Milestone military auction totals $900,000 on rare Revolutionary War and WWII pieces

Milestone Auctions’ Sept. 26 Premier Military & Edged Weapons Auction in Willoughby, Ohio, brought in $900,000, led by a Revolutionary War sword tied to Captain Isaac Hall and standout World War I and World War II relics. The sale drew strong bidding across a wide price range, showing continued demand for historically significant militaria.

Why it matters: - The sale showed collectors will pay up for well-provenanced military history tied to major American conflicts. - High-end results came from items spanning 250 years, from the Revolutionary War to World War II. - The broad price spread gave both advanced and newer collectors access to important pieces.

What happened: - Milestone Auctions closed its Premier Military & Edged Weapons Auction on Sept. 26 for $900,000. - The auction took place in Willoughby, Ohio. - Top lots included a Revolutionary War Minuteman’s silver-hilted sword, a World War I trench knife, World War II bomber and paramarine relics, and a World War II “Go Devils” helmet.

The details: - The Revolutionary War sword belonged to Captain Isaac Hall, leader of the Medford Minutemen, and later entered the 37th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. - The 37-inch sword had its original wire-wrapped bone grip and was given to Hall by John Fulton, a Sons of Liberty member and Boston Tea Party participant. - The sword was first found in the attic of Hall’s 1720 house, the first stop on Paul Revere’s midnight ride, and the home is now on the National Register of Historic Places. - The sword sold for $5,166 against a $1,500-$2,500 estimate. - A World War I US Model 1918 “knuckle duster” trench knife by Henry Disston & Sons featured spiked knuckle-guards, a “skull-crusher” pike pommel and a solid-brass handle. - The trench knife carried an L.F. & C. 1918 scabbard and sold for $5,289 against a $2,500-$3,500 estimate. - A World War II US Marine Corps Paramarine jump smock jacket was a step-in 1st Type with an exposed full-frontal zipper, two exterior pockets, EGA and USMC stenciling, and a name stencil for Sgt. L. J. Panica. - The smock jacket sold for $5,658 within estimate. - A World War II US Army 60th Infantry Regiment M1 combat helmet carried the unit’s “Go Devils” insignia on both sides, plus matching insignia on a Mine Safety Appliance liner. - The helmet sold for $4,920, nearly twice its high estimate. - A World War II Randall Model 1 fighting knife had a clip point, brass crossguard, stacked leather handle and original leather sheath. - The knife sold for $3,276, above its $1,000-$1,500 estimate. - A World War II shoulder sleeve patch from 555 MP Co., Sugamo Prison in Japan showed a hangman’s noose in bullion thread, with 555 at the top and crossed pistols at the bottom. - The patch sold for $3,600, above estimate. - The patch came from an American war veteran. - Miles King said the catalog was curated to put historically significant material within reach of both advanced and beginning collectors. - King also said the sale included Revolutionary War and Civil War material, plus large sections of World War II relics, uniforms, helmets, flags, medals, swords, knives, daggers and katanas.

Between the lines: - The strongest results were driven by provenance, battlefield association and visual character. - Combat wear and unit markings helped several World War II lots outperform expectations. - The sale’s mix of museum-worthy items and lower-entry lots suggests militaria remains a deep market, not just a trophy market.

What's next: - Milestone is seeking consignments of militaria, antique or collectible firearms, edged weapons, antique toys or advertising, and vintage gambling or coin-op machines for future auctions. - Prospective consignors can call 440-527-8060 or email info@milestoneauctions.com. - More information is available on Milestone Auctions’ website and its social channels, including Instagram, Facebook and X.