chest strips and are also placed intermittently on the sleeve strips. This is an early poncho style, open throughout, having a 12 inch quill trimmed bib, painted with yellow ochre. Large ‘X’ shaped coup marks are painted on each side of the chest with a Celestial Star design in a combination of native blue, red & yellow paint colors. The quill work remains sound and in good condition. It is 40 inches across the sleeves and 32 inches tall. This is a wonderful and early example of a Plains Indian Warrior’s most prized possession – his War Shirt. ......... $145,000

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 11

Hidasta, Upper Missouri – “Dog Soldier” War Dance Pony Beaded Rattle, ca. 1830-1840 A classic example of pony beaded American Indian art from the Bodmer/Maximillian period of exploration. Blue and white pony beads, blended with numerous dew claws, form the decoration on this rattle configuration, most commonly associated with the Dog Dancer Society ceremony from the Upper Missouri Region. Examples of this type are seldom encountered and, indeed, few exist in any collection or museum anywhere in the world. Beaded flap measures 12 inches and the wrist strap is also fully pony beaded around its entire circumference. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the advanced and discriminating collector/museum to acquire one of the rarest Plains Indian items that exist. A “Dog Soldier” War Dance Pony beaded rattle. Overall length including pony beaded drop approx 20 inches. ex: David Cook ......... $75,000

Lot 12

Blackfoot – Painted Parfleche Hunting bag, ca. 1870’s Has horn on side and is trimmed with red trade cloth, full of contents including paint bag and mirrors. ......... $9,500

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Lot 13

Blackfoot – War Lance with Banners (Battle Flags), ca. 1850-1860 Such Flags were usually carried by the warrior who flanked the war leader, so that the war party in battle could locate the leader to obtain his commands. This magnificent example is 10 feet long. The lance blade is an early style trade blade most similar to those found on dag knives. The blade is secured to the lance shaft with a lashed hide band shrunk in place. Directly below the blade is an attachment of braided ‘sweet grass’ and a unique lance blade cover of scrotum hide trimmed in calico cloth with quilled hide loop drops. The entire length of lance shaft is wrapped, radially, in Otter fur. The Flag panels run the full length of the Lance and are alternating red and blue trade cloth in 8 inch sections, 5 inches tall, the edges of which are decorated with rawhide streamers. An amazing Warrior’s Battle Lance with the trade cloth banners running the full length. ......... $75,000

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 14

Matched Pair of Exquisite Quilled ‘Elk Dreamer Society’ Large Bags, ca. 1870’s Exquisite matched pair of Cheyenne ‘Elk Dreamer Society’ bags, possibly tipi bags. Horizontal rows of red dyed quills compliment the central, 8 inch tall, Elk Dreamer Society pictographic icon, red dyed feather fluffs decorate the frontal quilled body in four perpendicular rows on each bag and the side panels and top closing flaps are beaded in classic Cheyenne bar design motif. The leading edge of the closing flap is trimmed in red trade cloth whip stitched in place with rawhide ties. Side panel bead work is adorned with numerous red dyed horse hair cone dangles, and a series of three tube beaded suspensions that terminate in small fancy brass trade bells attached to the top closing flap complete the adornment to this truly spectacular matched pair of Cheyenne Society bags. 14 x 24 inches with 6 inch beaded drops. A showpiece ......... $27,500

Lot 15

Magniﬁcent Quilled Pictographic ‘Elk Dreamer Society’ Cheyenne Cradle, ca. 1870’s This Baby Carrier is adorned with attractive design elements. The top, or hood, portion is quilled with a large icon of the ‘Elk Dreamer Society’, and the hood is entirely quilled with the exception of the face of the shroud which has seed beads that compliment the quill work. The body is a muted red wool cloth, edged in white cotton. This full size child’s cradle evidences actual use; yet is in remarkable fresh condition, as are all the ‘Elk Dreamer Society’ items offered in this collection. 30 inches tall 12 inches wide ......... $35,000

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Lot 16

Cheyenne Indian Woman’s Dress – with over 200 Silver Trade Tokens, ca. 1880’s This amazing full-size Cheyenne woman’s dress was worn by Princess Mona Dark Feather, a Silent Movie Star who portrayed Native American women in over a 100 silent films! Made of heavy fringed native tanned and sinew sewn and elk hide, it displays a massive fully beaded yoke with 3 large crosses in a wide variety of seed bead colors that stand out vividly against its blue beaded background. This wonderful Cheyenne Indian Dress, made circa 1880’s, is adorned with over 200 of her tokens struck in German Silver, as well as brass. Each token is of a profile bust of an Indian maiden with a single feather standing upright from the back of her headband, and around the lower peripheral of each token are the words “PRINCESS MONA DARK FEATHER. Her most famous performance was as “Prairie Flower” in the silent film “Vanishing Tribe” in 1914. A Unique museum showpiece. 50 inches tall and 40 inches across the sleeves ......... $75,000

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 17

Sioux Chief Crazy Bull’s Flute, ca. 1890’s A beautifully made pictographic flute with Otter & Tipi incised designs in red paint, and a carved catlinite figure of a Tree-Dweller attached by hide at top fuller. 24 inches long ......... $4,500

Lot 18

Southern Plains “Ghost Dance” Drum, ca. 1890 An early and superbly made Ghost Dance drum, from the ghost dance era 1880-1890, depicts the classic Thunderbird eﬃgy on a red ochre shaded background. It has wonderful age and dark patina, a hide cover on wood body with extensive rawhide lacings. 7 inches tall 24 inches around ......... $12,500

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Lot 19

Crow – “Bleeding Heart” Tomahawk with Original Beaded and Fringed Drop, ca. 1870’s Northern Plains style pipe tomahawk with Bleeding Heart cut-out design on the blade. The pipe/axe head measures 10 inches in length and halt terminates in a magnificent, native tanned Buffalo hide, fully beaded drop. The beaded panel colors and design elements are in a Crow design pattern that is very similar to rifle scabbards in this same collection. Long fringe suspends from the bottom edge of the drop and brass trade bells accentuate the junction of the beaded panel with the fringe. This tomahawk is a wonderful example of a Crow warrior’s mark of distinction. ......... $27,500

Lot 21 Lot 20

Cree Van Buren Peace Medal, ex: Chernoﬀ Collection 1840’s A Superb President Martin Van Buren Peace Medal in Brass and on the original Bear claw necklace; with Blue Pony Beads, shell and a native tanned hide neck strap, sewn with 2 ply cotton thread, in a typical Cree beadwork design. 14 inches tall, Ex. Chernoff collection ......... $9,500

Crow – Warrior’s Knife Sheath, ca. 1870’s Exceptionally large Crow warrior’s knife sheath with knife. The rawhide body is painted red and surmounted with a wide beaded panel in classic Crow “Tipi” designs and bead colors, edged entirely in a zigzag pattern of bead work, and having a diamond shaped belt cut out and old brass tacks decorating the inner portion of the edge bead work. 14 inches long ......... $12,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 22

Kiowa – Child’s Tab Bag, ca. 1870’s A true gem of Kiowa Indian beadwork and artistry in the form of a child’s miniature tab bag in dark blue bead colors and patterns associated with the Southern Plains. What little warrior wouldn’t have been proud to wear this miniature version of his father’s tab bag, commonly referred to as a Warrior’s bag and very rare. ......... $14,500

Lot 23

Kiowa Medicine Bag, ca. 1870’s Kiowa Medicine bag with extensive peyote stitch beaded drops with fringe and tin cone danglers, rubbed with yellow ochre. ......... $2,250

Lot 24

Comanche – Small Whetstone Bag with Green Stone, ca. 1870’s Comanche Whetstone case with green knife sharpening stone has Beaded Fringe and Tassels, all sinew sewn on native tanned hide, and with tin-cone dangles. ......... $2,750

I sell the “Old Fashion Way” … all prices are NET with NO hidden fees and NO buyers premium. 16 |

The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 25

16 Bear Claw Necklace – Upper Missouri, ca. 1840’s This is a classic example of a Bear Claw Necklace as seen in images of American Indians throughout the Northern and Central Plains. This particular necklace is constructed from a central rawhide thong that is brought up to its full diameter with numerous wraps of multi-colored calico trade material. The frontal neck portion is then wrapped with Otter Fur that is now well worn, extending from the Otter Fur are 16 Bear Claws of large size and form and wonderful patina. The claws are spaced with a full string of round, hollow brass beads and centered between each claw on the string of brass beads is a large Pony blue bead. An old museum tag is attached. Bear claw necklaces denoted a high place of honor within a tribe and a mark of distinction for the owner. Genuine examples are extremely rare. A superb Museum showpiece. 20 inches around, claws 3 – 6 inches long ......... $22,500

Lot 26

“Bear Jaw” Knife – Upper Missouri, ca. 1840’s This type of early western frontier knife is seldom encountered in the collecting field. It is constructed from a steel blade of dirk form with a median ridge surmounted by the actual jaw bone of a Bear for its handle. There are but a few instances in American history when a Bear Jaw Bone knife has been noted, and those notations indicate either American Indian or Frontiersmen usage. This example exhibits age and patina in keeping with the time frame when our nation was being formed. 12 inches long ......... $6,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 27

Elk Horn Quirt with Pictographic “Playing Card” Carved Designs, ca. 1870’s Southern Plains Indian quirt made of shaved and polished Elk horn with original saddle leather whip. Body of quirt is deeply carved on both sides in pictographic patterns depicting “playing cards” in abbreviated designs of Aces, Hearts, and Jokers & Spades. Strong remnants of red ochre are present in depths of the incising. This quirt is a wonderful representation of American Indian art work in both form and the gambler’s pictographic design. 12 inch bone quirt 30 inch leather drops ......... $8,500

Lot 28

Pony Beaded Pipe Bag – Cheyenne, ca. 1840’s Early style Upper Missouri / Cheyenne pony beaded pipe bag with twisted fringe. The native tanned body is decorated in blue, black and white pony beads along the outer seam and around the bottom panel directly above the short twisted fringe, and directly above the opening drawstring is a single row of blue pony beads. Very rare and a superb museum showpiece. 30 inches tall ......... $37,500

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Lot 29

Crow – Otter Skin & Red Trade Cloth Hunting Bag, ca. 1870’s A wonderful example of classic Crow beadwork and flamboyance is evident in the make-up of this superb bandolier style hunting bag, having a large beaded panel in “Hour Glass” Crow designs and bead colors. There is a large, red trade cloth panel suspended from the bottom edge of the bag with a line of blue trade cloth, the body is cut in a saw tooth pattern, and the Otter skin shoulder strap is also backed with red trade cloth and rubbed with bright yellow ochre. All in all, this is a striking, as well as unique, Crow bandolier style hunting bag which would have held percussion caps & patches for a musket. 36 inches tall with brass bells/buttons ......... $27,500

Lot 30

Sioux Puzzle Stem Ceremonial Pipe, ca. 1870’s Excellent elongated design with a long Catlinite T-shaped pipe bowl. The ash stem has both drilled and cut out designs with some red pigment inside of cutouts. Superb condition. 27 inches long ......... $2,500

Lot 31

Sioux – Small File “Branded” Ceremonial Pipe, ca. 1860’s The small red catlinite pipe bowl is T-shaped and the stem is extensively hot file branded throughout. Excellent dark patina with a few minor chips and old museum tag. This would have easily fit into a pipe bag of the period. 20 inches long ......... $2,000

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 32

Northern Plains – Men’s Pictographic “Horse Stealing” Leggins A Unique pair of Cheyenne men’s leggins made entirely of native tanned horse hide - and virtually all of the horse hair remains on the interior of both leggins! The exterior is decorated with a combination of quills and beads in pictographic horse capture designs. Additionally, one leggin is decorated with two large blue beaded “X” marks, representing coups counted by the owner, and a narrow row of bead work is present on the bottom opening of each leggin. No one need wonder if the owner of these leggins wasn’t a warrior, as well as a really accomplished horse thief. 30 inches tall and 12 inches around ......... $18,500

Lot 33

Joseph Young – War of 1812 Shooting Award Medal with Delaware Beaded Fob, ca. 1860 An engraved Silver Presentation Shooting Award to Joseph Young for Best Shot, near Boston in 1819; interestingly enough, accompanied by a Delaware beaded pouch. He was possibly a Seven Nation tribal leader that migrated west and married into the Delaware tribe, where his silver medal was handed down in the Indian family. Very Fine ......... $3,500

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Lot 34

Nez Perce / Gros Ventre – Beaded Rifle Scabbard, ca. 1870 A Superb example of Gros Ventre bead work is evident in this elk hide rifle scabbard. The pink, blue and greasy yellow bead colors compliment each other and the design elements speak volumes of the tribal association. Red trade cloth is used to accent the shape of the case in the areas not covered with beadwork. Long fringe with two pierced tabs with red trade cloth is suspended from the muzzle end of the case while the open, or butt end, exhibits a long flat fringe. This is a wonderful Northern plains rifle scabbard that would have held a Sharps or a Spencer rifle. It undoubtedly once belonged to a prominent Gros Ventre Leader/Warrior. A superb showpiece, originally from the Chandler-Pohrt Collection, and rarer than similar Crow/Sioux scabbards. 68 inches long ......... $27,500

Lot 35

Sioux Pictographic Rifle Scabbard depicting a Buﬀalo, Elk, Paint Pony and Horse, ca 1880 A very rare pictographic rifle scabbard, fringed and beaded on native tanned Buffalo hide, with red trade cloth beaded panel on the muzzle. This would have held a Leman Plains rifle for its Sioux owner. 48 inches long ......... $27,500

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Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 36

Blackfoot – Gun Scabbard, ca. 1860 A magnificent Blackfoot rifle scabbard on native tanned Elk hide with large red trade cloth panel and beaded muzzle panel, trimmed in both dark blue and red trade cloth, sinew sewn beadwork throughout. It has long flowing fringe with Triangular Tabs trimmed in trade cloth, and diagonal beaded stripes (coups/kills). Remarkably fresh and supple and a superb Museum display, this scabbard would have carried a heavy Plains Buffalo rifle. 54 inches long ......... $27,500

Lot 37

Northern Plains Pony Beaded Belt, ca. 1840’s Fully Pony Beaded Belt in the typical box & border designs of the Cheyenne. Sinew sewn on native tanned hide that is completely beaded in a combination of four colors of early Pony beads. A rare and early museum showpiece. 40 inches in length ......... $12,500

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Lot 38

Rare Beaded “Blackfoot” Sword/Lance Case – Blackfoot, ca. 1880 This sword case, or lance case as they are sometimes called, is an oddity in itself. Sword Cases studied over the years have either provenance or characteristics that identify them as primarily Crow and less frequently as Nez Perce. This case, purchased from an Indian family in central Colorado (previously on loan to a Colorado Museum), has characteristics more closely associated with Blackfoot Indians based on the beadwork design elements. The main part of the body is painted parfleche in a Crow style, while the frontal point section is native tanned hide decorated with sinew sewn beadwork; two beaded rectangular tabs are suspended from the body proper and a Civil War vintage US Cavalry sabre is included with the case. Irrespective of tribal association, genuine American Indian lance cases are extremely rare and this one is truly a unique offering, having both Crow and Blackfoot stylistic design and ultra long supple fringe similar to a gun scabbard and trimmed in dark blue trade cloth whip stitched along the edge of the parfleche scabbard. Overall 40 inches in length with 36 inches of twisted supple fringe ......... $35,000

Lot 39

Upper Missouri – Cheyenne “Pony Beaded Flask”, ca. 1840’s The native tanned hide body covers this Fur Trade flask which is fully beaded in two shades of Pony Blue and White pony beads, typical of the Upper Missouri River tribes during the early Fur Trade. This style of flask is usually associated with frontiersmen and it still retains its original strap and stopper. A Unique Pony Beaded Plains Indian accoutrement. ......... $7,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 40

Cheyenne – Long Fully Beaded Rifle Case, ca. 1870 This extremely long Cheyenne rifle case is well executed in large beadwork panels in red, yellow, medium blue and cobalt blue seed beads, and the beaded panels, as well as the fringe are bordered in bright red trade cloth. The length would readily accommodate a full length Plains Rifle or Indian Trade Musket. It has quilled short/flat supple fringe at both ends and oil stains from the receiver of the gun. A remarkable showpiece. 60 inches long ......... $17,500

Lot 41

Sioux – Pipe Bag with Unique Beadwork Design, ca. 1870 A truly outstanding American Indian Pipe Bag with mid-19th century style beadwork. Seldom does one come across beaded panels with two distinctly different bead patterns within a single panel such as this unique pipe bag has. The artistry, form and quality of this pipe bag put it in a category of its own. Having long quilled fringe, it is a masterpiece. 36 inches tall ......... $37,500

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Lot 42

Crow / Nez Perce – Warrior’s Rifle Scabbard, ca. 1860 A really fine example of a Warrior used Rifle Scabbard. The beaded front panel, while relatively simplistic in an hourglass design, has complimenting bead colors that create an appealing style of Plains Indian art. Trade cloth is used throughout, as is customary with rifle cases from the Crow or Nez Perce tribes, and the fringe is heavy and of good length. This Rifle Scabbard is a very functional and artistic Warrior’s accoutrement, it would have carried a Spencer or a Sharps. 46 inches long ......... $12,500

