HARRY A. BALDWIN

Harry A. Baldwin Estate Collection

My brother loved history. Growing up in central Florida, while other teenagers were playing baseball, Harry was attending Turkey shoots and learning about muzzleloaders and flintlocks. His fascination with the Civil War led him into the world of reenactments.

Coming home on break from the University of Florida, Harry walked into the kitchen carrying a violin case. My father took a drag off his Viceroy and asked, “Is that a machine gun?”. My brother smiled and said “Yeah! Want to see it?”. It was his first Thompson and the beginning of his fascination with automatic weapons.

Harry would spend the rest of his life buying, selling and trading guns, researching their history and maintaining them to an exact level. He collected an extensive inventory of accessories and parts such as field instruction manuals, maintenance kits, mounts, slings, bayonets and so much more. Everything had to be historically correct, complete and in immaculate condition. An avid shooter, Harry spent considerable time meticulously loading various caliber rounds in his garage while listening to the Allmon Brothers.

It wasn’t just guns; my brother had his own race car and frequently competed in Sarrc road races. He loved his very original, and perfectly maintained, 1967 Volkswagen Beetle. Then there was his 2002 Chevy Astro van that he modified the suspension to accommodate his .50 caliber and Maxim 08 and sled mount.

A few months before his untimely passing, I sat in his office surrounded by a Japanese Woodpecker, a Browning M-2 machine gun and a closet full of muzzle loaders. I asked him if he planned on selling any of his collection, he said “Why? I’m still enjoying them…anyway if something happens it’ll be your problem”. Fortunately, Harry left me with the name of close friend who helped guide me to this auction however I will ask you all to please make sure that the combinations to your gun safes aren’t locked in the safe.

My job has been to find the right home for the things Harry held dear. First, it was his Aussie Shepard Rosie and now it’s his lifelong collection.

Poulin Firearms is extremely honored to work with Harry’s brother and bring his collection to the auction venue where collector’s will have the opportunity to acquire some truly wonderful firearms representing history from around the globe. We hope you enjoy them as much as Harry did.