Five phone bidders were vying to win a Heywood Hardy 20 by 30 inch oil at a recent Americana Fine Art and Military Auction., held in Lansing, Mich. After some breathtaking moments and a quiet gallery, the phone winner from Canada paid $20,000 for Entering the Gate, an oil on canvas. Before dropping the hammer, auctioneer Glen Rairigh asked those present if they wanted to bid, which caused a lot of laughter. This painting generated the most phone calls before the auction, according to Rairigh. Hardy was known as an English naturalist artist.

The prices do not include a 10 percent buyers premium.

A William Hemsley (1819-1906) 25 by 30 inch oil on canvas, Noonday Rest, took $2,100. Hemsley was known for figures and human activity paintings.

Both the Hardy and Hemsley paintings were consigned by the caretaker of the late Richard Noble (1910-2003). His caretaker’s name is unknown. Noble’s sister married into the wealthy Cook family. Mrs. Cook was married to Charles Bosworth Cook, the only surviving son of General John Cook, an associate of Abraham Lincoln, and grandson of Daniel Cook (1795-1827) after whom the Illinois County was named. It was stated that Noble did not particularly care for the paintings and had left them in his basement for approximately 15 years.

Known for his military scenes, especially the French Military, a Marius Roy watercolor of a military officer and horse, 18 ½ by 13½ , sold for $1,250.

Navajo “Germantown” rugs were made during the transitional period from 1868-1900. The name Germantown comes from the area near Philadelphia, where much of the yarn is thought to have been produced for the rugs. These rugs are intricately styled and very colorful. Some are so wildly colored that they are called, “Eyedazzlers.”

A dazzling Germantown, 82 by 58 inch Navajo rug, with a star center, flew to $7,000. A red/brown/grey, 68 by 53 inch chief’s blanket took $1,400, while a red/violet/gray/brown 76 by 58 inch geometric chief’s blanket made $850. A red and brown border, 46 by 32 inch geometric Indian rug sold for $400. A red and tan rug with brown divider lines, 52 by 30 inch, crossed the block for $200. A red weaving with neutral swastika decoration, 75 by 37 inch, sold at $175. A large black Southwestern Indian bowl pulled $425.

Many World War I and World War II, plus Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) ribbons, metals and other collectibles crossed the block. Topping out this group was a World War I German artillery officer’s helmet with plume. A phone bidder won the helmet for $3,250.

A German officer’s dragger with scabbard brought $1,200. A Samurai sword with brass decoration and metal scabbard came to $750, while a Samurai sword, no. 153759, with metal scabbard sold for $350.

Top bid for Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) items and other military badges was a Forrest Cavalry Corps member medal that went to a phone bidder for $315. Most G.A.R. badges averaged from $10 to $40. However a few went higher , such as a large G.A.R. badge and ribbon, Denver 1905 that sold for $155 and a G.A.R. veterans badge and crossed swords with riffle badge that took $140. An Indianapolis 1920 G.A.R. badge went to a phone bidder for $75.

Handguns were what a lot of the auction goers were looking for. All permits signed, the bidders began by bidding first on a Smith & Wesson Model 41 .22 caliber with 5 inch barrel. The gun took $750, while a Smith & Wesson Model 52-1in .38 master in box shot to $800. A Python, Colt .357 Magnum, in the box, sold for $650. A colt Junior .22 caliber made $150. Other Smith & Wesson’s included a Model 46 .22 5 ½ inch, $450 and a later 1880s pin-fire pocket pistol marked LKG sold for $250.

Listed as “long guns”, a Winchester Model 94 NIB Gold Spike 30-30 gun fired to $300.

Another gun of the same description sold at $235, while a Model 94 Illinois 30-30 stopped at $175. None of the above guns had ever been fired.

Other guns included a Parker Brothers 12 gauge Model GHE shotgun, with Damascus barrel ejector, Pat. 1878, for $400; a Colt “lightning” .22 caliber rifle, $400; A Springfield Armory. Model 1898, rifle, no. 403528, $100; a Remington Nylon “76” Lever action .22 LR (1962-1964), $200; and a very scarce “Lady Finger” style percussion rifle with carved stock crossed the block for $550.

For information on future Americana Auctions, watch for ads in Auction Exchange and Collectors News, or log on to www.americanaauctions.com. You can call 1-800-919-1950.