Lot 43

Crow / Nez Perce – Rifle Scabbard, ca. 1860’s This rifle case is unusual in its design elements, as well as its overall configuration. The panel on the muzzle end, or front, of the case exhibits a very unusual, while uniquely artistic, beaded panel design. The large beaded panel on the butt stock is flanked with white beaded borders of seed beads on a huge background of red trade cloth and the supple fringe on the muzzle is practically as long as the scabbard is itself. The overall length of the case suggests it was made for a carbine or cut-down Indian rifle. Overall age and wear indicate the Crow warrior had traveled many miles with this rifle scabbard on the northern plains. 44 inches long ......... $18,500

Lot 44

Crow / Nez Perce – Rifle Scabbard, Beaded on Native Tanned Elk hide, ca. 1860’s This Rifle Case is a real beauty, beaded on supple native tanned Elk hide. Classic Beaded panels on both ends of the case have wonderful art work in both design and layout, and the bead colors are classic for either Crow or Nez Perce tribes. The red and blue panels of trade cloth are heavily fringed (which is exceptionally long and twisted.) Opportunities to own a Classic rifle scabbard of this quality are few and far between. 46 inches long with 36 inch supple long fringe ......... $18,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 45

Famous Sioux Warrior ‘Chief Spotted Tail’ – Historically Important Bow, ca. 1860 An exceptionally fine hand painted bow carried by this leader of the Brule Sioux Indians. He raided along the OREGON TRAIL as a young warrior, and was left for dead after a tomahawk battle with another chief. He was later imprisoned for two years at Fort Laramie for attacking white settler’s wagon trains on the Oregon Trail. Accused in the assassination plot of Chief Crazy Horse, appointed Chief of the Sioux Nation by General Crook to the dismay and mistrust of Chief Red Cloud. The bow is painted in horizontal panels of blue and red native paint, intermittently bordered. The original sinew bow string is intact and this bow is accompanied by an early exhibit card from the Denver Art Museum that documents it as belonging to Chief Spotted Tail “taken on Upper Missouri River battle in 1862 by Surveying party led by Philip Braum”. A unique opportunity to own a weapon carried by one of the most important Sioux Indian Chiefs, a controversial ally of Sitting Bull, Red Cloud and Crazy Horse. A Superb showpiece ......... $9,500

Lot 46

Indian Used and Decorated Sharps Saddle Ring Carbine, ca. 1860’s Sharps Saddle Ring Carbine serial # 75567, in original percussion configuration, is heavily tacked in Indian fashion with the name ‘KIT’ deeply cut into the stock just forward of the brass patch box. It’s in the condition collectors love to see, never having been cleaned or altered since its period of use. Genuine American Indian used and decorated firearms like this are very diﬃcult to obtain and this is an exceptionally fine weapon. ......... $9,500

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Lot 47

Ute Fully Beaded Pipe Bag and Pipe Stem Carrier, ca. 1870 This pipe bag is the most visually appealing example of Ute beadwork we have ever offered. The bead colors are vibrant and the designs are outstanding. The actual configuration of the pipe bag, with its closing flap and round stem carrier, constitute a very rare configuration in itself. Certainly one of the finest pipe-bags in existence of this Rocky Mountain Colorado tribe. 8 x 21 inches ......... $35,000

Lot 48

‘Leman’ Plains Indian Used and Decorated Rifle with St. Louis markings, ca. 1840’s One of the favorite weapons of American Indians, when they could obtain one, was the rugged Leman Plains .50 cal Rifle. This one is a true classic in configuration with a Goulcher percussion lock, brass Leman style hardware, full stock and large bore octagon barrel. The icing on the cake here is the legend stamped into the top barrel flat “Henry Folsom & Co. St. Louis, MO.” This particular rifle began life in the Fur Trade out of St. Louis, obviously having fallen into Indian hands, exhibits a wonderful rawhide wrap at the stock wrist and numerous tack decorations on the butt and forestock. This wonderful example of an American Indian used weapon is sound, never having been cleaned or altered after its period of use. They don’t exist better than this. ......... $27,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 49

Southern Cheyenne – Doll with Beaded Cradle, ca. 1870’s A magnificent Doll of an Indian Mother holding a Miniature cradle having a fully beaded hood in tiny seed beads. All in bright red trade cloth and Southern plains fashion with Awl case, Knife sheath and minute earrings and necklace, the cradle even has a tiny doll. This is perhaps the finest Southern Plains Doll that I have ever seen, a remarkable showpiece. ......... $6,500

Lot 50

Quilled ‘Elk Dreamer Society’ Bag Quilled Dreamer Society charm bag. All of the quill work is virtually intact and the bag is in fine supple condition with flap. Bags of this size typically contained medicine or society charm items. Elk Dreamer Society pieces of this small type, 8 x 10 inch size with a 5 inch tall design, are diﬃcult to find and very rare. ......... $5,500

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Lot 51

British Indian Trade Pipe-Tomahawk, ca. 1840 A Superb and Early Plains Indian pipe-tomahawk with a Wilson style British sword-notch on inside of the blade, on a ceremonially hot file branded long carved haft. The Blade also has native stippling all around the eye and a tall pipe bowl, which dates it from the early Fur Trade on the Upper Missouri. A Superb Plains Indian weapon, 30 inches long ......... $9,500

Lot 52

Cheyenne Square Bottom Knife Sheath with Long Fringe, ca. 1860’s A truly magnificent Cheyenne, fully beaded knife sheath with long twisted fringe and brass beads interspersed. Sheath is fully beaded on both sides and is with the original Dag style knife with brass tacked handle. They just don’t exist any nicer than this. Beautiful powder blue back ground with pink stepped terrace designs. A Museum showpiece ex: Morning Star Gallery. 16 inches tall with additional 6 inches of twisted fringe. ......... $22,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 53

Model 1865 Spencer Saddle Ring Carbine, serial # 20339 – Indian Used and Decorated This post Civil War carbine shows a diagonal tack decoration and extensive Indian usage including a shaved fore stock. Most of the weapons that ended up in Indian hands over the decades of the Indian Wars were captured in battles with the US Army, taken during encounters with settlers or procured illegally from Indian traders. This is a great opportunity to own a genuine Indian used weapon, as this carbine was surely obtained from one of those sources and saw service during the American West’s Indian Wars. ......... $7,500

I sell the “Old Fashion Way” … all prices are NET with NO hidden fees and NO buyers premium.

Interest Free Layaway Plan Available For Both Collectors and Museums. 30 |

The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 54

Cheyenne Pictographic Shield cover, ca. 1840’s A rare and very early Pictographic War shield cover with yellow ochre depicting 2 mounted Cheyenne Warriors with their horses’ tails tied for battle, above a dark green horizon with a black buffalo image. The reverse is completely re-enforced with old newspapers from the Lewis & Clark Expedition era. This is the outer cover of a War Shield, fragile condition and obviously collected early. ......... $25,000

Lot 55

Cheyenne Bow & Quiver Set – Cowhide with Long White Fur, ca. 1870’s Unusual Cow - Hide bow set, with original 48 inch recurve bow and 28 inch unfletched iron trade point arrows. This rare set maintains its long white fur of cattle butchered on the hoof (captured from settlers or a nearby ranch.) The flaps are backed with bright red Trade cloth and trimmed with white seed beads as well as white heart reds, blues and greasy yellows in the Northern Plains style. Long fringe with white fur makes this a fine exhibit piece, with original recurve dark patina bow and sinew bow string. Overall 40 inches ......... $22,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 56

Wounded Knee – War Shield, ca. 1880’s A fine and early shield made in the late 1880’s, but captured during the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1890. It has a Red ochre ‘Sun’ painted at center, hide horsehair beaded drops and original hide grip on verso. Native tanned hide mounted over wood with old museum label “Captured at Wounded Knee, Troop C, 6th US Cavalry, by E.A. Masterson.” Ex. Dressler Museum ......... $12,500

Lot 57

Sioux – Man’s Hide Shirt from Wounded Knee, Captured by the 6th US Cavalry This hide shirt is constructed in a style popular on the Plains in a pull over style with two large patch pockets on the chest. Fringe is fashioned all around the lay down collar, on the sleeves and lower shoulder attachment seam, across the shoulders, down the horizontal side seams and the bottom opening of the shirt. Red trade cloth lines the collar and leading edge of the five ‘bone button’ shirt front. The cuff portions are formed by beaded panels, beaded in a standard Sioux pattern, that were certainly a pair of salvaged women’s leggins. A period tag attached to the front of the shirt reads “Captured at Wounded Knee, Troop C, 6th US Cavalry, by E. A. Masterson.” A great opportunity to own a relic from an engagement between US 7th Cavalry Troops and American Indians, that defined the end of hostilities on the Western Plains. 36 inches tall ......... $25,000

Lot 58

Indian Trade Tacked Pistol, ca. 1860’s in .56 caliber, and Bow Set with 5 Unfletched Arrows All captured at Wounded Knee in 1890. Has old Museum tag attached to bow which is early circa 1870’s. (7 weapons) ......... $4,500

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 59

The Finest Sioux Saddle Blanket – ‘Elk Dreamer Society’ with quilled pictographs, ca. 1870’s This magnificent saddle blanket with Quilled pictographic designs is without a doubt the finest in existence. Beautiful bright red dyed porcupine quill work with (8) large, 5 x 6 inch, Pictographic designs and (2) large Hour glass design panels make this large, 30 x 80 inch, saddle blanket a Unique Showpiece which cannot be compared with other known examples. Long supple fringe with brass hawk bells on native tanned hide and muslin, in a solid yet supple form. ......... $65,000

Lot 60

Comanche Courting Flute, ca. 1870’s, with a Plains Grizzly Bear Carved Eﬃgy The carved eﬃgy is tied by native tanned hide strips to the ash flute. A remarkable and resounding Southern Plains musical instrument. 24 inches long ......... $3,250

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 61

Comanche – Men’s “Batwing” Leggins on Buﬀalo with Star and Crescent, ca. 1860’s A Super pair of Comanche men’s “batwing” leggins with ultra long and supple fringe. Dyed in the Southern plains style with bright yellow ochre and outlined with dark blue & white beadwork. One leggin has the “Star and Crescent” Comanche moon designs painted in vermillion red. 12 x 36 inches ......... $6,500

Lot 62

Comanche Bow Set, ca. 1860 Comanche sinew sewn bow with original dark green paint, accompanied by 5 unfletched arrows with 4” iron trade points. A striking Southern Plains weapon, certainly large enough to take a buffalo down. ......... $3,500

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Lot 63

Southern Plains – Warrior’s Breastplate with Silver Drop, ca. 1840 - 1850 Of all the Comanche clothing and war accoutrements, this short breast plate is among the rarest. Only a handful are known to exist in museum collections, and in early photographs taken of Southern Plains warriors by Wm. Soule in the 1860’s. Commercial hair bone on harness leather straps, with a native made Silver Naja in the eﬃgy of a bird in flight and 3 Silver “Crescent” dangles. Many times the silver was scavenged from tea pots or serving trays that were captured from wagon trains or nearby ranches during a raid. The symbology of the Naja was sacred to the Southern Plains warriors as a protective symbol, similar to what the Crucifix is to Christians. 10 inches wide, 8 inches tall with a 4 inch tall Naja ......... $15,000

Lot 64

Kiowa – Bow Case and Quiver Made of Saddle Leather, ca. 1860’s The few remaining examples of like bow case and quiver sets have all almost, if not entirely, been associated with Kiowa Indians, and this set is made entirely from remnants of harness leather. The construction is quite pleasing, having long fringe decoration. Attachments to this set include a strike-a-lite bag and whetstone case that are both constructed in the same harness leather material and fringed, and additionally, a spare bow string is attached to the bow case section. A Kiowa hocked bow with original string and a group of unfletched arrows complete this rare, highly desirable and Unique Southern Plains warrior’s set. 60 inches in length ......... $27,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 65

Kiowa – Silver Men’s Earrings, ca. 1880’s Pair of Plains Indian made Silver earrings for Kiowa / Comanche men, hand cut and rocker engraved. All the Southern Plains warriors wore these earrings as a status symbol, including Chief Quannah Parker. 10 inches tall and a very rare matched pair. ......... $2,750

Lot 66

Silver Armbands, ca. 1880’s Pair of Plains Indian made Silver arm bands for Kiowa / Comanche men, hand cut from local made German silver, rocker engraved designs with punch holes for hide ties. 6 inches around and a very rare matched pair. ......... $1,500

Lot 67

Santee Sioux – Beautifully Beaded Knife Sheath & Trade Knife, ca. 1870’s Fully beaded front in both geometric and floral Santee designs, trimmed with tin cone dangles and with original lead inlay trade knife. Sinew sewn on Buffalo hide. A superb showpiece of this eastern plains tribe. 12 inches tall ......... $2,750

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 68

Kiowa – Roach Holder Bone & Carved Wood, ca. 1870’s Very rare pictographic carved hair roach holder with a “Morning Star” design, hollow bone attachment, and blue and red paint. 6 inches tall and scarce. ......... $1,250

Lot 69

Southern Plains Style Short Warrior’s Hair Roach, ca. 1870’s The most prominent form of a Warrior’s head dress, as every warrior wore these, yet they rarely come on the market. Made from neck hair of a deer and dyed bright carmine red, this was the head dress of choice during most battles on the Southern Plains. 12 inches ......... $2,250

Lot 70

Silver Engraved “Medicine Wheel” Hair drop, ca. 1860’s Early Southern Plains and worn by warriors on the side of their heads, with long silver wrapped native tanned hide dangles. Many of Wm. Soule’s famous photographs of the 1860’s illustrate these warriors wearing a hair drop just as this one. The Medicine Wheel is completely Plains Indian made in German Silver, rocker engraved in a very intricate design. 20 inches long, 5 inches around ......... $2,750

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Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 71

Lot 72

Kiowa Silver (17) Disc Hair Drop on Bright Red Trade Cloth, ca. 1870

Kiowa – Brass (4) Disc Hair Drop on Bright Red Trade Cloth, ca. 1870

A Superb showpiece of Kiowa Warrior head dress with 17 hand cut, Plains Indian made, German Silver discs sewn onto a bright red trade cloth trailer, with a beaded panel on native tanned hide in an ‘Hour Glass’ design, a round peyote stitch beadwork finial and a finely twisted ‘Green’ fringe drop. A museum piece, almost 4 feet tall (42 inches) ......... $5,500

A similar showpiece, but in hand cut “Brass” discs in graduating sizes on bright red trade cloth with native tanned hide hair attachment, then ermine tail drops with red dyed horse hair. 26 inch in length ......... $4,500

Lot 73

Comanche Warrior’s Brass Necklace and Amulet

Rear clasp opens with Flint / Tendor inside of Steel Rim. Plains Indian made from a brass object scavenged from a raid. Intricate screw down attachment with an overlay of Silver Morning Star. 18 inches long ......... $2,250 | The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 74

Rare Kiowa Beaded “Pictographic” Blanket Strip – One of only 2 Known to Exist, ca. 1880’s Of all the Plains Indian beaded blanket strips in existence this Kiowa is among the rarest, it is one of only 2 that are known to exist of the 19th century. Magnificently beaded in a pictographic design of Hawks Naja and Morning Stars on a pure Kiowa pony blue beaded background, completely sinew sewn on native tanned hide, and with a muslin backing. The symbology of the Hawk as a protective symbol exists throughout the Southern Plains Indian Culture. One of the rarest items in this collection. 55 inches in length ex: Morning Star Gallery ......... $25,000

Lot 75

Kiowa – Women’s Boot Moccasins A very fine pair of Kiowa Woman’s boot moccasins, painted with yellow ochre on native tanned hide. Delicate lanes of bead colors, associated with the decorations used by the Kiowa Indians, run vertically and horizontally on either side of the nickeled studs that run from the vamp up toward the knee, and the “Chalk Line” fringe is uniquely fashioned from twisted surveyor’s cord. These woman’s boot moccasins are in superb condition. Ex: Lawrence T. Jones collection ......... $9,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 76

Southern Plains – Pony Beaded Bow Set, ca. 1860’s Early style Pony Beaded Bow Case and Quiver with bow and five matching arrows - Southern Cheyenne, Arapaho, Kiowa & Comanche. Body of both the bow case and the quiver are of native tanned hide sinew sewn with red trade cloth panels on each end, and both bow case and quiver are trimmed in a combination of Blue, White and Black pony beads. Shoulder or neck strap ends are fringed and further decorated with horizontal bands of pony beads. ......... $22,500

Lot 77

Cheyenne Pony Beaded Knife Sheath, ca. 1860’s An unusual combination during the transition from pony to seed beads, this Cheyenne knife sheath has Pony beaded trim around the outside edge and a seed bead panel at top. Accompanied by original trade knife with wrapped handle of copper snare wire. 12 inches long ......... $7,500

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Lot 78

Comanche Pony Beaded Hunting Bag, with Chambered Powder-Horn, ca. 1830’s Very early and rare Comanche double-tail shot pouch with blue & white pony beaded edge and War of 1812, pewter US Army coat button and accompanied by its original double chambered Buffalo Powder Horn. The warrior, using this powder horn, could easily reload gunpowder from one end of the horn and shoot from the other end, while on horseback during battle. With copper powder measure and harness leather shoulder strap. 8 inches wide, 20 inches tall with shoulder strap ......... $22,500

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Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 79

Kiowa Strike-a-Lite, Engraved Brass Button, ca. 1870’s A Superb Kiowa Strike-a-Lite on harness/boot leather, loaded with tin cone dangles and having an attractive apple green beaded Tipi design against a dark blue background and pink beaded edging. Overall 14 inches tall including fringed drops, with original striker inside. ......... $4,400

