Antique weapons provide a link to the past and give insight into the lives of soldiers who fought for their nations. These are often highly desirable and can be quite expensive. They are also a great way to add a touch of history to any home.

With the recent move to larger facilities, Hermann Historica has been able to present a broader cornucopia of collectibles for their three-day antique arms auction in June. The sale includes antique firearms, edged weapons and militaria from all corners of the world.

One of the highlights is a collection of antique flintlocks and wheellocks that have been gathered from all over Europe and Asia. This grouping includes a pair of early Swedish flintlock cavalry pistols, French flintlocks by Boullard C. 1700, a German flintlock military revolver and a richly engraved pair of Indian tulwar sheaths that will appeal to both sporting shooters and collectors.

The sale also offers a good selection of American longarms including a Winchester Model 1886 and several model 73 carbines. There are also a number of fine European double action revolvers including a beautiful Rizzini Artemis O/U in 20 ga, a rare Aguirrey Aranzabal double in 28 ga and a 19t C European stock reservoir exposed lock air rifle that will be very interesting to Western collectors.

Among the edged weapons is an etched halberd for the trabant guard of the Archbishop of Salzburg dated 1571 (lot 3665) that has been the focus of many studies. Also included are a fine pair of Lehigh County over/under Kentucky flintlock pistols with engraved furniture and octagon barrels. The pair is a part of the Bill Myers collection and retains his tag.

Antique guns and edged weapons are a big draw with collectors. One of the top lots is a rare Saxon puffer from the 16th century with nephrite grip scales (lot 3304). This type of weapon is typically associated with Turkic booty and can command very high prices at public auction.

The second day of the antique arms auction features a range of antique swords and cutlery that includes an Austro-Hungarian mining oofficial’s sword by Berg, Solingen, a Hungarian magnate’s silver mounted sabre, a Passau wolf marked rapier 17th C and a fine German silver hilted smallsword 18th C. Other highlights include a rare Saxon sword with silver escutcheon and a Dutch 16th C musket. The sale also features a German WWI 4 CHRF barrel flare pistol that was used to signal and set fire to enemy ships. This lot carries the highest estimate of any in the sale at $7500-9000. The final day of the sale is filled with a wide variety of antique militaria that includes uniforms, medals and helmets. It also includes a large assortment of weapons from the Civil War period with a rare Colt Single Action Army revolver that is expected to bring $3000-4000. The Colt SAA has been a desirable collectors gun for decades and these in excellent condition are often difficult to find.