Marlene Dietrich's WWII Guns from Patton and Bradley Highlight Witherell's Auction

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – A rare 1945 pistol and .38 caliber revolver, gifted to Hollywood legend Marlene Dietrich by Gen. George S. Patton and Gen. Omar Bradley, highlight Witherell’s Auction House’s Luxury Asset Auction, a live event on Friday, March 18.

Nearly 100 treasures will be sold, from prominent art of international significance to rare jewels, at The Sutter Club in Sacramento.

“This is an auction of local and international interest,” said Brian Witherell, cofounder of Witherell’s and guest appraisal expert on PBS’s popular series, Antiques Roadshow. “We are honored and privileged that our local community turns to us to handle their most prized family heirlooms, and many of them are blown away to discover the value of items they had stuffed away for decades in the closet or garage.”

Auction highlights include:

WW II Guns/Actress Marlene Dietrich – A rare 1945 pistol and .38 caliber revolver dating back to 1890, gifted to internationally acclaimed actress Dietrich by Gen. George S. Patton and Gen. Omar Bradley, respectively. Dietrich, who started her career in silent films, was honored for humanitarian efforts and entertaining troops during WWII. The guns were personalized with gold plaques and presented to her as a thank you for her contributions.

This Belgian .38 caliber revolver was presented to Marlene Dietrich by Gen. George S. Patton in 1944 while the actress was doing U.S.O performances for front line troops in World War II. The gun is engraved and chrome plated, with an 18 karat gold plaque on the right grip. It and comes with a leather-bound case. Pre-auction estimate: $25,000-$50,000. Image courtesy Witherell's

This Italian Beretta semi-automatic pistol, in a handsome leather-bound case, was presented to actress Marlene Dietrich by Gen. Omar Bradley at his headquarters in 1944. Pre-auction estimate: $15,000-$25,000/ Image courtesy Witherell's

Robert Arneson, Ceramic Wall Hanging, "Dog and Roy" – Known as the leader of The Funk Art movement in California, Robert Arneson’s provocative ceramic works are collected internationally, drawing six-figure sales. A bay area native, his sculptures depict odd everyday objects – like urinals and bottles of soda – and self-portraits.

Robert Arneson (1930-1992) ceramic wall hanging, "Dog and Roy," has a pre-auction estimate of $25,000-$50,000. Image courtesy Witherell's

Fernando Amorsolo, Watercolor – Born in Manilla, Amorsolo is considered one of the most notable painters in the Philippine art history in the 20th century.

Framed Fernando Amorsolo (1892-1972) watercolor depicting a woman carrying a basket walking on a dirt road with figures in the background. Signed and dated (1948) lower right. Pre-auction estimate: $50,000-$100,000

Gregory Kondos, painting, “Levee House” – World-renowned artist and beloved Sacramentan, Kondos is revered for his iconic watercolor landscapes of the Sacramento Valley, Yosemite and the Greek Islands. Kondos, who passed in 2021, is featured in numerous public arts projects throughout the Sacramento region.

Framed Gregory Kondos (1923-2021) oil on canvas painting, "Levee House," depicting a Sacramento Delta riverscape under a brilliant blue sky. Pre-auction estimate: $25,000-$50,000 Image courtesy Witherell's

Roy De Forest, Three-Fold Screen – A prominent painter, sculptor and UC Davis art instructor, De Forest was part of The Funk Art and Nut Art movements in the Bay Area. His art is celebrated for its quirky and comical fantasy lands filled with bright colors and creatures, most commonly dogs.

Large Roy De Forest (1930-2007) brightly hued three-fold wood screen, circa 1980, signed mid margin center panel. Each panel is 85 inches tall and 26 inches wide. Pre-auction estimate: $25,000-$50,000. Image courtesy Witherell's

Historic Gold Coin – Dating back to 1850, the $5 early Mormon coin depicts a seeing eye of Jehovah. It is offered by a descendant of the Humphreys Family, known for their close ties to Joseph Smith, founder of the Mormon faith. In 1849, the Humphreys left the Midwest in a wagon train, "The Badger Company," in search of gold in California. The began gold mining in Placerville and eventually settled in Sacramento. The coin was discovered inside a Christmas thank you note dated December 1907.

Early Mormon $5 gold coin. Pre-auction estimate: $10,000-$20,000. Image courtesy Witherell's

Jewelry: rare treasures from the early 1900’s, including an Art Deco stunning diamond platinum ring with an old European cut 2.5 carat diamond, accented by 32 old European cut diamonds. A Rolex "Big Crown" Submariner wristwatch sought by collectors; the style made famous by legendary actor Steve McQueen.

Rolex "Big Crown" Submariner wristwatch. Pre-auction estimate: $15,000-$20,000. Image courtesy Witherell's

The live auction is Friday, March 18, at 6 p.m. at The Sutter Club. Seating is available by invitation only. Please email brian@witherells.com by Thursday, March 10, to request a seat. The auction preview will take place Thursday, March 17, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or by appointment at Witherell’s Auction House. Witherell’s will take live bids online and by phone from registered participants. The full collection can be viewed at Witherells.com.