Lot 80

Crow Mirror Case with long Elk hide fringe ca. 1890’s A superb man’s mirror bag, used by Crow men to paint their faces during tribal dances/rituals. It’s fully beaded in powder blue beads, with opposing hour glass designs and red crosses, sewn onto sack cloth canvas. The native tanned elk hide drops are a foot long! Overall 27 inches long and in near mint condition. ......... $5,600

Lot 81

Nez Perce Mirror case, with long Red Trade cloth ca. 1890’s This superb man’s mirror bag (mirror still inside) has fully beaded panel in a pink seed bead background. The red trade cloth has brass beads sewn along the bottom edge, as well as brass beads on the native tanned hide loop at top; and it’s lined with saddle leather. This is a very attractive and unusual mirror bag with US Navy buttons sewn at top, 16 inches long. ......... $4,600

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Lot 82

Northern Plains Dew/Antelope claw necklace on Harness Leather, ex: Charles Russell An unusual, if not completely unique, ceremonial Plains Indian Necklace, ca. 1850’s. Made of dew claws from both Deer & Antelope on a harness leather necklace with brass tacks. Very Fine and a Unique exhibit piece from the famous western artist Charles Russell’s collection in Montana. 20 inches long ......... $6,500

Lot 83

Northern Plains Warrior’s “Antler Saddle” with Hand Woven Horse Hair Cinch, ca. 1860’s A rare Plains Indian Warrior’s saddle made from Antler, covered in native tanned hide harness leather and having a hand woven horse hair Indian cinch. Very unusual and rarely offered Indian saddle. 24 inches in length ......... $2,250

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 84

Jackson Smith Group of (6) Hand Tinted Albumen Photographs, Denver ca. 1890 A very fine and attractive hand tinted set of (6) cabinet and studio portraits of Ute Indians from Colorado, by the famous photographer, Jackson Smith. In original 19th Century gilt filigree frame and mount. 20 x 28 inches ......... $1,850

Lot 86 Lot 85

Umatilla Indians – Oregon, Husband & Wife in all their Wedding Regalia, ca. 1880 Scarce Northwest tribe – they are decked out for the occasion, wearing the finest their families had to offer. A fine and early albumen photograph. ......... $125

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Kiowa Boy’s Cradle, with Beaded Saddle Leather Cover, Tacked Boards, ca. 1880 A Fine photograph of a Kiowa mother with her infant son, who resides within a fancy Kiowa cradle board, that she made for him, with a beaded saddle leather front to deflect his toiletry, ornately tacked slats, and charms and bells at top. A rare style of Southern plains cradle. ......... $125

The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 87

Comanche “Bear Clan” Beaded Belt Pouch, with Plains Grizzly Bear Claws, ca. 1860’s This is the Finest Comanche Strike-A-Lite in existence, fully beaded front with a pictographic “Bear Claw” design along with (4) Plains Grizzly Bear Claw drops. Iconographically, the Warrior who carried this chose the Bear as his Spirit Medicine. Well made on boot leather with twisted fringe, tin cone dangles and a brass button closure. The Pictographic beaded design of the Bear Claw is truly outstanding, as are the claw drops. A museum showpiece. 9 inches tall, plus additional 5 inches of fringe ......... $22,500

Lot 88

Kiowa Whet-Stone case, ca. 1860’s Fully beaded both sides with tin cone danglers on boot leather make this a showpiece of Southern Plains warrior accoutrements. 6 inches tall ......... $4,500

Lot 90

Lot 89

Comanche Warrior’s Beaded Medicine Pouch, ca. 1850’s Excellent beaded spider web designs with crosses on the flap, rubbed with yellow ochre. 4 inches tall ......... $2,250

Comanche Paint Bag, ca. 1880’s A scarce Comanche warrior’s paint bag with remnants of Red Ochre on native tanned hide, rubbed with both yellow and red ochre and has metallic seed bead crosses. 6 inches tall ......... $2,250

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 91

Comanche “Sun Dance” Knife with Carved Face on Horn Pommel of the Handle, ca. 1870’s A scarce ceremonial knife, used in the Sundance ceremony to cut the dancer free from the ties in his chest that extended from the top of the Sundance pole. Beautifully carved, 10 inches long ......... $4,500

Lot 92

California “Modoc” Bow Painted in Geometric Designs, ca. 1880’s A superb western bow from California, painted in greenish blue and yellow geometric designs within red stripes, which gives off a luminescent color. 40 inches tall ......... $1,250

Lot 93

Santee Sioux “Snake Eﬃgy” Carved Walking Cane, ca. 1890’s A striking example of this eastern plains walking stick, bas-relief carved of a water Snake going up the haft between water Lilly’s. 38 inches tall in perfect condition ......... $750

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 94

US Indian Trade Gun – Barnett with Serpent Side Plate, ca. 1834 A superb North West Fur Trade Gun with excellent patina and in the original flint lock configuration with a brass serpent side plate. The lock is clearly dated “1834” and the stock has excellent dark patina, being completely untouched and original. 44” in length ......... $4,500

Lot 95

George Jones’ Original Flintlock Pistol. London 1790, brass barrel trade pistol with pre 1813 proofs. Fine.

......... $1,750

Lot 96

W. Ketland and Co. original Flintlock trade pistol iron barrel with brass band near muzzle Acorn tipped trigger guard. Unbridled pan pre 1813 Birmingham proof marks. Attractive early pistol with wrist escutcheon. Fine.

......... $1,750

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 97

Winchester 66’ carried by Blackfeet Chief Curley Bear ca. 1871 A Superb Indian gun, a Winchester Model 66’ saddle ring carbine ‘Yellow Boy’ carried by the famous Blackfeet leader Chief Curley Bear. Beautifully tacked with a horse hoof inside a council ring, serial # 76622 made in 1871, Curley Bear could have traded for this gun as early as 1872. He was the leader of the Siksika Blackfeet Indians in Montana, known as a Confederacy composed of Peigans, Bloods & Blackfeet; they lived off the great Buffalo herds in Montana. Excellent dark patina and a superb showpiece of Plains Indian weaponry. ......... $42,500

Lot 98

Sioux Tomahawk with “Horsetrack Design” fully beaded drop, twisted fringe and Red Trade Cloth, circa 1870’s, overall length 48 inches with a 10 inch Pipe Tomahawk blade This RARE Icon of the American West was carried by a Sioux Warrior; as indicated with the beaded “Horsetrack Designs” which indicates horse captures during raids that he led. A Masterpiece of Sioux weaponry, the fully beaded drop is separated by a green ribbon with 4 brass hawk bells and has red ochre on the twisted fringe, with an additional red trade cloth drop. A native tanned hide wrap on the haft also has a red trade cloth, and is fully backed with a calico woman’s dress material. The 24 inch haft is completely original with square shanked brass tacks and ceremonial hot file brands. The blade is Frontier blacksmith, made from a gun barrel, with an octangular pipe bowl. They just don’t come any nicer than this, a showpiece of Indian War weaponry. Ex: Haas collection ......... $29,500

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Lot 99

Magniﬁcent Plains Cree Fully Beaded Knife Sheath ca. 1870’s Certainly the most attractive Cree knife sheath I have seen, the curvilinear beadwork is astounding, and the Central Star design at top is truly amazing. All sewn on native tanned Elk hide, with fringe and hide belt loop & trade knife. ......... $6,400

Lot 100

An Ultra Rare Puzzle Stem Sioux ceremonial pipe, with ‘Pictographic’ lead inlay catlanite pipe bowl ca. 1860’s This is one of the finest Sioux “Puzzle Stem” pipes known to exist, magnificently carved with a wooden shell that moves up and down the pipe between the round bulbs. The catlantie pipe bowl is equally fascinating; as it is beautifully inlaid in lead, with a Wagon Wheel on top, stars and buﬀalo hoofs all around, with a short anterior ridge that firmly identifies this as an early Ceremonial pipe. With custom plexi display stand, overall length 36 inches. ......... $11,900

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 101

Crow Buﬀalo Lance with beaded Horse Hair drop and 19 inch blade ca. 1870’s When it comes to a Buffalo or a fighting Lance they don’t come any nicer than this. A huge Plains Indian weapon, completely intact and original, the entire haft at one time was wrapped in fur as evidenced by concentric circles along the entire length of the haft. Overall length is 105 inches, the blade alone is 19 inches long and is pinned and hide wrapped to the haft - a Buffalo or an enemy stood little chance against this weapon. It also has a 24 inch long pink & green beaded Horse Hair drop. Many times warriors would use hair attachments from their favorite steed for luck during the hunt or in battle against their tribal enemies. This is truly the rarest of all Plains Indian weapons. Very few have survived, as they were not collected by the soldiers or the settlers because of their sheer size; and few exist in today’s collections, the Ultimate weapon of the West. ......... $28,500

Lot 102

Winnebago ﬁnely carved Buﬀalo Lance from the ChandlerPohrt Collection ca. 1860 Perhaps the rarest of all Indian weaponry is the Lance - used to hunt Buffalo, as well as in Battle against tribal enemies, the lance is missing in almost all Plains Indian collections. Whether a museum or a private collection, they are almost impossible to find as they are so long that they could not be collected; and the Indians used them continuously, reshafting them, if broken, on the Hunt or in Battle. They were never discarded. If one was captured by a soldier, he usually saved the spear point as there was no way to ship a 10 foot long lance back home! This is an exceptional example with a Fully Scalloped leading edge running the entire length of this 10 foot long Lance, identical to the scalloping on the Winnebago’s war clubs and even their ceremonial pipes. The Winnebago’s went onto the plains every summer & fall to hunt the large Buffalo herds. In skilled hands, with the notched grips, this was a deadly weapon used on horseback. Accompanied by Pohrt Collection Letter of Authenticity, Ex: Chandler-Pohrt Collection ......... $18,000

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Lot 103

Cree Indian – Fully Beaded Holster with Original Stevens 6” Boot Pistol, ca. 1880 North West / British Columbia during the Klondike Gold Rush era. A superb northwestern pistol rig, fully beaded on native tanned hide with holster that holds an inner holster which is commercially made with brown russet leather. All of which holds a near mint J. Stevens nickel framed, blued 6” barrel .22 caliber single shot pistol. A remarkable showpiece from this scarce Canadian border tribe. Serial # 3357 ......... $6,500

Lot 104

Pueblo – Hopi Carved Wooden “Kachina Face” Full Size Cradle, ca. 1860’s The top half of backboard is symbolic of a Kachina head with unusual folk art quality. In excellent condition. 30” x 14” ......... $2,500 Lot 105

Hupa – Full Size Cradle Basket with woven Hat, ca. 1880

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Northern California and with original rawhide burden strap on verso. Excellent condition. 23” x 10” ......... $3,500

I sell the “Old Fashion Way” … all prices are NET with NO hidden fees and NO buyers premium.

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 106

Colt Navy Pistol carried by Dr. J. P. Kaster, surgeon of the Topeka & Santa Fe Rail Road, ca. 1870’s Dr. Kaster also worked at St Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe in the 1890’s. Prior to that, and when he carried this Colt Navy, he was Chief Surgeon for the famous Santa Fe Rail Road, traveling onboard the trains between Kansas and Santa Fe during holdups and medical emergencies. Accompanied by his family papers and numerous photographs of this famous western Rail Road man. Colt .36 cal Navy serial # 73157 ......... $4,750

Lot 107

Model 1836 Hall/North US Breech loading percussion carbine 58cal. Accompanied by a Triangular integral bayonet blade by Simeon North ca. 1834-39 just 2000 of these guns were produced. The model 1836 is historically significant since it was the 1st percussion weapon and breech loader oﬃcially adopted for military service globally. Less than 100 are estimated to exist today, this model is rarely seen on the collector market. ......... $4,750

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Lot 108

Silver & Onyx Presentation Badge to Prison Commander Richard Graham, Chicago, Al Capone Maﬁa era, ca. 1920’s Richard Graham was appointed by the Mayor of Chicago to run its prison system in 1923, as superintendent of the Chicago House of Corrections. He had the infamous Al Capone as an inmate, along with many other “Gangsters of the roaring 20’s and the ensuing Depression of the 30’s. A Superb Silver presentation badge to this Chicago law oﬃcer. ......... $4,500

Lot 109

Colt Single Action Army, .45 cal. Original “Unopened” Box of Cartridges, ca. 1878 Scarce, unopened and completely original box of single action, .45 caliber ammo for the Colt SAA, made at Frankford Arsenal in 1878. These are the bullets that Won the West! ......... $450

Lot 110

US Army “Ferrier’s” beaded Horse Shoe Gauntlets, ca. 1880’s Excellent riding Gauntlets of an Army Ferrier, with beaded horse Shoe designs. ......... $650

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 111

7th Cavalry Colt Ainsworth SAA in original “US” Holster, and with Web Belt Full of .45-.70 Ammo, ca. 1876 A fine martially marked Ainsworth “US” Colt SAA in serial # 5000 range, as issued to Custer’s 7th Cavalry Troopers before the Battle of Little Big Horn, June 25, 1876. In original US Cavalry issue holster, that is also marked “US”, and on the original US Cavalry issue canvas web belt, loaded with .45-.70 caliber Model 1873 Trapdoor cartridges. A striking showpiece of the famous 7th Cavalry, just as it was in 1876. ......... $25,000

Lot 112

7th Cavalry Colt SAA on Original Billings, Montana Civilian Cartridge Belt Set, with Presentation, ca. 1876 A Superb Colt SAA serial # 21019, manufactured in 1875 and shipped in the blue to B. Kitttredge & Co, who probably did the nickel and the presentation on the butt strap “M. Carroll & Co. M. T.”. Matthew Carroll of Montana was the quartermaster in charge of Col. John Gibbon’s Expedition against the Sioux, beginning on May 15, 1876 and continuing through to the Little Big Horn campaign, where Custer was wiped out. His civilian belt rig is made by C. Bacek, Billings, MT. A superb museum piece. ......... $35,000

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 113

Custer, after the Battle of Gettysburg, in his custom designed General’s uniform with US Cavalry Slouch hat, ca. 1863 This is the Brigadier General’s uniform that Custer designed himself, with standing velvet collar and velvet cuffs. This is the Custer we all know, cocky and defiant. ......... $950

Lot 114

Custer and His Camp Dog in Virginia, ca. 1864 Emaciated from hard fought battles and wounds, Custer sits with his camp dog in front of an open tent, almost unrecognizable from battle fatigue. This is a very rare photograph of him as General of the Cavalry for the US Army of the Potomac. ......... $950

Lot 115

Crow Indian Scout “Curley” on top of Custer Hill after the Battle of Little Big Horn, ca. 1880’s Mounted on horseback and carrying across his lap, his Springfield Model 1873 trapdoor carbine (that he carried in the battle), he poses beside Custer’s monument. A superb Northern Pacific Rail Road photograph by Haynes, Fargo Dakota ......... $750

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 116

7th Cavalry US Indian Scout Walking Eagle, Battle of Little Big Horn, ca. 1870’s Custer’s Crow Indian Scout Walking Eagle’s 7th Cavalry discharge, signed by Major Tilford while commanding Company A of the 7th Cavalry, stating that Walking Eagle was a scout for Captain Ullann at Fort Abraham Lincoln, Dakota Territory 1874. Includes a from life Photograph of Walking Eagle as a US Indian Scout, mounted on horseback and carrying his US Military issue Sharps Carbine near the Battlefield in Montana, circa 1870’s. Also accompanied by his original military issue Sharps Carbine, which he is pictured with, Serial # C1410117 and by his 7th Cavalry hat insignia, his US Indian scout crossed arrow insignia and his red and white Indian scouts hats cords. ......... $35,000

Lot 117

Custer’s Racing Saddle, illustrated in Frost’s book and purchased from General Custer’s Family in Monroe, Michigan ca. 1870’s While Custer actively campaigned against the Plains Indians, he was also active in Lexington, Kentucky racing thoroughbreds. His race horse ‘Frogtown’ won many a Kentucky horse race and this was the saddle he wore. A vellum tree, being a scaled down McClellan saddle of the Civil War era, this was General Custer’s Racing Saddle. An excellent horseman, Custer knew the value of a light and well made saddle in battle and on the racetrack. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from Dr. Frost and the Custer family; as well as this very saddle is illustrated in all the books on Custer’s thoroughbreds. The ultimate Custer horse gear. ......... $38,500

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Lot 118

Custer’s 7th Cavalry “Black Hills Gold Rush” Surveying Expedition, the Famous Illingworth Photographs, depicting Custer’s 7th Cavalry On The March in 1874. (12) Outdoor albumen stereo views by W.H. Illingworth, St Paul, Minnesota, including 4 photos of Custer’s 7th cavalry on the march. When gold was discovered in the Black Hills it developed into yet another “Gold Rush”, except this one was on sacred Sioux land and touched off the war that culminated with Custer’s annihilation at the Little Big Horn in 1876. ......... $1,750

Lot 119

Map to the Black Hills Gold Rush, ca. 1874 A superb map of the territories of Dakota, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, where the Black Hills Gold Rush began, on Sacred Sioux grounds in 1874. 18” x 22” ......... $850

