Kit Carson's flintlock pistol auctions for $18,000

Frontiersman Kit Carson's flintlock pistol from the Mexican war has sold

A flintlock pistol used by Kit Carson has sold for $18,000 at an auction of his memorabilia in the US.

The famed frontiersman employed the .54 calibre pistol in the Mexican-American war of 1846-1848. It had come to auction with a $15,000-25,000 valuation.

Kit Carson’s Mexican war pistol sold within estimate

Made by Simeon North of Connecticut, the .54 was the US army's main sidearm during the Black Hawk, Seminole and Mexican wars.

A mountain man in the west, Kit Carson later became a US general who served during the Mexican, civil and Indian wars.

He first came to public attention when hired by John C Freemont as a guide on his famed surveying expeditions.

Carson went on to lead armies through one of America's busiest military periods and is immortalised in a series of films and books.

The Santa Fe auction on August 12 also featured the sabre presented to Carson when he attained the rank of colonel, after joining the Union army at the start of the American civil war. A simple weapon bearing a wire wrapped handle, it sold for $12,000 against a $10,000 valuation.

A leather message pouch which Carson employed in his journey from California to deliver news of the Mexican war to the government in Washington DC sold for $10,800, just beating its $10,000 estimate.

The collecting public's fascination with the Wild West continues to ensure strong prices for leading items. A Remington revolver used by Buffalo Bill made $239,000 in June, 19.5% above its estimate, while the same auction saw Annie Oakley's 12-gauge Parker Brothers shotgun sell for $143,400.

Paul Fraser Collectibles has an authentic strand of hair from the Apache leader Geronimo currently available, as well as the autograph of General George Custer of the Battle of Little Bighorn fame.

Recent and related articles

·  Wilkinson turret revolver sells 36.1% above estimate at Bonhams | 26 July 2012

·  Posthumous 1915 Victoria Cross beats estimate by 11.1% at auction | 20 July 2012

·  First WWI Victoria Cross group up 53.3% on estimate in London | 19 July 2012

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