CASCO TOWNSHIP, Mich. – It was a great Sunday morning for an auction, particularly with a wonderful selection of firearms, coins, antique toys and good serviceable farm equipment.

From a large rolling landscape, auctioneer Chuck Cryderman and Associates set up the display of firearms and coins/currency in the large garage with the farm equipment to the north side by the barn. In between the garage and barn, under tents, were the toys, antique furniture and collectibles.

The auction would open with a single ring selling the firearms, followed by the farm equipment, after which a second ring was opened. Auctioneer Gerry Berry would handle the gavel selling the collectibles under the tents. Cryderman would continue in the garage with the sale of coins and currency. The firearms, coins/currency and farm equipment were cataloged for easy reference and sold in order. Internet bidding was available today and the auctioneers would even announce from what state a winning bid came from when the gavel fell.

Many of the firearms carried historical significance. Most notable were the two military 45-caliber pistols presented. One was a pre-World War One Army Model 1911 Colt that included its 1917 dated holster and obtained the high bid of $1,600. The other was the improved Model 1911A1 manufactured by Remington Rand in 1944 during World War Two and sold to a collector at $1,900.

General George Patton considered the U.S. Military Springfield Model M-1 the most valuable firearm of the war. It was used by front-line infantry troops throughout Europe and the Pacific theatres and Korea, and until recently was still held in reserve by the military. This highly regarded semi-automatic rifle sold this day at $700.

You could return to the Roaring 20’s with the 45-caliber Model 1927 A-1 Thompson. The original was manufactured as an automatic and became known as the ’Tommy Gun’ and a Chicago Piano. This package, which was a semi-automatic, included both a straight clip and round drum feed and a violin case to store it all in. Competition was fierce as bids were rat-a-tat-tatting to the auctioneer with the winner hitting the bull’s eye at $2,500.

The Colt Python is considered the Considered the Cadillac of firearms. This version of the six-shot revolver in .357-caliber was blued. The condition was used but well cared for and secured a very respectable $1,200 high bid.

There is an adage stating that ’God created man, but Col. Colt made him even’. What Col. Colt conceived was the famous gun that won the west, the Colt Single Action Army Revolver. The first year of production was 1873, in the Colt .45-caliber, and it continued until shortly after the end of World War Two. This example was in .38-caliber and was classified in good condition, and the serial number indicated manufacture in 1922. With an outstanding heritage behind it the final bid was a well earned $1,600.

When the firearms were all sold the auction moved to the far end of the yard for the farm equipment, which had been tagged to correspond to the catalog.

The first item of farm equipment was the vintage McCormick-Deering Model 10-20 tractor that had been driven to its spot in the auction line. This model was introduced in 1915, and remained in production until 1939, and was a success with an original sale price of $785. By the rear steel wheels, with triangular cleats, this version was produced prior to 1934. The wide front had flanged steel wheels. This will be an interesting restoration to the winner who bid $2,500 this day. Two extra steel wheels were sold separately for $22.

Next presented was a narrow front John Deere Model 50 tractor, manufactured from 1952 to 1956. This item had been stored unused for some time but was running prior to the auction. Although it too needed some attention, this excellent specimen to work with garnered the winning bid of $1,600.

Another piece of equipment was the ever useful, and necessary, New Idea wheel driven manure spreader. The wood was in great condition considering its age and use as it had been kept inside an equipment barn. Bids flung among several interested parties until it was claimed for $600.

A John Deere two-bottom plow turned up an impressive $200. A second two-bottom plow, by Oliver, with steel wheels sold at $25. A McCormick-Deering Model 7 mower with closed gear box sold at $60. The Stoddard hay dump rake brought $70 with the McCormick hay baler bringing in $50.

Horse drawn equipment included a cultivator for $30 and two single bottom plows at $25 each.

A horse of a different color was the 1973 Ford Mustang Mach 1 featuring the long hood and fastback style rear end. The silver/grey body featured black accents and was dusty from long time in storage. It had a good body but did need some attention as there were spots of rust and the paint was fading, especially noted on the trunk lid. It certainly looked fast standing still on the aluminum mag wheels. It sold for $5,800.

Under the tents the small collectibles and furniture crossed the auction block. Three humpback trunks, in different sizes, each sold for $275 including their contents of clothing, hats purses and linens.

Several crocks were offered to the bidders including one marked Western Stoneware Co. with a maple leaf surrounding the name, and marked 25, that ultimately sold at $250. Another crock marked "20" fetched $110 to the winner.

The selection of Marx toys was outstanding and many included their original box. A ’Rookie Cop’ was in great condition, thanks to being kept in the original box, and brought out very competitive bidding up to $275. The working ’Gangbusters Tommy Gun’ was in a bidders sights for $185. The ’Walking Popeye’ from the comic books and cartoons was also with the original box and reeled in $200. The ’Roadside Rest Service Station’ had been played with, however it appeared that many of the small related parts, such as gas pumps and diner seats, were present and sold at $160.

This is just a small description of the items available today. In addition to the coins/currency there were furniture, pocket watches and shop tools crossing the auction block. When I had to make my way home the auction was still going strong and all the bidders certainly were enjoying the day.

Auctioneer Chuck Cryderman works out of Armada, Michigan and can be contacted at (586) 784-8890 for additional information on his services and he invites you to visit his www.crydermanauctions.com website. And, as always, watch for his future ads in The Auction Exchange & Collectors News.