Lot 120

US Cavalry Officer’s Springfield Model 1875 Type One, No. 16 – both Sheridan and Custer owned one of these custom made Cavalry Officer’s armory guns Just 125 of these Custom made Springfield Armory guns were ever made, only a few are known to exist. They are beautifully engraved and made to order by the officer. The very 1st 25 have sequential roman numerical markings on the underside of the trigger housing; this is No. 16 and was issued to US Surgeon B D Taylor on April 29th, 1876 - just before the Battle of Little Big Horn. Interesting to note that General Philip Sheridan received No. 11 on February 29, 1876. The list of recipients of these Officer Models reads as a Who’s Who in western history, including General Custer and his brother Tom. Of .45 cal., they were equipped with a modified Sharps tang site. Dr. Vance Haynes, a highly respected authority on Springfield Arms – especially Officers Models – is well acquainted with this rare gun and has photographed it for his future publications. Dr. Haynes pointed out that this gun had previous Indian ownership, as the stock still has Red Ochre rubbed into the grain of the wood. It was originally discovered in Kalispell, Montana in a Crow beaded gun case. An important, as well as, expensive Officer’s Model such as this must have been captured in order to be in Indian hands. In excellent condition, it has been well cared for by the US Officer, and then the Native American owners. Collected near the Little Big Horn - one can only imagine its history. This rifle is a highly desirable weapon from the Custer era on the Western frontier. ......... $29,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 121

Captain George Todd, Quantrill Cavalry leader and commanding oﬃcer for Frank & Jesse James They burned Lawrenceville, Kansas together in 1864. This Cabinet photograph was taken in Independence, Missouri from the original tintype. In uniform with tall riding boots, this is what Quantrill and his men really looked like. ......... $3,500

Lot 122

Pat Garrett “Horse Stealing – Arrest Warrant” for Accomplice of “Billy the Kid” in 1881 Lincoln County Wars New Mexico 1881 – Sheriff Pat Garrett signed “Arrest Warrant for Thomas Cooper who rode with Billy the Kid.” They rustled cattle on the Texas Panhandle and sold them in New Mexico Territory; Cooper was the Kid’s local Rustler and hid out with The Kid near Portalis, NM where they sold their stolen cattle to Three Rivers cattleman, Patrick Coghlan. A very rare and historical signed Pat Garrett arrest warrant for the Kid’s gang. ......... $4,500

Lot 123

Texas Lawman Deputy King Fisher “Arrest Warrant” for illegal gambling with a “Wheel of Fortune” – really – in 1884 Perhaps the most infamous of all the Texas Outlaws were the Gamblers, here this outlaw is arrested for gambling and maintaining a “Wheel of Fortune”, with a Bail set of Ten Hundred dollars. Everything was different in Texas past. He is arrested by the famous Texas Lawman Deputy King Fisher. Known as a fast draw and a gunslinger in San Antonio, Deputy King Fisher aligned himself with famous gambler/lawman Ben Thompson, and later became a west Texas rancher. ......... $750

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Lot 124

Missouri Quantril Bushwacker, Sam Hildebrand “Arrest Warrant for Murder” during the Civil War in 1863 Sam Helderbrand was a psychotic murderer who even Quantrill refused as a Border Wars volunteer, thus Helderbrand went off on his own, killing Union soldiers and sympathizers at random across the State of Missouri until he was finally captured and hanged. This St. Francis County, Missouri arrest warrant is signed by the Sheriff, stating that Helderbrand was nowhere to be found. A very rare Guerilla, operating in the Ozark Mountains. ......... $750

Lot 125

Texas Outlaw and Cattle Rustler, John Selman “Arrest Warrant” signed by Texas Rangers in 1880 Texas criminal/outlaw John Selman, also known as the killer of John Wesley Hardin. A Warrant for the Texas Rangers near Fort Davis to Arrest Selman for “Cattle Theft” in 1880. Signed on the reverse by famous Texas Ranger L. B. Caruthers, Co. E., Frontier Battalion of Texas Rangers with additional hand written orders from the judge for Caruthers to deliver John Selman to the Sieker Brothers, Texas Rangers operating near Fort Davis. ......... $750

Lot 126

Frontier Cattlemen with Bull-whips and Pistols, ca. 1870 CDV, ca. 1860’s. Full standing pair of western Cattlemen with Bull-Whips, Pistols & Bowie knives. These cowboys are ready for whatever the frontier might bring their way. ......... $250

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 127

General John C. Fremont’s Desk as the Territorial Governor of California in 1854 The 1st Desk of the 1st Governor of California from his home, built during the Gold Rush, the Oso House in Bear Valley, California. The desk has a lengthy hand written presentation from the descendant of the owner who bought the house from General Fremont in the 1860’s, and it has a Pony Express Museum label stating that it’s John C. Fremont’s desk, used at his house as the Military Governor of California. ......... $25,000

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Lot 128

Southern Express Company Trunk, ca. 1870’s A superb showpiece of this scarce Southern Express Company, that originally delivered freight for the Confederate government during the early days of the Civil War. Clearly marked in large white letters “Southern Express Company”, the lid of this railway trunk is also lettered in yellow “Railway Express Agency 400006”. With a pewter tag attached to the lid. It has a large iron lock and original red color. Weight 100 lbs., size 2’ x 3’ x 3’ ......... $3,750

Lot 129

Southern Express Company Reward Poster, Mississippi, ca. 1900 Offering a $3,000 Reward for the arrest of 2 train robbers, who wearing black masks made of black cloth with holes cut out for their eyes and mouth, dynamited and robbed the Southern Express Company safe on board the train from New Orleans. Notes on verso state that the currency stolen was the new $20 bills in gold certificates. 8” x 12” ......... $1,250

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Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 130

US Cavalry Indian Scout Helmet, ca. 1880 A superb helmet with a gold and red horse hair plume and completely original insignia. ......... $2,250

Lot 131

US Army – 2nd Infantry Helmet, ca. 1880 A superb 2nd Infantry Helmet with all original insignia.

......... $375

Lot 132

5th US Cavalry Kepi, Company K, ca. 1870 A superb and early war kepi of the 5th US Cavalry with large insignia on the crown. ......... $450

Lot 133

US Cavalry Slouch Hat, ca. 1860’s Lot 134

Mexican War – US Army Spike Helmet with Large Eagle, ca. 1840 One of the earliest US Army Spike Helmets, displaying a huge gilted US Eagle and built in the tar bucket style. ......... $2,250

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A superb US Cavalry Oﬃcer’s Slouch Hat in black felt, trimmed with gold silk. It is completely original and in excellent supple condition; similar to the one that Custer wore at Gettysburg. ......... $1,650

Lot 135

Sharps Heavy 16 Pound Barrel Buﬀalo Rifle with a Long Range Telescope attributed to J.B.H. (James Butler Hickok – Wild Bill). – In .45 caliber that ﬁred a 2 7/8ths cartridge Custom made by a frontier gunsmith in Kansas or Iowa using a Sharps Civil War carbine action. The rifle is fitted with a full length long range telescope. Wild Bill married in March of 1876, then went to the Black Hills and the Gold Rush. During this time he was diagnosed with glaucoma and with his eye sight failing, he likely made use of this rifle with its scope. The butt stock has period block letter initials JBH inscribed. Acquired from a farmer near Sioux Falls, Iowa over 20 years ago with no connection recognized to the initials J.B.H. by either the seller or collector. This rifle has been in a Guns of the West collection vault until a few weeks ago when we first recognized its true historical significance. The ultimate Buffalo Rifle and a tremendous showpiece being one of the finest Buffalo guns known to exist. ......... $29,000

Lot 136

Buﬀalo hide hunter Sharps rifle scabbard This rifle is made from a flint buffalo hide with harness leather synching straps. The rarest of the buffalo hunting accouterments. Sized to accommodate the largest of the Sharps or Remington buffalo rifles. One of the rarest items in this catalog. ......... $3,600

Lot 137

Early Belt Set Cartridge Belt for Buffalo Hunter. Roller buckle made of Brown Leather. ......... $3,100

Lot 138

Buﬀalo Hunting “ Skinning Set” ca. 1870 A rare and large Buffalo Hunter’s Skinning set, loaded with eight skinning knives in original frontier made saddle/boot leather case with leather belt. A wonderful showpiece, this belt saw a lot of use during the early days of Buffalo Hunting on the western plains. ......... $2,550

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

A West Inseparable

hen Spain was ousted by Mexico in 1821, they left behind a huge area of discovery, conquest, exploration and settlement in the continental United States that includes today’s Florida, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. This experience was overshadowed by the newly formed American colonies and their progressive movement west. By 1848 the United States, through War and Treaty, had acquired the Republic of Mexico’s northern provinces that make up our greater southwest. A new history proclaimed, Lewis and Clark discovers the west. Davy Crockett dies for Texas Independence and settlers use the Oregon Trail to fulfill American’s dream of manifest destiny. Hollywood shortens the version to cattle drives, Indian rampages, outlaw banditry and posse’s to the rescue. In a way, we loose three hundred years of recorded history before John Wayne pulls a pistol. In reality, it’s the same geography, just different times and experience. The Spanish/Mexican west opens infinite possibility for collectors and historians. It includes arms and armor, ethnographic material and a world of scholarly presentation. There are two resources mandatory for Spanish west collectors: 1. “Southwestern Colonial Ironwork” by Marc Simmons and Frank Turley, Copyright 1980, Museum of New Mexico Press, Santa Fe, New Mexico ISBN 0-89013-127-9. 2. “Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America 1700-1821” by Sidney B. Brinckerhoff & Pierce A. Chamberlain, Copyright 1972, Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania ISBN 0-8117-1584-1. Research and description for some of the artifacts came from these books.

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Lot 139

Three Piece Armor Set, ca. 16th Century Fighting the less technologically advanced American Indian opponents in the American Southwest enabled the Spanish to retain and employ weapons and armor types which were obsolete by European standards. They would serve the Spanish Army well into the seventeenth century. Still, Spanish infantry wore heavy armor in America well into the 17th Century. An undergarment of chain mail, breast and back plate (known together as a cuirass.) From a metal skirt (fauld) attached below the breast plate, hung tassets to protect the thighs. A gorget, pauldrons and rerebrace protected the throat, shoulders and upper arms accordingly. An attached bevor combined with an iron helmet covered the face and head of the soldier and a multi-ply leather shield thwarted incoming arrows and lances. All armor had to be well padded on the body. Collected in Mexico, this three piece ensemble is a good example of period American southwest conquest armor. Condition: Breast Plate: light weight, pitted. Back Plate: light weight, still in the black with rust hole. Gorget / Pauldrons and Rerebrace: heavy weight with minor replacement, leather straps also replaced. Nice matching patina. ......... $8,500

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 140

Chain Mail, ca. 16th Century Chain mail is made up of interlocking rings, mostly of iron or steel. It saw use long after plate armor faded in the 16th century on the Spanish southwest frontier. Though splinters from arrows might penetrate the chain mail’s open network, it was more than adequate against the blunt force of American Indian weaponry. This suit is comprised of flattened iron rings, which are riveted closed. It opens down the front and to a small amount in back for use in the saddle. (The chain coat extends to mid-thigh, sleeves are three-quarter in length and flared at the cuffs.) Collected in Sonora. Condition: Fine shape with a few holes and showing most wear and tear around the neck. Dimensions: Goes down to mid-thigh, no split in back. Open in front like a coat. ......... $4,500

Lot 141

Spanish Army Chain Mail, ca. 16th Century / 17th Century This second shirt of chain mail is rare in that two rungs of steel were used for every one as in ordinary mail, to obtain encased strength or thwart penetration of swords and smaller arrows. The links are not riveted and the chain mail shirt is extra heavy. Found in Mexico Condition: Complete and ultra rare. ......... $4,500

Lot 142

Classic Comb Morion Conquistador Helmet, ca. late 16th Century Not withstanding the popular image of the conquistador, the comb Morion helmet came into popularity at the end of the Spanish conquest period (1570’s). During Coronado’s fight with the Zuni Indians he was singled out for abuse, but his helmet stood up even though he was “somewhat sore from the stones” thrown at him. Condition: Battle weary, but sound. Helmet still retains the plume holder. Dimensions: Length 14½”; Width 10”; Depth 10½” ......... $5,500

Lot 143

Spanish Colonial America “Engraved Gauntlet”, ca. 16th century An early Spanish oﬃcer’s gauntlet, which was worn attached to a leather glove and articulated at the wrist for use in sword battle. 16 inches long ......... $4,500

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Lot 144

Morion / Cabasset Helmet, ca. 16th Century / 17th Century This battle helmet does not feature the crescent comb typical on the classic conquistador Morion helmet. The helmet top rises higher than the normal Cabasset and utilizes the up-turned brim of the Morion for better vision, making the helmet popular with Spanish foot soldiers in the southwest. Embossed and etched bands and designs, dark with age, decorate the helmet. The helmet is made from three pieces, two halves of the helmet proper are ‘bronzed’ together and the rim is riveted in place. Helmets often came in parts to the new world to save shipping space and were assembled in the Americas. Condition: There is a small amount of erosion or delamination along the rim and helmet proper, indicating age as well as wear and use, fore and aft on the inside rim. Dimensions: Length 13½”; Width 9½”; Height 11” ......... $5,500

Lot 145

Spanish Army Cabasset Helmet, ca. 16th Century The Morion Cabasset (from the Spanish word capacete) was among the first type of battle helmet’s to arrive in the New World. Particularly favored by firearm equipped troops as it gave full vision while aiming their match lock muskets. Condition: Minus the rivets that once held a canvas or leather liner. Also shows indication of being used as a target, testing the penetration power of cross-bows as witnessed by a four sided hole left by the typical dart point. Perhaps a bored/dead conquistador? Dimensions: Length 10”; Width 8½”; Depth 8½” ......... $3,800

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 146

Spanish Conquest Swept-Hilt Rapier, ca. early 16th Century Of all the edge weapons, the one in the most wide-spread usage was the sword. Crossbows and firearms became useless in up-close hand to hand fighting with the Indians. Early Spanish explorers brought with them two main types of swords. One is a massive double edge cruciform sword used by knights and worn with gauntlets to protect the hands. Coming into vogue during the conquest period was the rapier used for thrusting as well as cutting. The early rapiers, called swept-hilts, replaced the long straight crossguard or quillion of the cruciform sword. The quillion became bent and augmented as a knuckle guard to protect the hand of the soldier. Condition: The sword hilt on this page is a classic swept hilt with the knuckle guards in place. These guards are usually damaged, or simply rust away. The blade is uncut at 46”, shows great age and pitting, but remains in stout condition. The beautifully cut and chased knuckle guard shows damage, but remains strong. The wire handle shows age, but has been replaced at some time in history. Sword reflects heavy use and exposure to the elements. A classic Conquest sword. *Cortez’s secretary, Francisco Lopéz de Gomara recorded that Indian’s were “dazzled by the flashing sword, the wounds from which were deep, deadly and incurable…” Dimensions: Overall Length 56”; Blade 46”; Width at Quillion 9¾” ......... $6,500

Lot 147

Spanish Cup-Hilt Rapier, ca. 1650 The cup-hilt rapier became popular during the first half of the seventeenth century. This rare and magnificent example was found on the East Coast of Mexico. The blade is marked SEBASTIAN on one side and HERNANDEZ on the other. Despite the maker’s name and mark engraved on the blade, the exact maker is uncertain. Similar marked swords have been discovered in New Mexico. Condition: Wire wrapping on handle is long gone, its wooden cored is polished by use. Cutout work is chiseled and filed. Dimensions: Overall Length 42¼”; Blade Length (is a touch under) 35” ......... $6,500

Lot 148

Spanish Oﬃcer’s Court Sword, ca. mid 17th Century This sword features a handle of chiseled silver and gold. Workmanship is exquisite with floral and animal design elements including a magnificent Spanish crest, leaving no doubt as to its origin. Blade is pitted by age handle shows patina reflecting its age. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 34½”; Blade 29¾” ......... $2,800

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Lot 149

Swept-Hilt Rapier, ca. possible 19th Century Reproduction by Viollet le Duc In 1854 Napoleon III hired a master craftsman to make blacksmith exact copies of helmets, rapiers, halberds and horse armor to refurnish depleted or plundered artifacts in castles. The now famous Viollet le Duc received demands from museums and private hostelleries to do the same. Condition: This Napoleonic 19th century copy of a 16th century swept-hilt has everything right except extreme age. Perfect for museum display. Dimensions: Overall Length 51½”; Blade 42” ......... $2,800

Lot 150

Three Main Gauches, ca. Mid 17th Century The use of daggers in the New World is well documented. Most swords were used with a dagger that served as a close-in fighting weapon. Thus they were called left handed daggers (in their many sizes & shapes) as most swords were held in the right hand. In the 16th and 17th century two types of dagger came into prominent use, the “poignard” and the “main gauche”, known for its long straight quillions and wide triangular knuckle bows of French or Spanish origin. Sample B illustrates a unique feature called a blade catcher, used to catch or trap an opponent’s weapon. Condition: The main gauches were all found in the Americas and show frontier use. Dimensions: A. Overall Length 20¼”; Blade 14½”; Width at Quillions 14” B. Overall Length 18”; Blade 11¾”; Width at Quillions 6½” C. Overall Length 17”; Blade (with recosso) 12”; Width at Quillions 4½”

$2400 $2200 $1800

Lot 151

Pueblo Indian Knives, ca. 1700’s Primitive blacksmith made iron fighting/skinning knives A. Found near Glorietta Pass, New Mexico, 8 inches B. Also found in New Mexico, 6 inches

......... $650 ......... $450

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Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 152

