Mexican-American War memorabilia may end up in private hands

Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo

Nicholas Philip Trist’s lap desk and quill used to write and sign the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, ending the Mexican-American War, will be sold Sept. 7, 2012. Second in size and importance only to the Louisiana Purchase, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo led to the purchase by the United States, at a cost of $15 million, all or part of 10 states: Texas, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, Oklahoma, Kansas and Wyoming. Read More +

Dalton Gang Colt pistol featured in Sept. 7-9 vintage firearms auction

Dalton gang Colt revolver

The Gateway collection of 19th and 20th century firearms, featuring the famous Bob Dalton Colt pistol, is up for auction Sept. 7-9, 2012 by Rock Island Auction Co. It joins several important private vintage firearm collections coming to auction at the same time. The Dalton pistol is the most culturally-histoic gun in the sale. It was take from Dalton’s dead body after the famous shootout on Oct. 5, 1892 in Coffeyville, Kan. Read More +

Love of country and ‘Old Ironsides’ inspires former Marine’s nautical collection

G. West “Westy” Saltonstall collection

A visitor to G. West “Westy” Saltonstall’s office could be forgiven for thinking he had mistakenly stumbled into a small gallery of maritime Americana. While marine-oriented, Westy’s esoteric nautical collection ranges from old cigar boxes to paintings to clocks and reflects his love of country, Old Ironsides and his Boston family heritage. Read More +