J.M. Davis Private Collection Firearm and Artifact Auction

Auction Details

Introduction to the J.M. Davis Private Collection Firearm and Artifact Auction

J.M. Davis ran the Mason Hotel in Claremore, Oklahoma, for his entire career, from 1917 onward. From the age of seven in 1901 until 1965, he was an inveterate collector of all firearms, as well as artifacts reflecting history in Oklahoma and the Mississippi Valley region. To preserve his collection in perpetuity, he created the 40,000-square-foot J.M. Davis Arms & Historical Museum in Claremore, which is today managed by the State of Oklahoma. It is the largest firearms Museum in North America.

The museum is a must-see for any weapons collector, displaying an incredible amount and variety of weaponry and famous felon, outlaw, and law enforcement personality items from history.

Proceeds of this sale directly benefit the long-term care and maintenance of the Collection. None of the items in this sale are out of the current museum exhibit displays. Nearly all of the items have been stored away, out of public view, since at least 1965 (54 years!), long before the modern era when most of the well-written and researched reference and table-top books on antique firearms were published. As an example, none of these weapons were known to R. Larry Wilson, a prolific firearms writer and author of approximately 60 books on antique firearms, who as a young man and budding firearms scholar, worked for Colt about the time this part of the collection went into storage.

The sale hosts more than 2200, antique to modern (probably none more recent than 1965) firearms, swords, crossbows and knives. In addition, there is a large section of Americana, featuring Native American stone and pottery items, primarily from Oklahoma and the Mississippi Valley. Items of cultural significance that are not in the sale are designated for, or already transferred to, the Oklahoma State Museum.

Davis was also a button, badge, medal and pinback collector, and there are more than a thousand items in this category, mostly in like-kind groups.