Two Wood Handled Spanish Axes, ca. 16th Century / 17th Century Early European axe blades were simply made from an iron bar bent around a removable form to shape the handle’s eye. The two ends of the heated bar were hammered together where they met to create a flat blade. Both axe heads are frontier blacksmith made of New World manufacture and no doubt performed multiple purposes, both constructive and destructive. Condition: Good. Dimensions: A. Long Handled Axe: Length 39½”; Axe Head Height 9½”; Cutting Edge 9½” B. Short Handled Axe: Length 24”; Axe Head-Height 7¼”; Cutting Edge 6½”

......... $1,250 .............. $850

Lot 153

European Steel Battle Axe, ca. 15th Century / 16th Century This all steel battle axe and hammer pole is the ultimate hand to hand combat weapon of the Spanish Army! Collected in Mexico City Condition: No markings or origin (possibly German), old patina, broken tip on cutting edge of blade. Dimensions: Overall Length 19½”; Axe Head Height 6½”; Cutting Edge 7½” to missing edge .............. $1,850

Lot 154

Coronado era Sword Relic, ca. 15th Century This possible Coronado sword relic was discovered in the 1930’s, near the “Llano Estacado” (staked plains) in the Panhandle of Texas. It was found in the general path that Coronado took toward Kansas after his misadventures in Texas. The size and shape of the weapon conforms to the cruciform type handle, typical for swords of that period. The crudeness of the construction favors its being made in Mexico. The sword’s quality reflects the poorly supplied troops of Coronado, some having to rely on quilted cotton armor provided to the Spanish Army by the defeated Aztecs. Condition: Relic. Dimensions: Length 22”; Crossguard 8” .............. $1,200

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Lot 156

Spanish Army Halberd (Infantry lance), ca. 16th Century

Lot 155

Pair of Spanish Oﬃcer Conquest Period “Gold Gilt” Stirrups, ca. 16th Century Early codex drawings, about 1550, by the conquered Aztec Indians, show Spanish conquistadors using the open, triangular stirrup (inspired by the Arabs) with ample rest for the foot. The stirrup is associated with the jineta style of riding. The use of “gilding” on war equipment was usually reserved for knights or nobility. Collected in Mexico. Condition: One stirrup was badly damaged, possibly when a horse fell, but was beautifully repaired during the period. Remains of gilding on inside foot plates. Dimensions: Overall Length 10”; Width 5”; Height 7” .............. $5,000

Lance and pike polearms are called ‘hafted weapons’ including the halberd which was a combination fighting arm and murderous in close combat. Cortez and De Soto used them on their expeditions into the continental U.S. During the second half of the 16th century, the halberd still remained a combat arm for the Spanish infantry. The halberd uses a broad axe blade as a near vertical cutting edge. Opposite the blade is a fluke, reinforced at its point, arising from the head. In line with the haft is a stiff quadrangular thrusting spike, rectangular at its base. Langets extend down the pole from the head to prevent a shearing blow that would separate the head from the shaft. Condition: The pole appears original, though at sometime, shortened. The steel head has good wear and shows signs of metal fatigue or delamination. Dimensions: Length (spike tip to pole end is a touch under) 7 feet long .............. $1,650

Lot 157

Spanish Jousting Spur, ca. 15th Century From the Statutes of the Guild of Spur Makers in the year 1357, notes “that a master spur maker, beyond being capable of modeling, casting, hammering, engraving had to have an infallible instinct for purity of line and justness of proportion.” Collected in Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Length 10”; Width 3” .............. $950

Lot 159

Spanish Canoncito / Mortar, ca. 16th Century Lot 158

Iron Chambers for Spanish Breech Loading Swivel Guns, ca. 15th Century / 16th Century Pre-loaded and ready to fire, these chambers fit into ship rail guns called pederos (comes from the Spanish word piedra = stone). The ‘chambers’ were wedged into the canon breech with a piece of wood from the top, but more commonly wedge-driven into the breach from the side. The canons fired stone and iron projectiles. The pederos were no doubt removed from the ships and taken inland. One chamber was excavated inland near Veracruz, Mexico and the other in Mexico City. Condition: Good. Comes with both iron and stone balls. Dimensions: Large: Length 7¾”; Width 3½”; Bore 2”. Small: Length 6”; Width 3½”; Bore 1⅛” .............. $950

A lot of speculation surrounds the use of bronze and steel tubes of all weight and sizes in the American frontier. Everything from signal guns used on sailing vessels to church celebrations during mass at the Missions are offered with collaborating evidence. They all flash and bang. The larger variety are deemed to be hot-mouthed weapons of war according to the Spanish arms book, “Coleccionismo de Armas Antiguas.” It describes the larger variety as the earliest forms of weaponry used in the Americas. Mexican Indians “found the roar and flames of guns (and canons) more stunning than lightning from the skies.” Proper attachment to the end of a log made the bronze tube into a small canon. Fastening the tube upright on a stout plank with a simple elevator creates a mortar. Virtually indestructible unless melted down, this bronze Canoncito was found in Sonora, Mexico and comes with iron and stone projectiles. Dimensions: Height 8¼”; Width at Base 5¼”; Bore 2¼”; Weight 14 lbs, 10.6 oz .............. $1,250

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 160

Leather Spanish Helmet, ca. 17th Century The shift from plate to armor to leather was in full swing by the end of the sixteenth century. Loss and expense of replacement made steel armor rare. Use of the ardaga, a multi-ply leather shield, to protect against Aztec weapons of stone and wood had been successful in earlier conflicts. Leather was easily procured, easily worked, much lighter than metal and there was European precedent. By the end of the 12th century in medieval Europe, a material known as “cuerbully” had been used as armor for men and horses. The hide of cattle was cut thick, boiled in oil or water and when soft, molded into the required shape. When cold, it became exceedingly hard and would stand nearly as much in battle wear as metal. Archaeologists found a cuirass of three thicknesses of leather in the stone coﬃns of a thirteenth century soldier. A noted Morion made out of leather can be found in the Zeughaus Museum in Berlin, Germany. A Cuera, or defensive leather jacket for a presidio soldier has recently been found in Arizona and is the only one known to exist in the Americas. The reason for lack of examples of leather armor in collections is twofold. Much discarded armor was cut-up and used for domestic purposes. Unless carefully kept and oiled, leather tends to crack, warp out of shape, rot or be eaten by carnivores small and large. Two examples of leather armor used in the American west were discovered on hide paintings in an attic in Switzerland in the 1950’s (see accompanying images). One shows the last surround of Spanish presidio soldiers by French and Indian forces. Note the similarity in their leather jackets to the one found in Arizona. Note also the leather ardaga (shields) still in use for defense on the colonial frontier. The other image depicts two riders in full leather armor for man and horse. These are Spanish Indian auxiliaries closing in on Plains Indian Apaches, circa 1714. The Segesser II hide painting of the presidio troops and Segesser I hide painting of the Indian auxiliaries were named after the Priest who sent the painted hides to his family in Europe in the 1750’s. The helmet has five lamination or layers of leather in front, three layers on the side and four layers of hide make up the back of the helmet. All layers are secured with animal tendon, sinew or fiber. It could also be sewn with the fiber from the maguey plant. Condition: Prominent are two 5” blows to the helmet by a sharp implement that actually passes through to the interior of the helmet, later repaired inside and out. There are a couple of slight tears along the edge of the helmet, and the initials ‘I’ or ‘JC’ are burned into the rear edge of the helmet. This helmet is one of two, found together in Pueblo, Mexico. Dimensions: Length 14”; Width 8¼”; Depth 5½” .............. $19,500

Lot 161

Nueva Cadiz Trade Beads, ca. 15th century Few beads traded in the Americas are as distinctive, easy to identify and date as the Nueva Cadiz trade beads. Named for a costal town and possible point of demarcation in Spain. Considered cane beads of square cross sections, beads can be straight or twisted. They are commonly colored in shades of blue. Attributed to the Spanish Conquistador and their earliest contact sites, the Nueva Cadiz trade beads have been found from Canada to Peru. A very limited distribution and historical attribute made the Nueva Cadiz a rare and collectible artifact. Condition: Excavated. Dimensions: Approximately 68 beads; Longest 2” .............. $450

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Lot 162

Oﬃcial Registry of Spanish Family Names and Family Crests, ca. 16th Century A double page made of parchment, removed from a book. Illustrated on four sides, hand drawn with pigments, some outlined in gilt. Family names are Cama Rena, Molina Mendoza, Erea and Dabalo. Found in Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Height 10”; Width 7 ¼” .............. $1,450

The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 163

Northern New Mexico – Cruciﬁx Christo, Santa Fe ca. 1820 Beautifully carved by Jose Aragon, Arizona/ New Mexico. Christ 14” Tall, Cross 20” Tall. The cross and the INRI are all original. Restoration throughout as one would expect on a Native American Crucifix from the west in the 1820’s. EX: Christies 1999. .............. $25,000

Lot 164

The Virgin of Corazon – Mexico ca. 1830 A superb and large portrait of the blessed Virgin Mary ascending within a volcano plume and saving the children from evil depicted as the jaws of a panther while she holds the baby Christo. An excellent painting illustrating the old world European icon of the Virgin Mary with a new world “Meitizo” Indian version. In original gold gilted frame carved with teeth designs, with restoration. 30 x 40 inches. .............. $12,500

Lot 165

Bridal Chest from the Stanley Marcus Collection, Guerro ca. 1890

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From Northern Mexico, this handpainted wooden Bridal Chest from Olina La Guerro ca. 1880 is a beautiful example of early Folk Art from the famous collection of Stanely Marcus (co founder of Nieman-Marcus). 20 x 30 inches. .............. $3,900

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 166

Spanish Cavalry Broad Sword, ca. 18th Century This Spanish broad sword was issued to the frontier cavalry roughly in the 1650’s. This simple sword has no decoration The grip is wire wrapped with copper, held in place by four vertical iron bands. The pattern of the grip and its method of attachment to the guard, the double shell guard and design of the blade, are all found on the regulation cavalry sword used until the 1790’s. Collected in Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Blade 35”; Overall 42” .............. $3,950

Lot 167

Presidio Frontier Spanish Army Lance, ca. 18th Century / Early 19th Century The lance was the favorite weapon of the presidio soldier on the northern frontiers of New Spain. The use of the lance was so thoroughly ingrained into the population of this region, that even as late as the Mexican War, the lancers were some of the most effective troops in the service of Mexico. The Spanish lance was far more effective from the saddle. The Segesser II hide painting shows presidio soldiers with lances. Collected in Chihuahua, Mexico. Condition: Very rare to find the complete pole arm. Dimensions: Blade Length 15”; Lance Point to Collar 15”; Full Length of Lance (tip to tip) 102” including a 9” Collared Iron Point (approximately 9 feet long) .............. $1,850

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 168

Mexican Presidential Chairs, ca. 1840 - 1880’s The only visual example of a presidential chair is the one that seats Poncho Villa in the presidential palace during the Mexican Revolution. Sam Chamberlain, in his book, “My Confessions” (a collection of his adventures as a U.S. Army Dragoon during the Mexican War), mentions these “Presidential Chairs” in Mexico City during the American occupation in 1847. The front legs and arms are fully clad with silver. The back of the chair is exposed Mexican cedar. All silver is magnificently embossed and chased in classic Republic of Mexico “Santa Anna” style and attached with silver nails. When the United States Army captured and occupied Mexico City, at the close of the Mexican War, many decorative items were taken from Santa Anna’s Presidential Palace, this could have well been from that era. Discovered in an early collection in the United States. Condition: The wood has shrunk and joints are loose. Small dents in the silver, but overall condition of chairs is excellent. Dimensions: Height 5’3¾”; Width from Outside of Legs 2’5½”; Seat Depth 1’9½”; Embossed “Republic of Mexico” Eagle 9”h x 10 ¼”w .............. $85,000

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 169

Spanish Colonial Cup-Hilt Broad Sword, ca. 1650 - 1700 Found in Southern Mexico, this broad sword was undoubtedly hilted in the New World. It is almost identical to a large number of other specimens found in Cuba, as well as Mexico. It is possible that the double-edged blade was also produced in the colonies, but many blades were exported from Spain and elsewhere in Europe. Although this type of weapon is normally associated with the mid-seventeenth century, there is good evidence to indicate cup-hilt rapiers and broad swords were used in Colonial America well into the eighteenth century. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Length 41”; Blade 33½” .............. $3,800

Lot 170

Cavalry Lance, ca. Late 18th Century / Early 19th Century Napoleonic Cavalry Lance blade appears to be French, and probably surplus sent to Mexico after the Napoleonic Wars, when Maximilian took control of Mexico during the American Civil War. 7 feet long and discovered in Coahilla, Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Length 83½” (cut down, though original to the piece); Blade 19¾” .............. $1,250

A Lot 171

Two Spanish Pikes, ca. 1770 - 1820’s The two pike heads slightly differ in design. Shaft original, but shortened for various reasons - mostly handling. Pikes were considered the bayonet of the medieval period. Collected in Sonora, Mexico, not far from Douglas, Arizona. Condition: Good. Dimensions: A: Length 75½”; Blade 6¼” B: Length 80½”; Blade 6½”

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

.............. $950

each

Lot 172

Spanish Cavalry Pistol and Eslabone, ca. 1794 This pistol conforms in most details to oﬃcial drawings, and to descriptions of pistols issued in pairs to the presidios of San Francisco, Santa Fe and other colonial areas in the 1770’s and 1780’s. The lock and mounts are very similar to relic specimens discovered in the late eighteenth century Spanish sites in the American southwest. An iron belt or a sash hook on the left side was often added and made it possible to carry the pistol dismounted as well as mounted, without a holster. Also, a combination tool (eslabone) used as a screwdriver, flint napper and fire-striker. Condition: Marked #34 on trigger-guard, 1794 date on top barrel flats, cartouche on butt, brass lettering on lock and side flat of barrel. Dimensions: Pistol: Overall Length 18”; Barrel 10½”; Lock 5” x 1¼” Eslabone: Height 4¾”; Width 4”; Note double skull motif on handle.

.............. $5,500 ................... $850

Lot 173

Spanish Bayonet, ca. 18th Century Known as a cuchillo de monte (mounted knife). The handle is made to wedge in the muzzle of an escopeta (smooth bore gun), but saw more use as a belt knife. This type of knife / bayonet continued in use in the Spanish colonies in the American southwest into the nineteenth century. Wood handle, iron crossguard. Condition: Blade and handle show nicks, rust and pitting. Dimensions: Length 15¼”; Blade 10” .............. $850

Lot 175

Spanish Colonial Period Dagger Lot 174

Rawhide Spanish Colonial Cartridge Box / Belt, ca. 18th Century

Made from a cut-down eighteenth century sword blade. Handled with horn, it’s typical of knives used on the northern Spanish frontier. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 18¼”; Blade 14½” .............. $950

Anything in leather that has survived from the American frontier is beyond rare. Made from horse hide, some of the hair remains. Once held pre-made paper cartridges with gun powder and ball. This non-regulation military cartridge box was collected in Texas. Condition: Wooden cartridge block is missing. Dimensions: Overall Length (with box & belt) 26 ½”. Box Length 5½”; Height 3¼”; Depth 3½” .............. $6,500

Lot 176

Navajo Clasp Knife, ca. 18th Century A large folding fighting knife, the Navajo that originally came from Spain. The double-edged blade opens with a spring catch (pull a flange provided for the purpose.) The blade releases and folds into the handle. Hand forged, completely plain and undecorated. Collected in Veracruz, Mexico. Condition: Nice file work halfway down the top of blade. Dimensions: Overall Length 17¾”; Blade 8”, Width 1” .............. $950

Lot 177

Presidio Powder Horn, ca. 18th Century Unique in design, belt mounted powder horns were attributed to Spain and her colonies. The iron belt or sash hook is curved around the horn, attached by two screws. Mounted on the sash hook is a ring to which a sling or lanyard was attached. Condition: Good, including spring loaded charger. Dimensions: Length 7¼”; Width 4” .............. $1,650

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 179

Spanish California Spur, ca. mid 17th Century

Lot 178

Estribo de Cruz / Cruciform Stirrup, ca. 17th Century / 18th Century “The cruciform or cross stirrup presents something of an enigma, because of its obscure origin and the spare details regarding its history and manufacture in Spanish Colonial Mexico.”

