You never know what you'll find when people open the doors to their homes for an antiques appraisal. In this feature article, Antique Trader contributor Dr. Anthony J. Cavo shares the story of unexpected finds, including an 1863 blueprint of a Civil War fort, during an assessment.

Wartime and political memorabilia, including a satirical Russian painting depicting leaders Stalin, Hilter, and what is said to be Roosevelt, is at the center of Milestone Auctions' Jan. 27 Historic Military & Firearms Auction.

A Winchester Model 1866 rifle with a connection to the Civil War soldier for whom Ricketts Glenn State Park is named topped all lots during Cordier's Dec. sale.

Winchester, Colt, Parker, and more legendary makers will be represented in Rock Island Auctions' Dec. 1-3 Premiere Firearms Auction. Among the headliners is a Henry rifle with silver gilding, and a Colt revolver presented personally from Samuel Colt, himself.

More than 2,000 antique and vintage firearms and accessories, from 12 esteemed collections, will cross the auction block Oct. 31-Nov. 2 through James D. Julia, Inc.

There's no retiring for Civil War dealer Jay Thomas. He's still happy to be brokering deals and selling historic artifacts.

In the midst of wartime conflicts and during recovery from the wounds of war, military servicemen of the 18th and 19th centuries skillfully transformed worn-out military uniforms and blankets into quilts. An exhibition of such quilts opens Sept. 6 in New York.

A sword presented to a Civil War foot officer in 1862 was the top lot of a June 21 online estate auction presented by Everything But the House.

A U.S. flag, with a remarkable and historic provenance, sold for $55,000 during Heritage Auctions' June 11 Arms & Armor, Civil Ear & Militaria Auction.