The two-day preview prior to the sale is a must for any serious collector.
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SHIPPING & HANDLING: Shipping and Handling cannot be estimated prior to invoicing, based on the size and weight of your purchase. All shipping is subject to a minimum charge of $19.00. If additional shipping and handling costs are required, the buyer will be reinvoiced for the balance due. Items are not shipped until the invoice is completely paid. Many buyers purchase a number of lots. Every effort will be made to include all lots in a single shipping charge calculated to cover the weight and size of the package(s). NOTE: Some shipments (of unusual size, dimension, or weight) may require sp...
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Stone Grinding Rocks JMD-1517730300Stone Grinding Rocks JMD-15177
Holabird Western Americana Collections
One mortar and three pestels. No location data. Stone mortar is about 9" diameter.
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to u********e.. for 146.40
Stone Hammer JMD-1514230301Stone Hammer JMD-15142
Holabird Western Americana Collections
22" handle, oval head
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to d*******f for 118.75
Stone Hammer JMD-1514330302Stone Hammer JMD-15143
Holabird Western Americana Collections
29" handle, conical head
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to a******a for 343.75
Stone Knife group JMD-1518630303Stone Knife group JMD-15186
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 50 stone knives from the Davis Collection. No location data shown, probably midwestern. Great variety and "wow" factor.
Estimate : 500.00 - 2,500.00
Sold to h*********1 for 562.50
Stone Mortar and Pestel JMD-1527730304Stone Mortar and Pestel JMD-15277
Holabird Western Americana Collections
10" diameter, 4" tall. Carved granite. No location data.
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Stone Pipe Beginnings JMD-1527430305Stone Pipe Beginnings JMD-15274
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Two stone pipe beginnings. Basic carving completed, needing to finish holes and designs. Larger is 10"
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to u********e.. for 61.00
Stone Sinkers JMD-1513330306Stone Sinkers JMD-15133
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Nine stone sinkers, several with old museum labels showing an Oregon source. 4-8" in diameter. Used as fishing weights, possibly with nets.
Estimate : 100.00 - 500.00
Sold to f*********e for 61.00
Stone Tool Collection JMD-1515430307Stone Tool Collection JMD-15154
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 35 stone tools from the midwest. Labeled loacations include Jefferson and Boone Counties, Missouir and Alma Kansas. Geberally 6-9", white...
Estimate : 400.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to 8********l.. for 250.00
Stone Tools JMD-1517630308Stone Tools JMD-15176
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Group of about 16 diversified use stone tools. Includes "stemmed hoe", three holed rocks for sinkers, scrPERS, HOES AND OTHERS. Size varie...
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to c******K for 61.00
Tiny Bird and Quartz Points JMD-1527130309Tiny Bird and Quartz Points JMD-15271
Holabird Western Americana Collections
This eclectic group of points was on display at the museum for fifty years. These ornate little bird points are as cute as it gets, made of varied col
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for 437.50
Tomahawk or Stone Hammer Collection JMD-1517530310Tomahawk or Stone Hammer Collection JMD-15175
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Significant collection of 24 large hammers with chiseled point and groovedhead for attachment . Many locations are found on early labels from the 1920
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 2,500.00
Turtle Shell Rattle JMD-1514630311Turtle Shell Rattle JMD-15146
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Turtle shell ratttle on covered and painted stick, 17"
Estimate : 300.00 - 500.00
Sold to u********r.. for 125.00
Unusual Awls and Points JMD-1515330312Unusual Awls and Points JMD-15153
Holabird Western Americana Collections
About 35 pieces. Clearly from multi sources. Note the differing styles of the awls. The backs of many of the points have an adhesive from museum mount
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to d*******f for 281.25
Unusual Ax Heads JMD-1511230313Unusual Ax Heads JMD-15112
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Four pieces, one from Eden, Kansas collected 1929; another labeled Cherokee Co., OK. Largest about 6"
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to j*****e for 118.75
Unusual Clay Water Jug JMD-1525530314Unusual Clay Water Jug JMD-15255
Holabird Western Americana Collections
The musseum label was missing from this unique piece, that has red and black painted portions, We suspect South American, but do not know. 10" ...
Estimate : 300.00 - 1,500.00
Sold to v*******v for 195.20
Vintage Figural Clay Pipe JMD-1506730315Vintage Figural Clay Pipe JMD-15067
Holabird Western Americana Collections
c. early 1800's head pipe, 14.5"
Estimate : 100.00 - 300.00
Sold to c******K for 48.80
Water Basket  JMD-1518130316Water Basket JMD-15181
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Paiute water basket. Single loop handle, 8" tall, 8" diameter. Red pine pitch seal. Classic.
Estimate : 200.00 - 500.00
Sold to a******a for 343.75
Wood Shoes and Old Ice Skates JMD-1526230317Wood Shoes and Old Ice Skates JMD-15262
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1 pair wooden shoe, 2 pairs old attachable ice skates
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to B****7 for 25.00
Woodland Projectile Points JMD-1521130318Woodland Projectile Points JMD-15211
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Large group of "woodland" points as identified by the old curator. Perhaps 150 points here, not counted. This is a classic Missouri point....
Estimate : 300.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to s********b.. for 593.75
Vintage Bead Belt JMD-1506830319Vintage Bead Belt JMD-15068
Holabird Western Americana Collections
39" gray, multi-color beaded belt
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to w********o for 43.75
Early Clay Pipes (8) JMD-1506930320Early Clay Pipes (8) JMD-15069
Holabird Western Americana Collections
7 early clay pipes, figural etc, plus a metal protector case
Estimate : 200.00 - 600.00
Sold to t****r for 125.00
Old Carved Catlinite Pipes (5) JMD-1507030321Old Carved Catlinite Pipes (5) JMD-15070
Holabird Western Americana Collections
5 pipes, 2 are clearly pre 1900, 2 shaped clay
Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Sold to t****r for 200.00
Old Clay Pipes (16) JMD-1507630322Old Clay Pipes (16) JMD-15076
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Approx 16 old clay pipes from American southeast, some with old museum labels
Start Price : 100.00 | Estimate : 200.00 - 400.00
Expo Medals (3) JMD-1501630323Expo Medals (3) JMD-15016
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1.25" white metal 1884, 1.6" St Louis, 1.6" St. Louis
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
GAR Medals (4) JMD-1501830324GAR Medals (4) JMD-15018
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1.75" 1887 with eagle, 1.75"1902, 1.5" 21st encampment x2
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to f*****E for 55.00
Grover Cleveland Inauguration Medal JMD-1501930325Grover Cleveland Inauguration Medal JMD-15019
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3" copper inauguration medal. 1893
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
IOOF 1903 Medal JMD-1501730326IOOF 1903 Medal JMD-15017
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1.75" copper?, some wear
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to f*****E for 30.00
JM Davis Expo Cent and Silver Medal JMD-1503030327JM Davis Expo Cent and Silver Medal JMD-15030
Holabird Western Americana Collections
JM Davis personal collections-2.75" 1936 Centennial Expo copper lucky Penny and 1.5" SILVER Museum medal
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to f*****E for 55.00
Livestock and Byrd Medals (3) JMD-1501530328Livestock and Byrd Medals (3) JMD-15015
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1.25" brass Admiral Byrd 1928-30, 1" white metal Gut Heil, 1.5" brass 1904 Newcomb's Tavern
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to f*****E for 50.00
McKinley Inauguration Medal JMD-1501230329McKinley Inauguration Medal JMD-15012
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3" copper William McKinley inauguration medal. 1897
Start Price : 40.00 | Estimate : 80.00 - 150.00
McKinley Medal JMD-1502030330McKinley Medal JMD-15020
Holabird Western Americana Collections
1.5" copper McKinley 1898 medal
Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Sold to f*****E for 55.00
British Badges (3) JMD-1512030331British Badges (3) JMD-15120
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 white metal British badges
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to B****7 for 50.00
Farming Medal, Silver JMD-1523430332Farming Medal, Silver JMD-15234
Holabird Western Americana Collections
c. 1920 silver farming medal, 1.5"
Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
Sold to b*******0 for 37.50
Foreign Military Medals (3) JMD-1517030333Foreign Military Medals (3) JMD-15170
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fairfax 2110, Gen. Haller 1923, WW1 Mercantile Marine
Estimate : 100.00 - 150.00
Sold to d*******f for 62.50
General US Grant Medal JMD-1513930334General US Grant Medal JMD-15139
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2.5" copper medal
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to d*******f for 812.50
James Buchanan Medal JMD-1513830335James Buchanan Medal JMD-15138
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3" copper medal. Was wrapped in oil cloth
Estimate : 150.00 - 500.00
Sold to i***7 for 187.50
James Madison Medal JMD-1513630336James Madison Medal JMD-15136
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2.5" copper medal
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to y*******t for 305.00
JQ Adams Medal JMD-1514030337JQ Adams Medal JMD-15140
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2.5" copper medal
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to t****n for 175.00
Knights Templar Medals (3) JMD-1521830338Knights Templar Medals (3) JMD-15218
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3 medals 1.25-1.5", copper and white metal
Estimate : 90.00 - 150.00
Sold to L********r for 75.00
Missouri School of Mines Fortieth Anniv Medal JMD-1510730339Missouri School of Mines Fortieth Anniv Medal JMD-15107
Holabird Western Americana Collections
silver colored medal, 1.3" diameter, 1911. rare.
Estimate : 50.00 - 150.00
Sold to f*****E for 15.00
Rare Cooperage Medals  JMD-15192.130340Rare Cooperage Medals JMD-15192.1
Holabird Western Americana Collections
4 and partial medals, midwest
Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Sold to f*****E for 30.00
St Louis Medals (7) JMD-1527030341St Louis Medals (7) JMD-15270
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3x Veiled prophet 1902, 1891 Sunday School, 1913 grocers torn breastbadge, 1937 American College of Physicians. North St Louis Business Mens Assoc-con
Start Price : 60.00 | Estimate : 120.00 - 200.00
Thomas Jefferson Medal JMD-1511530342Thomas Jefferson Medal JMD-15115
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3" copper medal.
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to m*****o for 500.00
US Grant Medal JMD-1515030343US Grant Medal JMD-15150
Holabird Western Americana Collections
3" copper medal by WC Barber of the US Mint. 1873.
Start Price : 250.00 | Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
WW 2 Medals (4) JMD-1520330344WW 2 Medals (4) JMD-15203
Holabird Western Americana Collections
4 WW2 themed medals
Start Price : 30.00 | Estimate : 60.00 - 100.00
Zachary Taylor Medal JMD-1513730345Zachary Taylor Medal JMD-15137
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2.5" copper medal
Estimate : 50.00 - 200.00
Sold to n**********k for 312.50
Foreign Coins and Currency JMD-1503530346Foreign Coins and Currency JMD-15035
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Foreign coins, currency and some WW2 military
Start Price : 25.00 | Estimate : 50.00 - 100.00
US Presidents Print JMD-1000430347US Presidents Print JMD-10004
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Copyright 1908. Taft is the latest president. In period frame (molded tin on wood). Metal work on frame is chipped. Print is waterstained at far right
Start Price : 50.00 | Estimate : 100.00 - 200.00
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Badge Collection JMD-1000130348Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers Badge Collection JMD-10001
Holabird Western Americana Collections
Fourteen ribbons with badges. Red River Division No. 578. Charter issued June 24, 1901. Generally very nice condition. Each is approx. 8 x 2.5"...
Estimate : 360.00 - 500.00
"Black" Baseball Pin JMD-1512930349"Black" Baseball Pin JMD-15129
Holabird Western Americana Collections
2.5" NY Black Yankees vs.Birminham Black Barons May 30, 1942. Toning, dent, cracks
Estimate : 500.00 - 1,000.00
Sold to g******n for 312.50