Found in California, from the earliest days of Missions and colonization. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length (heel plate to rowel tip) 9¾”; Rowel (tip to tip) 4” .............. $1,800

“One of the earliest pictorial representations of an estribo de cruz comes from a small seventeenth century religious painting on tin. A prominent citizen is shown escaping injury as his horse falls, and the cruciform stirrup is plainly visible.” Extensive research on the cruciform stirrups can be found in “Southwestern Colonial Artwork” by Marc Simmons and Frank Turley and the Museum of the Fur Trade Quarterly, Vol. 15, No. 1, Spring 1979 “The Spanish Cross Stirrup” by Charles E. Hanson, Jr. Note: Stirrup found in Mexico City. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Stirrup Length 15”; Cross Blade Width 8½” .............. $3,850

Lot 181

Two Spanish Army Spontoons, ca. 18th Century Lot 180

Colonial Spanish Spur, ca. 1750 - 1790’s Condition: Great. Ornately engraved. Dimensions: Spur Length 7½”; Rowel 3” .............. $1,450

Spontoons are usually carried by junior oﬃcers as a badge of rank. These spontoon points are particularly interesting, in that they were found in Northern New Mexico on the route taken by Villasur from Santa Fe to Nebraska; leading up to his eventual defeat by the French Army, on the upper Missouri in 1720, in the struggle for European control of the west. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Large Spontoon: Overall Length (including langets) 19-9/16”. Small Spontoon: Overall Length (including langets) 17⅜” .............. $950 each

Lot 183

Colonial Espada Ancha Sword, ca. 17th Century Lot 182

Cruciform Spanish Stirrup, ca. 17th Century / 18th Century (not shown) A cruciform stirrup used as a scraper, found on the Jornado de Muerto Trail near Las Cruces, New Mexico. This smaller version of the cross-stirrup was purchased in Santa Fe. Condition of Cross-Stirrup: Good Condition of Piece of Cross-Stirrup: Relic. Dimensions: Stirrup Length 11½”; Cross-Blade 7¼” .............. $2,800

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Called an espada ancha (wide sword), or common sword, in New Spain, this weapon evolved in the colonies. It is usually found with D-guard and knuckle bow with a clam shell shape extension down the blade. Employed by mounted soldiers and rancheros, the sword served not only as a weapon but as a tool. The espada ancha became popular with presidio soldiers on the frontier. Condition: Handle is chiseled and inlayed brass, some of which is missing. The clamshell sword hanger or sword catcher is long gone, perhaps removed by the owner. The blade, curved at the end was never cut down. The upper handle has an actual wear notch where it swung from the belt hanger that came with it. Dimensions: Overall Length 27”; Blade 23” .............. $1,450 for both sword and hanger

The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 184

New Mexican Hunting Pouch, Pistol & Knife, ca. 19th Century

Lot 185

Spanish Colonial Frontier Escopeta, ca. 18th Century A light, smooth bore fusil or shotgun used on the frontier of New Spain. The stock is the Catalan type with a prominent hook at the toe of the butt. Traditionally the barrel is attached to the stock by bands, rather than pinned. Stock is probably walnut.

Possible bag with carved initials “ES”. Small pouch at end of front flap carries buckshot. Knife is primitive with bone handle and the blade is made from a file. Pistol is percussion, about .45 caliber. New Mexican frontier pouches are very rare, the pistol and knife make it exceptional. Collected in Taos, New Mexico. Condition: Frontier wear, but in sound condition. Dimensions: Pouch (without strap) Height 10¼”; Width 8” .............. $1,850

The lock is of the Miquelet pattern (featuring the mainspring on the outside of the lock). This one has been converted from flintlock to percussion during the first half of the 19th century. Standard caliber is .69. Collected in a Pueblo in New Mexico. Condition: Missing iron belt as a sash hook. Trigger guard is period, but not original to the piece. Dimensions: Overall Length 47½”; Barrel 32½” .............. $1,850

Lot 186

Colonial Spanish Pistol with Battle Usage, ca. Late 17th Century The pistol has a Micholet lock, belt hook, single barrel band. Front of lock plate features shell shaped decoration and back of frizen is engraved. The tang tip is finished with a design detail. The buttcap is iron, covers three-quarters of the handle and has some engraving. Condition: Entire pistol, though soundly made, might have been fabricated on the frontier. Appears to be sword or knife cuts on stock below barrel as if pistol was used to block sword blows. Slight wood missing behind lock. There had once been a leather guard nailed behind the lock to prevent lock cuts during kick-back. Dimensions: Overall Length 15¾”; Barrel 10”; Caliber is .69 .............. $2,250

Lot 187

Spanish Oﬃcer’s Court Sword with Scabbard, ca. 17th Century Delicate hilt with faceted cut plates and steel beads. Scabbard is either snake or lizard skin. Collected in Guadalajara, Mexico. Condition: Slight damage to guard, scabbard complete but fragile. Blade is lightly engraved, some slight pitting. Dimensions: Triangular Blade Length 33¼” .............. $1,850

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 188

Two Spanish Frontier Rapiers, ca. 17th Century Cup-Hilt Rapier sword with Cartouche marking on tang & sun type stamp on quillion. Bi-Lob Rapier sword with engraved lettering on blade. Condition: Both rapiers are completely original. The bi-lob rapier is missing the wire wrap from handle, wood polished by hand sweat and extensive use. Dimensions: Cup-Hilt: Overall Length 44¼”; Blade 37½” .............. $3,300 Bi-Lob: Overall Length 47½”; Blade 39¾” .............. $3,700

Lot 189

Spanish Frontier Knife with Original Scabbard A long bladed knife made from a file, sometimes replaced the short sword in offensive fighting from horse back. Condition: Traces of original file, horn handle, iron cross guard, leather scabbard with rawhide tip. Dimensions: Overall Length 23½”; Blade 18¾” .............. $950

Lot 190

Two Spanish Frontier Rapiers, ca. 17th Century Sword has Running Wolf engraved on both sides of blade. Also on blade, reverse N MI and reverse N and I mixed with a series of dots. The Dagger has a bronze handle and scabbard cover relieved in floral designs. Triangular blade once etched, but worn away by use. Good honest belt wear on the scabbard. Swords with light hilts mounted with earlier rapier blades were often used by Spanish oﬃcers on the northern frontier. Collected together in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Condition: Both are well used, but not abused. Sword bronze handle and guard is relieved with figures and faces, many worn away with use. Dimensions: Sword: Overall Length 36¼”; Blade 30” .............. $950 Dagger: Overall Length 17½”; Blade 13” .............. $650

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Lot 191

Pair of Southwest Frontier Micholet Pistols, ca. 18th Century Brass and silver mounted showing great craftsmanship. The counter plate and butt cap designs are chiseled. Pistols of this quality were purchased by wealthy colonists and senior Spanish Army oﬃcers, and carried in saddle holsters. Cartouche marking on top flat of barrel. A superb set. Condition: Mellow wear overall. Slight loss of metal on counter plate near belt hook screw. Dimensions: Length 10¼”; Barrel 5½” .............. $3,200

Lot 192

Set of Eight “Borderland” Colonial Carpenter’s Tools, ca. 18th Century The number and variety of carpenter’s tools found in the borderlands were fewer than in the English colonies. Spanish buildings were largely of adobe or stone, and pieces of crafted furniture were few. Anglo Americans entering New Mexico in the mid-nineteenth century often remarked that not a single plank floor could be found in the entire province. Still, from the days of first settlement in the borderlands, a handful of skilled carpenters plied their trade using an assortment of tools whose form and design had long been familiar to southern Europeans. This set includes three hand-forged axes of various sizes and weights, one horn handled gimlet or drill, one horn handled gouge, a hand adz, a hand-forged chisel and draw knife. All made in a blacksmith shop. English/Spanish terms of tools: Chisel (escoplos); Hand Adz (azuela demano); Ax (acheta); Draw Knife (cuchillo de doble mango); Gimlet (barrena); Gouge (gubial). Condition: Good and a unique set of southwest carpenter’s furniture making tools. .............. $4,500

Lot 193

Three Petacas / Cow Hide Chests, ca. Late Colonial / Early Mexican Period, ca. 1820 Known as the suitcase of the Spanish frontier travelers, as their use originated in Spain. The interior of the petaca is often supported by an inner structure of sticks to prevent warping of the leather. All of these chests were collected in New Mexico, though could have been made in Mexico. Condition: All Petacas show some wear because of their use for transportation. All three boxes are sound and good examples. Dimensions: A. top - Length 22”; Width 14”, Height 11½” B. middle - Length 23”; Width 15”; Height 13” C. bottom - Length 26½”; Width 17”; Height 14” .............. $950 each

Lot 194

Three Spanish Cowboy Hocking Knives, ca. 18th Century The Desjarretadera (hocking knife) traveled on the Ońate expedition to settle New Mexico in 1598. The steel blade can take many shapes, but the most popular appeared to be crescent. A socket is forge welded to the back of the blade at its center. Mounted on a long pole four or five meters in length, the blade was used to sever the hamstring above the hoof or knee tendon of a steer, to bring it down for butchering. Father Ignaz Pfefferkorn witnessed the hocking of cattle in Sonora during the 1750s and described the operation thus: When the cowboys catch sight of the fleeing animals, “they give chase at a swift run, and with the curved blade cut the tendon on the hind leg of the first one they reach, making it impossible for the beast to continue flight. Then they leap quickly from the horse, throw the animal, and kill it.” As early as 1674, the mesta, or stock raisers’ guild in New Mexico formally banned used of the hocking knife. Part of the reason was that cowboys in drunken brawls used it upon each other with bloody and often fatal results; but also, many persons were hocking wild cattle for sport, thereby decimating the herds. Not withstanding the ban, some frontiersmen continued using this knife well into the nineteenth century. A traveler in central Texas in 1836 reported seeing a hunting party of Comanches hamstringing Buffalo with curved hocking knives obtained from the Spaniards. The hocking knife was an anti-personal weapon. A larger version was used as a medieval weapon of war. Another name for the hocking knife was media luna (halfmoon). There is an account of its use in a clash between New Mexicans and Indians on the Plains of Texas in the eighteenth century. A. Hocking knife: homemade in New Mexico from a scythe blade. Dimensions: Blade Face 7¼”; Blade to Socket 6½” B. Very rare T-shaped hocking knife: Dimensions: Blade Face: 7¼”; Blade to Socket 8¾” C. Concave hocking knife: Dimensions: Blade Face 7¼”; Blade to Socket 8½” .............. $750 each

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 195

Nine Spanish Colonial / Republic of Mexico Knives, ca. 18th Century / 19th Century A. Early Spanish knife with horn handle. (note close-up of design on blade) Overall Length 15”; Blade 11” B. Spanish / Mexican knife, Belduque style with bone handle. (note Mexican Eagle is inscribed “Viva Mexico”.) Overall Length 18½”; Blade 14” (without scabbard) C. Early Mexican knife with three rivet horn handle. Has small Scorpion engraved on right side of blade. Overall Length 14”; Blade 9¾” D. Mexican knife and scabbard with horn handle. Length 12¼”; Blade 7¼” E. Folding knife with horn handle. Simple frontier folding knife. Condition: No springs or catcher. Overall Length 8”; Blade 3½”

.............. $1,250 .............. $1,250 ................... $750 ................... $650 ................... $250

1. Folding knife with horn handle, two stage spring for opening and closing, possibly Spanish. Overall Length 8”; Blade 3½” .................. $450 2. Folding knife with horn handle, Eagle head, ca. Late 19th Century. Overall Length 8¼”; Blade 3½” .................. $250 3. Folding knife with locking device. Horn handle may be from goat or sheep. Overall Length 12¼”; Blade 5¾” .................. $650 4. Folding knife with horn handle, cross hatching and rattlesnake tail. Condition: very old and untouched, some notching, no springs or catcher on back of tang. Overall Length 7¾”; Blade 3½”

.................. $450

Lot 196

Spanish Army Anvil, ca. 18th century A bigorneta (small or portable Spanish Army anvil) with hand forged tools, including a hammer, chisel, tongs and soldering tool. Numerous display of original artifacts that could have been made with this set-up, including oxen shoes, colonial horseshoes, oxyoke pins, nails and fasteners Used during Spanish military expeditions to repair equipment for an army in the field. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Anvil 13”; Width 2”; Height (flat to stake driven in wood) 10½” .............. $1,800 for entire set

Lot 197

Southwest Frontier Saber, ca. Late 17th Century The sword blade is hand-forged, heavy and massive fighting weapon. Bronze hand guard and iron back for the handle appear to be military, but the rest appears frontier blacksmith made. Collected in Sonora, Mexico. Condition: Blade shows forge maker. Wood handle, may be mesquite, shows high polish from use. Dimensions: Overall Length 37½”; Blade 33”; Width 1¾” .............. $1,250

Lot 198

Two Mexican War Dragoon “Cavalry” Sabers, ca. 1840 - 1860’s A. Large Saber: Original leather cover over handle. Scabbard came with sword, but not original to it. Small cross shaped stamp on ricasso, no other markings. Dimensions: Overall Length 37”; Blade 31¾” .............. $550 B. Small Saber: The handle remains with a bit of original leather protector. The saber blade, lost in history, has been replaced by an eighteenth century cut-down sword blade. Dimensions: Overall Length 30½”; Blade 25½” .............. $350

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Lot 199

Early Mexican Republic Sword, ca. 1821 - 1840 Hand forged guard and blade, bone handle with octagon shaped brass finials. Left side of blade is chiseled with floral designs with the center piece a full face Mexican Eagle and Snake republic emblem. Right side is fully inscribed with a patriotic motto from the Mexican War with America. Translated: “I have asked them nicely not to treat me this way, if they don’t want me to loose my status…I have warned them in broad daylight…If they don’t want me to do away with the only way out they have left to take…and so they start to believe it.” Meaning: “Don’t treat me this way…or I will loose my effectiveness…I’ve warned you openly that I may be your only way out…Trust me on this.” Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 29”; Blade Length 24½”; Blade Width 1¼” .............. $2,400

Lot 200

New Mexican Escopeta, ca. 18th Century Great piece of borderland history. Percussion hammer is in the form of a rattle snake, made by a New Mexican blacksmith. Condition: Definitely a re-stock sometime in history, but the parts have been together a long time. Barrel shows severe pitting where it had been used as a flintlock. Lock has been converted to percussion in the first half of the nineteen century. A tin patch makes up most of the side plate. A tin patch one half inch by four inches is tacked below the lock plate. Two bands, one tin and one brass hold the barrel on the stock. The patina all matches and the gun is amazingly solid for all the field repairs. Dimensions: Overall Length 48½”; Barrel 34” (cutdown); Caliber is .69 .............. $1,850

Lot 201

Four Spanish Colonial Iron Skewers, Colonial Fork and Bread Paddle, ca. 18th century Iron skewers (espetones or as adores) for roasting food over an open flame are mentioned in the inventories of the earliest Spanish wagon caravans journeying up from the south. Most often the skewer was made of flat stock, tapered and pointed at one end and having a twist and rattail finial at the other to serve as a handle. Skewers and pokers are indistinguishable in form and indeed, in many households, a single implement probably served both functions. Other items are a wood bread scoop or paddle to pull finished loaves from the orno and a domed shaped oven made from adobe and paste. Condition: Good Colonial Iron Skewers: Longest Skewer 28¼” .............. $175 each Colonial Fork: .............. $150 Bread Paddle: Overall Length 54”; Paddle 10” x 5½” .............. $350

Lot 203

Spanish Colonial Dagger, ca. 1700’s Made from a cut-down eighteenth century sword blade. Handled with horn, it’s typical of knives used on the Spanish frontier in New Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 18¼”; Blade 14½” .............. $950

Lot 204

Mexican Period Bowie / Large Syula Scorpion Tip Knife with Scabbard, ca. 19th Century Frontier scabbard made of horse rawhide. Horn handle with a brass quillion. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 17¾”; Blade 13” .............. $750

Lot 202

Six Colonial Hoes, ca. 18th Century / 19th Century Colonial farmers made use of a variety of iron and steel hand tools for soil preparation, cultivation and harvesting. Sometimes all the field work had to be done with these when a family was too poor to afford draft animals and a plow, or when the animals had been run off by Indians. Two kinds of hoes were employed. One was the narrow grubbing hoe (azada), useful for breaking the soil and weeding. The other was the wide cultivating and ditching hoe (azadón), with which farmers constructed the ridges and pans necessary to control the spread of irrigation waters. The eye and the poll on both implements were forged by the smith in a manner similar to that described earlier for the carpenter adze. In fact, the grubbing hoe looks very much like an adze. Both hoes were generally of steel, or at least steel bitted. With use, the blade, particularly that of the wide ditching hoe, wore away rapidly. About the time half to two-thirds of the blade had disappeared, the farmer took it to the forge where the smith welded or riveted a new plate of steel to the stump that remained. The hoe was an important trade item to the American Indians during the Mexican colonial period, especially the Plains Indians who were half nomadic and half farmers, growing mainly corn. Condition: Used. Dimensions: Largest Hoe 10”h x 9”w. Smallest Hoe 6½”h x 6½”w .............. $350 each

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 205

Primitive New Mexican Saddle Tree, ca. 18th Century Found at the Taos Pueblo, this saddle tree may be among the oldest found in New Mexico. Like the conquest saddle from Spain, the high bows for pommel and cantle would support the use of a lance from the saddle. Among the line of baggage used to defend Spanish troops on a battle field in Nebraska in 1720, is a rare opportunity to study the saddles they used during that period. There is a remarkable similarity. (note line of baggage and saddle trees in illustration) There is a 5½” base of a possible upright extension in the middle of the pommel. Condition: Four pieces of wood tied with leather. Wood is old, but sound and covered here and there with the remains of a gesso like material that protected the wood. No remnants of rawhide covering if it had one. Dimensions: Cantle 10”h x 12¼”w; Pommel 9”h x 9½”w .............. $2,250

Lot 207

Spanish Mission Church Accessories - Gloria Wheel, ca. 18th Century Gloria Wheel: Some church altars on the western frontier were provided with a “Gloria Wheel”. This apparatus was composed of a wooden wheel with a series of small brass bells aﬃxed to the rim. At certain times during church ceremonies the wheel was rung by turning an iron crank (cigüeńa). Original examples of the Gloria wheel are on display at Mission San Juan Capistrano, California (established by Father Sierra) and the Mission San Xavier del Bac in Tucson, Arizona. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Diameter 22½” .............. $3,500

Lot 208

Spanish Colonial Mission Branding Iron, ca 18th century Friars used branding irons to mark cattle, horses and mules in the mission herds. They could also have been used to identify cattle hides for shipment and perhaps mark casks of wine. Condition: Brand shows great age and consists of a slotted iron handle, split on the end and forged to the brand. Dimensions: Overall Length 17”; Brand Height 5” .............. $950

Lot 209

Spanish Colonial Mission Wafer Stamp, ca. 18th century Design features a chalice with vines and flowers. Condition: Missing handle. Dimensions: Overall Length 6½”; Diameter 5½” .............. $250

Lot 210

Colonial Mission Wafer Maker, ca. 18th century Rare colonial press, made of mesquite depicting the Temptation of Eve by the Devil in the Garden of Eden. Collected in a small mountain village outside of Pueblo, Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: 9½” Diameter .............. $950

Lot 206

Spanish Mission Church Wafer Irons, ca. 18th century One of the most interesting and carefully made colonial ecclesiastical items was the wafer iron (hierro de hacer hostias) used in the preparation of Holy communion breads. In appearance, it resembled a pair of blacksmith’s tongs with long reins pivoting on a rivet. Welded to the jaws were two large circular or square plates. One of the plates bore, on its inner face, engraved impressions with religious motifs. To bake the wafer or bread, the iron was preheated in the fire and a thin batter poured between the plates. There is little documentary evidence regarding the origin of wafer iron used in Hispanic America. At present we do not know whether certain persons in Spain, perhaps associated with the monasteries, specialized in making these sacred articles, or whether they were routinely produced by blacksmiths in the New World. Records of missions of the frontier often indicate that the wafer iron, in possession of the local padres, was “Donated by the King.” Condition: Good. Dimensions: C. Length with handle 29”; Circle 7¼” diameter D. Length with handle 29”; Circle 6” diameter, inside of paddle .............. $1,250 each

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Lot 211

Spanish Colonial “Mission” Church Bell, ca. 18th century Church bells were cast of various alloys of bronze. Bell clappers made of forged iron were constantly subject to theft to be reforged into other objects. If a blacksmith was available, the lost clapper could be readily replaced, but if not, the faithful resorted to sounding the bell with the aid of a hammer or a rock. Bronze material, marked on three sides with cherubs and worn emblems in between, top rim is fully lettered and around the bottom rim, the word “Sacrament” is fully visible. Condition: Complete with clapper. Dimensions: Height (with handle) 8”; Rim 6” Diameter .............. $1,250

Lot 212

Spanish Mission Church Mortar, ca. 18th Century Set off and fired at various times during early Mission church ceremonies. Letter ‘S’ marking on mortar. Condition: Used. Dimensions: Height 2⅛”; Width 2¼”; Bore ¾”; Weight 12oz. .............. $350

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Lot 213

Lot 214

Lot 215

Bulto of San Isidro, ca. 19th Century

Bulto of St. Anthony, ca. Early 19th Century

Lady of Sorrows Tin Retablo, ca. 1790 - 1830’s

This wood and gesso figure is the patron saint of farmers. Popular in churches, shrines and nichos in Mexico, as well as New Mexico. Notice the hocking pole in his hand. Origin, Chiapas, Mexico. Condition: Suffers from over-painting. Dimensions: Figure Height 16”; Width 5”; Base 1½” .............. $850

Polychromed wood and gesso figure is dressed in a Priest’s cassock. Expressive head and facial features with glass eyes, create an attentive and peaceful expression. “St. Anthony specializes in finding lost animals, especially burros and cows. He is also patron Saint of the Home.” Origin, Mexico. Condition: Frontier wear and loss of parts. Dimensions: Figure Height 20”; Width 6”; Base 4¼” .............. $1,650

“The Virgin Mother’s profound sorrow over the death of her Son by Crucifixion,” is often expressed with a sword or dagger plunged in her breast. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Figure Height 13¾”; Width 10” .............. $450

Lot 216

Lady of Sorrows Dagger, ca. 18th Century The handle of gold washed silver is chiseled and chased. Featured are three pomegranate blossoms. The back of the handle is flat. This dagger once belonged to a life-size, Lady of Sorrows Santo. Collected in Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 12½”; Width 1”; Iron Blade 6¼” .............. $1,250

Lot 219 Lot 217

Lot 218

Colonial / Mexican Period Scurger / Scarifyer

Two Spanish Colonial Oil Lamps, ca. 18th Century

Indiﬀerence to suﬀering, purifying the mind of evil thought, resignation to the will of God or fanatical expression of devotion are all expressed in purposeful body laceration. Made from shaped and twisted light wire. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 22” .............. $650

Large lamp: Complete. Traces of tin or silver remain on reflector. All wrought iron. Dimensions: Height 13”; Pan Diameter 4”. Small lamp: Complete with wick pick. Dimensions: Height 9¼”; Width of Base 5” .............. $350 each

New Mexican Stool, ca. Late 18th Century / Early 19th Century The most basic item of furniture, this stout stool has been adzed out of a log. It could have furnished either a Spanish or Pueblo Indian household. What makes this piece more unusual is that the underside is a Tobacco cutting board. The iron knife is colonial Spanish and is designed for that purpose, with a hook built in the end of the knife/cleaver to act as a pivot to cut Tobacco leaves. Condition: Good. Cut marks made from chopping on the stool indicates much usage. Dimensions: Knife/Cleaver: Length 11¼”; Width 2” Stool: Length 18”, Width 8”; Height 7” .............. $1,250

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 221

Spanish Ring Horse bit, ca. Late 18th Century / Early 19th Century The ring bit (freno de argolla), brought to the New World as an adjunct of the a la jineta riding style, enjoyed the widest acceptance of any bit and remained so for the longest period of time. Some ringbits have chains or jingles (coscojos) suspended from the bridge. The jingles were both decorative and pleasant to hear when traveling. For this reason, they were popular not only with colonial Spaniards, but with American Indian horseman who obtained bridles and bits in New Mexico and Texas from Comanchero traders. One writer in 1858 spoke of the Mandan Sioux on the Missouri River: “Those who are so fortunate as to possess one, use the heavy Spanish bit with its long iron fringes, jingling with the slightest movement of the horse.” The Moors had a tradition of hanging light chain from the bit to entangle a sword attack to the horse’s neck Condition: Good. Dimensions: Height 9”; Width 5¾” .............. $1,250

Lot 220

Spanish Ring Horse bit with Chains and Silver Balls, ca. 18th Century Dragon or fish design on shanks of bit. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Height 7¾”; Width 5½” .............. $1,250

Lot 223

Spanish Colonial Flat Iron and Stand, ca. 1800

Lot 222

Two Native Copper Knife Blades and Native Copper Sample, ca. 18th Century / 19th Century Rare American Indian copper blades found between southwestern New Mexico and Socorro, Arizona. Knives pounded from extrusion copper forced through the earth’s surface in molten form. Knife tangs have holes or notches to attach a handle. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Large Blade: Length 10¼”; Width 2”. Small Blade: Length 7”; Width 1¼” .............. $600 each

The flat iron (plancha) handle is hollowed with something enclosed that jingles. The handle top is engraved with a lizard. The stand features split metal curlicues and a twisted rod which makes it an exceptional example of wrought iron work. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Flat Iron: Length 5½”; Width 3”; Height 3½”. Rest: Length (with handle) 11”; Width 4½”; Height 2½” .............. $550 for set

Lot 225

Nine Spanish Colonial Domestic Iron Implements

Lot 224

“Early Cowboy” Southwest Frontier Horsemen Boots, ca. 19th Century Three piece leather boots made for either left or right foot. Heel made from tacked and sewn leather with hand forged iron u-shaped heel protectors. Patch and repaired tops made of extremely tough hide. No nails, all completely hand sewn. Representative of colonial style Spanish boots. Condition: Great wear, good display with big roweled colonial spurs. Dimensions: Height 18¾”; Shoe Length (heel to toe) 11½” .............. $850

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The blacksmith on the Spanish frontier made a variety of objects for use in colonial homes and ranches. These items, both in kind and quality, were far less numerous than those produced in the English colonies. $175 A. Tongs: Length 13¾”; Width at Handle 5” B. Strainer: Length 15”; Width 3¼” $225 C. Scissors: Length 12¼”; Width at Handle 6” $250 D. Fire Dog: Heated red hot in fire, pulled out with tongs and put around a copper pot or pitcher to $350 heat ingredients or liquid. Height 2½”; Width 6¼” E. Flat Iron: Length 5¼”; Width 2”. $175 F. Ember/Fire Tongs: Length 12”; Width 2¼” $250 G. Large Spoon: Length 12¼”. Width 2” $250 H. Small Spoon: Length 6½”; Width 3” $175 I. Domestic Knife: Length 15”; Width 1½” $250

The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 226

Aparejo Saddle Pack, ca. 1840’s The Aparejo consists of two square leather bags joined at the top, designed to lift and leave the pack animal’s spine untouched. Circular holes, about 5” diameter on the inside of the bag are used to fill the bags with straw. A series of sticks, ¼” to ¾” in thickness are inserted to offer shape and support to the bags, which when new, are dampened with water and shaped to a mule’s back. A crupper (large leather band) attached to the bags, fits under the animal’s tail and is adjusted to the flank to keep the Aparejo padding in place. The sobre-jalma (shotgun) consist of a tough piece of leather, the width of the Aparejo with a stout piece of wood at either end to protect the bags when the Aparejo is firmly cinched to the animal. The Aparejo becomes a saddle platform for heavy cargo up to 300 pounds. The Aparejo system provided the Spanish an effective way to move military supplies over distance and rough terrain, such as during the invasion of Texas in 1835, and was also later adopted by the U.S. Army in the American west. Included with the aparejo bags: crupper, sobre-jalma, rawhide cinch rope and maguey cinch strap, mule blinders (used while loading animals), bronze mule bell, and various items hidden or stored inside the bags…leather awls, large iron needle in its case and a cache of silver coins, cut pieces of coins (peso’s) and part of a silver spoon. Condition: Good and very rare, complete Dimensions: Length 4 ft 7 inches; Width 2 ft .............. $5,500

Lot 227

Frontier Escopeta with Scabbard, ca. 1740 - 1780’s This firearm probably arrived in Texas or New Mexico in the mid-eighteenth century with a full length barrel, fluted Madrid style stock and a flintlock ignition system. In its current state, the modified stock holds a barrel taken from a colonial English pistol, .54 caliber. It was used by a local New Mexican militia and for running buffalo. Collected in northern New Mexico. Condition: The Miquelet lock, original to stock, features a frontier conversion to percussion. Trigger guard is also original to the piece. Barrel is held to stock with sinew sewn rawhide decorated with brass. Dimensions: Overall Length 27”; Barrel 12” .............. $2,800

Lot 228

Machete with Leather Scabbard, ca. Possible 18th Century (not shown) The Machetes de Cinta is basically a large knife without crossguard, carried by Spanish peasants. Placed in a scabbard and attached to the waist, the machete served as a unique hanger. A large number of them were carried on the Portola expedition, which opened California to settlement. Horn handled, collected in the Baja of Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Length 21½”; Blade 16¼” .............. $950

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 229

Spanish Colonists’ Hardware, ca. 18th Century Spanish colonizing expeditions customarily carried a stock of iron hardware for building purposes. Common articles included hinges, bolts and latches, drop handles, mending plates, assorted locks and keys, nails, nail bosses, and screws. Two examples of finely forged or personalized hardware: $450 A. “Cerrojo” or door cross bar with hook and personalized with faces. Dimensions: Length 16”; Width (top of head to bar edge) 3¼” B. Shutter-latch in the shape of a frog with scales. Dimensions: Height 6½”; Width 6” $450

Lot 231

Spanish Colonial Scissors (Tijeras) / Dagger

Lot 230

Spanish Colonial Padlock with Key, ca. 1800

Scissors and shears, in a variety of forms and sizes, were a popular cutting implement among both Spanish settlers and American Indians. Occasionally they were made for a more ominous use, but were elaborately crafted and embellished as an artistic expression of the ironworker’s craft. A book published in Madrid, Spain, “Arte de Manejar la Navaja de Cuchillo y la Tiejera de los Sitanos” on knife fighting included instructions for using scissors as a weapon. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: Length 14¼”; Width 1¾” .............. $1,250

Lock is decorated by file and chiseled designs. Hasp is chained to lock and prevents loss. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Hasp Length 7”; Width (at cross bar) 12”; Lock Box 4” x 4½” .............. $950

Lot 232

Three Spanish Colonial Phlemes and Tooth Puller In medieval Spain, a cutler was a craftsman who made specialty tools. The large phlemes were used in animal husbandry. The multi-blade set was possibly applied to humans as was the tooth extractor. A. Single Phleme: Length 7½” B. Double Set Phleme: Length 7½” C. Hand Forged Phleme Set: The phleme case is hand engraved. Extended Length 6¼” D. Colonial Tooth Puller: Length 8½” All four utilitarian items .............. $950

Lot 233

Spanish Colonial Farm Scythe and Anvils, ca. 18th Century Used by colonial farmers/ranchers Driven into the ground, these unique Spanish anvils were used to flatten dents or nicks in the scythe blade before resharpening. $225 Small Scythe: Length (blade tip to handle) 8½” Large Anvil: Length 16” $350 Small Anvil: Length 12” $350

Lot 234

Hide Flesher & Hide Beamer, ca. Late 18th Century / Early 19th Century Frontier tools for preparing leather hides. Flesher removes fat and meat from an animal skin. Beamer used in conjunction with an angled log of small diameter to scrape the hair from the surface of the hide. Flesher is wood handled with forged iron. Dimensions: length to Cutting Edge 10”; Blade to Handle Tip 8½”. Beamer is New Mexican, wood with hand forged blade. Condition: Both are in good condition. Dimensions: Overall Length 12” .............. $650 for pair

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Lot 235

Colonial Period Cactus Picker and Cactus Harvesting Basket The fruit of the cactus was a seasonal staple for both Spanish and Indian populations in Mexico and the greater southwest. The tallest source of the fruit, sometimes called ‘Tunas,’ were the towering Saguaro cactus. The hand forged tuna picker was inserted or tied in the end of a long stick and used to dislodge the fruit. The stout basket held the sticker covered bounty. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Cactus Picker: Length 9”; Cactus Basket: Height 8”; Width 8” .............. $650 for set

Lot 236

Pulque “Tequila” Making Rig including a Suckhorn, Maguey Knife, Maguey Scraper, Pigskin Holding Bag (for flowers), ca. 19th Century The Maguey plant blooms approximately every 10 years at which time the plant becomes productive. Massive leaves on one side of the plant are cut away to allow access to the central portion (core); which is then gouged out, leaving nothing but the thick outside rim and forming a natural basin or well. Sap will flow into the basin; which nature intended for the support of a gigantic central stock from which the flowers bloom. The sap flow can fill the basin twice, sometimes three times a day. The suckhorn is a long gourd or wooden device that ends with a horn. The large end has a small hole in which the worker sucks the sap from the basin and collects it in a pigskin container. The sap is mixed with honey and water and allowed to ferment, becoming Madre Pulque. It can be refined in various ways to produce other types of liquor such as Mescal and Tequila The suckhorn (acoijte) is made from a series of wooden slats (like a barrel) bound by metal hoops. Condition: Good. Horn: appears to be buffalo. Dimensions: Length 25”; Width 7”. Maguey Knife: is hand-forged with a horn handle. Dimensions: Overall Length 17” Blade: 12” Long and Width is 2”. Maguey Scraper: had a long wooden handle. Dimensions: Length 7¼”; Curved Width 2½”. Hand Blown Green Glass Bottle / Wood and Rawhide Burro Basket: transported various liquors to market. Dimensions: Height 19”; Diameter 13”. The entire set; which includes two green glass bottles and two Burro baskets. .............. $3,500

Lot 237

Tobacco / Fire Kit with Five Fire Strikers, 2 New Mexican Tobacco Containers and a Carrot of Tobacco, ca. Late 18th Century / Early 19th Century (not shown) Fire striker (eslabón), means “link” because of its resemblance to a chain link. In New Mexico, however, it was called a chispa (spark) or sparker. To kindle a fire, Spanish colonists struck a piece of hard stone, such as flint, jasper, agate, or milky quartz, with the steel strike-a-light. The resulting sparks – minute fragments of metal heated to incandescence by the friction – were caught in a ball of tinder made from shredded bark or cotton lint. Then the sparks were blown into a flame. Also in the group is a carrot of tobacco from nineteenth century trade-stock. Condition: Strikers, good to relic. $85 each Dimensions: Fire Strikers: Longest 4” & Shortest 1½” Tobacco Containers: A. 5” diameter, made from a guard $350 each B. 2½” diameter, made from rawhide Carrot of Tobacco: $65

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Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

ibola is the Spanish word for Buffalo. Cibolero is a buffalo hunter. When used in the plural, it identifies a group of people that left the Rio Grande Valley (in New Mexico) and Sangre de Cristo Mountains on an annual fall hunt for buffalo meat and hides out on the Plains. A good harvest might load 200 tons of dried buffalo meat in returning ox carts. A skilled horseman and a strong animal would run a herd for miles, selecting prime cows if they had the choice and driving a stout blade of great length behind the ribs, fatally striking the heart and lungs. Some Cibolero lances had lanyards to pull the lance free with help from his horse, if his arm was not strong enough. A Cibolero loved the lance, but might also use bow and arrows like an Indian, as well as a short gun for the chase.

Lot 238

Cibolero Lance, ca. Early 19th Century One of the finest Southwest Buffalo lances in existence, as between the hand forged blade and shaft is an unusual rawhide round cross guard to stop the 20 inch blade. The original 6 foot long haft is straight grained wood, possibly ash. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 77”; Blade 20” .............. $7,500

Lot 239

Cibolero’s Wood Mortar and Pestle, ca. 19th Century The hides from the first buﬀalo killed by the Ciboleros would be cut into lengths and strung from ox cart to ox cart like a clothesline. Buffalo meat taken in the hunt would be trimmed into thin strips and hung over the line to dry. Meat would harden in the pure air and hot prairie sun and become rock hard. It would then be packed layer after layer in the ox carts for the return home. The mortar and pestle used in villages and pueblos pounded the meat soft for the chile pot. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Mortar: Height 16”; Width at Opening 6½”; Pestle: Length 42” .............. $950

Lot 240

Spanish Colonial hand carved Cradle, ca. 17th Century Hand carved with incised designs on cottonwood with ornate head board and rawhide ties make this a fine example for a Spanish Colonial America frontier child’s cradle. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: Overall length 24”; 4 poster 12” tall. .............. $950

Lot 241

Cibolero Lance Blade, ca. Late Colonial / Early Mexican Period A fine frontier hand forged iron blade. Shank has been herring boned with a chisel to help hold the shaft in the wood. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 23½”

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

.............. $2,500

Lot 242

Cibolero Frontier Pistol, ca. 18th Century Appears to be made with an extra long barrel, and large .56 caliber. A showpiece of the Spanish Southwest. Condition: Original Miquelet flintlock, probably works, but the rawhide repair seems to have encroached on the frizzers. Heavy frontier use. Dimensions: Overall Length 23” .............. $3,800

Lot 243

Powder Horn, ca. 19th Century Made from cow horn with nicely carved snake design. Collected in New Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Length 9½’; Width (at plug) 3½” .............. $650

Lot 245

Four New Mexican Knives Four New Mexican Knives A. Horn Handle Skinner, ca. 19th Century: Condition: Frontier use. Dimensions: Overall Length 11½”; $450 Blade 7½”; Width 1½” B. Heavy Horn Handle Butcher Knife, ca. Late Colonial / Early 19th Century: Condition: Frontier use, with a $850 lot of pounding on back of blade. Dimensions: Overall Length 14¼”; Blade 10½”; Width 1¾” C. Heavy Horn Handle Cleaver, ca. 18th Century /19th Century: Condition: Heavy pounding on back of blade, lamination of steel insert into softer iron visible. Great age, frontier use, a double XX mark near top $650 blade. Dimensions: Overall Length 13”; Blade 8½”; Width 3¼” D. Very Heavy Horn Handle Knife, ca. 19th Century: Made from a file with file marks still visible. Three rivet horn handle. Back of blade wide and hammered upon. Condition: Frontier use, great wear and patina. $650 Dimensions: Overall Length 15½”; Blade 10¼”; Width 1¾”

Lot 244

Hand Forged Bullet Mold, ca. 18th Century / 19th Century Mold would cast a round ball that would fit the above .56 caliber Cibolero pistol. The mold is unique in that the inside of one handle is a rasp, and the other is a metal file. Collected in New Mexico. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 8” .............. $250

Lot 246

Frontier Copper Cooking Pot and Hand Forged Iron Trivet, ca. Possible 18th Century Found in the 1930’s on the caprock edge of the Llano Estacado stashed upside down in a rock shelter. Ciboleros and the Comancheros annually visited this area to trade goods. In the last half of the nineteenth century, sheep and goats herders (pastorals) followed their footsteps. Condition: It shows decades of use with charcoal build-up on the bottom. Made of copper, patched and re-patched. Dimensions: Cooking Pot: Width 23”; Iron Trivet: Length 19½”; Diameter 10¾” .............. $1,250

Lot 247

Two Spanish Colonial Iron Ladles, ca. 1800 Largest Ladle: Bowl riveted on. Dimensions: Length 25½”; Bowl Diameter 8½” Smallest Ladle: Made of one piece of wrought iron. Dimensions: Length 16”; Bowl Diameter 4½”

.............. $350 .............. $175

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 248

Regulation U.S. Mexican War Sword, ca. 1840’s (Used in Buﬀalo Bill’s Wild West Show) A U.S. Dragoon “Wrist Breaker” sword with marks hand-chiseled into the left side of the scabbard “Buffalo Bills Wild West”. Lanyard ring support has date 1887, also chiseled in metal. Condition: Good. Well used in fair condition. No markings on blade. Scabbard has various dents to keep the blade from rattling while riding. Dimensions: Sword Length (blade tip to handle) 40½” .............. $1,250

Lot 249

California Knife, Gold Rush era, ca. 1840’s Knife made from cow horn handle and the tip of a U.S. Mexican war sword. Owner’s initials and California inscribed in handle. Perhaps a member of Phillip Kearny’s Army of the West (1846) that stayed in California for the Gold Rush. Condition: Good, leather scabbard rough. Dimensions: Overall Length 18¾”; Blade 14” .............. $1,450

Lot 250

Bowie Knife, ca. 19th Century Brass lined horn handle, brass finials and pins. Markings on blade: a key symbol, “J. WALKER, WOLVERHAMPTON”. Found in Mexico. Condition: Good, some wear on handle. Dimensions: Overall Length 19¾”; Blade 14”; Width 2” .............. $1,450

Lot 251

Mexican War Relic – Carved Container, ca. Late Colonial Period Metal appears to be silver while cup itself is coconut. Original label intact and reads, “Relic gotten in Mexico during Mexican War by grandfather Elijah Stanton 1846-1848.” Condition: Good. Dimensions: Height 3¼”; Diameter 3¾” .............. $1,450

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Lot 252

Rapier Relic, ca. Late 17th Century / Early 18th Century This rapier relic was found in the 1950’s by a man named Soresson, later recognized for an article on Trade Beads in the Arizona Highways magazine. He found it on the San Pascual battlefield in southern California where U.S. Dragoons under Philip Kearny, along with Kit Carson as a scout, took on Mexican lancers for the possession of California. The California forces made up of local militia and regulars soundly defeated Kearny’s forces near present day Los Angeles. The tricorner blade is made by Soligen. Condition: Relic. Dimensions: Overall Length 32”; Blade 23½” .............. $850

Lot 253

Maximilian Period Relics - French Pistol and Sword, ca. 1860’s French pistol, with a French inscription on back of action lock. From when Maximilian, backed by the French Government, took control of Mexico during the American Civil War in 1862. Condition: Both items in relic condition. Pistol: Dimensions: Overall Length 9¾”. Sword: was found in Mexico. Dimensions: Overall Length 19” .............. $650 for the pair

Lot 255

Mexican Colt Pistol and Holster, ca. Late 19th Century

Lot 254

Mexican Money Belt and Knife, ca. Early 20th Century Money belt with scroll work, horn handle bowie made in Syula, Mexico, home of famous cutlery makers. The scabbard (fonda) is classic Mexican with cactus fiber embroidery. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Money Belt: Length 45”; Knife: Overall Length 16”; Blade: 11” .............. $950 for set

Mexican Colt, .44 caliber, rests in a homemade holster made from a boot or saddle bag. Hard rubber Colt grips fit well on the handle. Condition: Gun is tired, but solid, indexes good, seems mechanically sound. Dimensions: Barrel Length 4½” .............. $1,250

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 256

Mexican Bluﬀ Gun, ca. 19th Century Double barrels are fastened to a hand-carved and decorated pistol handle that would make it look real if tucked into a belt or sash. The end of the double barrel appearing from the folds of a serape in a dark alley might also be convincing. Makes a fine club if held by the barrels. Barrels have touch holes in the breech and could be fired with a lit cigarro! Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 13”; Barrel 8¾” .............. $450

Lot 257

Mexican Spurs, ca. 1930’s Heavy spurs, overlaid silver, featuring horse heads and floral decoration, covered on both sides. Condition: Excellent. Dimensions: Overall Length (from rowel to end of band) 6½” .............. $850

Lot 258

Mexican Bit, ca. Early 20th Century Silver inlayed curb bit with exceptional snake design. Condition: Great. Dimensions: Height 10½”; Width 6”; Copper Inlayed Curb Bar 4¾” .............. $1,200

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Lot 259

Colonial Spanish Conquistador Spur, ca. 1590’s - 1630’s (not shown) Spurs constitute one of the most engaging categories of Spanish equestrian hardware. They are one of the few articles of iron which showed distinct evolutionary changes during the colonial years. As a result rough dates, based on style, can be assigned to many of the spurs displayed by museums and collectors. Within the several styles, one encounters numerous and exotic forms. The caballero, whether a hard-riding frontiersman or a dandified urban dweller, regarded his spurs with special affection and delighted in owning a showy pair. A sixteenth century spur had rowels with six points produced by welding three double-pointed spikes at their centers. The sloping shank is unusually long. The heel bands are short and narrow. Found in Sonora, Mexico. Condition: Missing one rowel point Dimensions: Overall Length (heel plate to rowel tip) 10¾”; Rowel (tip to tip) 6” .............. $3,500

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Lot 260

Silver Mounted Vaquero Saddle, ca. Last Half 19th Century / Early 20th Century Marlon Brando’s “One Eyed Jacks” and “Appaloosa” features a number of high-rise, dinner plate saddle horns with narrow bodied saddles, all silver mounted. This vaquero saddle tree, collected in Chihuahua, Mexico features hand-embossed silver over much of the pommel and cantle. Also, numerous silver fittings on the rigging. Stirrups are silver mounted. Saddle tree has been re-rigged in leather, newer than the tree, but fits the style. Rigging has mounts to hang sword. Condition: Ready to ride. Dimensions: Overall Length 25”; Saddle Horn Height 9”; Width 8¾”; Tip of Horn to Back of Cantle 23”; Saddle Seat 13” wide x 13” deep .............. $16,500

Lot 261

Espada Ancha / Colonial Frontier Sword, ca. 1650’s (not shown) Used to cut cactus and clear the shrapnel, the heavy blade can turn deadly in hand to hand combat. Nice iron file work on a D-guard style hand forged blade. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 31”; Blade 27”l x 1¾”w .............. $1,250

Lot 262

Spanish Frontier Armament - Sword with Leather Scabbard, ca. Early 19th Century (not shown) Handmade sword features a two rivet grip that receives and secures the blade. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Overall Length 24”; Blade 19½”

.............. $850

Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 263

Eleven Southwest Frontier Knives A. Patch knife. Wood and steel, ca. 19th Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 7½”; Blade 3” $150 B. Simple barrel band blade inserted into handle, held with large brass rivet, ca. 19th Century. $125 Dimensions: Overall Length 9¾”; Blade 6¼” C. Blade made from file. Handle in two pieces. Two iron pins, slight teardrop guard, nice pewter inlay, $650 ca. 19th Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 8¼”; Blade 4” D. Antler type handle held to blade by two rivets, great wear, ca. Late 18th Century / Early 19th $650 Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 9”; Blade 4” E. Civil War/Santa Fe Trail knife found in Glorieta Pass, New Mexico. Handle is held on by bent over $650 square nails, ca. 19th Century. Condition: Relic. Dimensions: Overall Length 13½”; Blade 8” F. Spear with point blade. Two piece antler handle with four iron rivets. Wire from behind the tang (in handle) passes through the iron cross-guard, bends and holds guard in place. Scabbard is riveted with $650 lead, ca. Late 18th Century / Early 19th Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 11”; Blade 6” G. Antler handle knife with pewter bolster, one steel rivet holds tang in handle, ca. Early 19th Century. $650 Dimensions: Overall Length 8”; Blade 4¼” H. Bone handle folding knife, five pins hold bone on. Great age, simple locking spring, iron bolster, ca. $450 Early 19th Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 10½”; Blade 4¼” I. Great scalper! Forged iron blade, iron collar holds blade into wood, untouched, ca. 19th Century. $275 Dimensions: Overall Length 10½”; Blade 5¾” J. Beautiful spear point blade with iron crossguard. Tiger Flame maple handle, ca. Early 19th Century. $450 Dimensions: Overall 9¼”; Blade 6” K. Patch knife made from wedge razor blade with wood handle, ca. 19th Century. Dimensions: Overall $175 Length 6½”; Blade 3”

Lot 264

Eight Frontier Knives A. Horn handle with small brass inlaid steer head. Blade is English, stamped on blade, “Warrented Cast $275 Steel”, nice original scabbard. Dimensions: Overall 11¾”; Blade 7¼” B. Knife blade from file, ca. Possibly 18th Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 13½”; Blade 9” $650 C. Heavy file blade with a spear point. Tang is tapered in hickory handle with two copper pins, ca. Early $650 19th Century. Dimensions: Overall 14”; Blade 9¼” D. Blade marked “Northington Cutlery Co.”, five pin well worn handle with pewter repair, ca. 19th $250 Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 15”; Blade 9¾” E. Strong steel blade held by three pins and rivet with tapered tang, ca. 19th Century. Dimensions: $250 Overall Length 13”; Blade 8” F. Heavy blade. Iron ring holds blade into dark wood handle. Very well built knife, ca. 19th Century. $650 Dimensions: Overall Length 16”; Blade 10½” G. All metal folding knife, ca. 19th Century. Dimensions: Overall 10¼”; Blade 4” $350 H. Blade made from a file. Tang can be seen in handle from old split in wood, ca. 19th Century. $250 Dimensions: Overall Length 10”; Blade 4¾”

Lot 265

Three Frontier Knives A. Colonial knife with bone handle. Heavy S-shaped bolster/guard combination and butt-cap, ca. 18th $850 Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 13½”; Blade 7¾”; Width 1¼” B. Heavy blade with signs of forging. Back of blade battered from frontier use. Tang fits into bone $650 handle, ca. 18th Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 14”; Blade 8½”; Width 2” C. Handmade knife blade. Beautiful patina antler handle. Scabbard riveted into belt with small pouch (needs some repair) that may have held bullets, ca. 19th Century. Dimensions: Overall Length 11”; $1,250 Blade 6¾”; Pouch 6” x 5”

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Lot 266

Army Scout Shirt and Pants, ca. 1870’s Shirt is hand tanned buckskin or antelope hide. Lined around inside of collar with hand sewn red wool. Rest of stitching is machined. Shirt has small pocket high up on left side. Condition: Slight moth damage to wool. Missing one brass button on bib. Slight rip in seam under right arm pit. Pants seams are welted and hand sewn, probably hand tanned buckskin. Two large pockets on sides of pants. Waist band with light cotton lining, belt loops and buttons for suspenders. Condition: Good. Dimensions: Length 46”; Waist 32” .............. Price $4500 for the pair

Interest Free Layaway Plan Available For Both Collectors and Museums. Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Lot 267

Elaborately Relief carved Coﬃn shaped Fiddle Case, ca. 17th Century / 18th Century Heavily carved to be an artistic fiddle case. Crown ILion, crowned royal R, a soldier on horse distinguished by a military hat plays a violin. Another horseman raises a toast to him, while a third soldier kneels and fires at a fox. The top was no doubt fully painted (small traces of paint remain). The sides are fully painted in floral design with strap fittings. The wood on the case bottom appears to be American pine. Perhaps carried by a soldier in the French-Indian Wars or American Revolution? Condition: Extreme wear from carrying and use, paint gone from top. A few cracks, otherwise case is sound. Sorry, no fiddle. Dimensions: Overall Length 26¼”; Width 10¾”; Height 6” .............. $12,500

Lot 268

Spanish / Mexican Ox-Cart, ca. Early 19th Century This wagon design remained unchanged through the centuries of western frontier travel. Solid wood wheels are capped with hand-forged iron rims. Wheel centers feature forged iron sleeves. Found in New Mexico. Condition: Some replacement wood on floor of cart, wobbles when cart rolls, but solid condition. Dimensions: Length 7’1”; Height 6’2”. Tongue to Cart Floor 8’7”. Cart Box 7’5” long x 2’10” wide. Wheel Diameter 3’8”. Wheels Rim to Rim across Cart 4’2½” .............. $8,500 + delivery

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The Comancheria Collection - from Gary Hendershott • Sale 148 • www.GaryHendershott.NET

Indian / Western History Collected By Gary Hendershott SALE 148

“30 Years of Buying and Selling the Finest Historical Items in the World!” Terms: ANY item may be returned for ANY reason within 7 days of receipt for a full and immediate refund, after that it is non-refundable. I guarantee all of these items are genuine and as described, I only accept and issue written opinions and no guns may be disassembled. I do business the “Old Fashion Way”, all prices are NET with no trading or discounts, there are NO hidden fees, and there is NO buyers premium. FREE fully insured delivery on all orders over $25,000. All other orders shipped at actual costs only, via fully insured FedEx® delivery. Arkansas residents please remit sales tax. Written condition reports are available upon request. Interest Free Layaway: “I have never charged a collector or a museum Interest and I NEVER will”. I offer interest FREE layaway plans to suit your budget. Whether a collector or a museum, I will invoice interest free per your requirements. I PRIDE myself on 30 years of Integrity, Ethics and Professional conduct. Buy: I am a constant and avid buyer of all Historical items and Art. Please call on any new discoveries, collections, and estates that you have. I especially like original ﬁnds and new discovery items that have never been offered before.

Gary Hendershott 501.258.1861 P.O. Box 22520 Little Rock, AR 72221 Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net

Website: www.GaryHendershott.NET Life Member: Manuscript Society, APS and CSA

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Gary Hendershott • 501.224.7555 • P.O. Box 22520 - Little Rock, AR 72221 • Email: g.hendershott@comcast.net