Featured: Fabrique Nationale US M240B machine gun, Martial Colt Paterson Model 1839 percussion revolving rifle, important cased set of factory presentation Colts shipped 1861
DENVER, May 8, 2025 : While collecting elite firearms and militaria has captivated crowned heads, presidents and historians for centuries, it is an interest that knows no social or national boundaries. There are passionate firearms enthusiasts everywhere who enjoy studying and displaying their prized acquisitions, especially those associated with immortal figures, legendary battles or other world-changing events of the past. The next opportunity collectors will have to bid on premier examples of military, civilian and sporting firearms comes on May 13-15 at Morphy’s flagship gallery in Pennsylvania, with all forms of remote bidding available, including live via the Internet.
The 1,218-lot auction selection contains many once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunities, starting with rare NFA guns, which are fully transferable upon receipt of BATF approval. “As each scarce NFA gun passes into private hands, it narrows the field, leaving even fewer that qualify for individual purchase,” said Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions. “That’s why, over the last several years, we’ve seen such incredible competition for NFA guns in our sales, not to mention consistently higher prices. Many collectors view them as investments.”
Morphy singled out one NFA gun, in particular, that he thinks might end up being the top lot of the May 13-15 auction: a Fabrique Nationale (Herstal) U.S. M240B machine gun. Chambered in .308, it is one of very few specimens of its type that would be fully transferable to an individual owner. In near-mint condition, retaining its original tripod and even its original shipping box, this gun has never been fired since leaving the factory, per its current owner. A tremendous example that would be all but impossible to upgrade, it is expected to sell for $350,000-$600,000.
A very rare and desirable Japanese Type 5 Garand semi-automatic rifle with the serial number 13 is one of approximately 125 that were assembled in Japan as experimental firearms during World War II, starting in 1944. This model, an adaptation of the American Garand, has standard Japanese 7.7mm chambering. It comes to auction with a 1946 capture certificate showing its recipient to be Colonel Walter D Buie. Estimate: $60,000-$75,000
Nineteenth-century highlights include an Isaiah Jennings 1821 patent 5-shot .44 smoothbore repeating flintlock Kentucky pistol built by JM Caswell, estimate $35,000-$70,000; and a very rare and fine Martial Colt Paterson Model 1839 percussion revolving rifle, .525 smoothbore, manufactured sometime between 1838 and 1841. It was one of 360 specimens purchased by the US War Department from a total production run of only 950 guns. Estimate: $60,000-$100,000. Also, a cased deluxe engraved and fully-nickel-plated Volcanic Repeating Arms No. 2 Navy Model lever-action pistol, circa 1856, is estimated at $30,000-$50,000.
A treasure of the Civil War era, a superb cased set of Colts inclludes an 1860 fluted Army Revolver and an 1862 Police Revolver. The set was originally a factory presentation to Colonel Henry Craig, US Army Chief of Ordnance. It will convey to its new owner with a copy of a 2019 factory letter confirming shipment on Feb. 25, 1861 to Major W.M.B. Hartley with the special notations: “To Col. Craig, U.S.A. Commanding Ordnance Corps From Colt’s P.F.A. Mfg. Co.” and “Furnished with a shoulder stock, a powder flask, 60 cartridges, and 500 belt caps.” According to firearms expert Greg Martin, the set was acquired directly from the Craig family. In excellent condition, it is estimated at $125,000-$175,000.
A superlative Holland & Holland Royal .375 flanged Magnum Double Rifle made between 1910 and 1922 is engraved with near-full coverage of the classic H&H Royal Scroll, vignettes for the company name, bouquets of flowers, and rope-and-beadwork borders. A very rare gun in full-bore magnum chambering, its estimate is $45,000-$65,000.
Morphy’s May 13-15, 2025 Firearms & Militaria Auction will be held live at the company’s Denver, Pennsylvania gallery, starting each day at 9am ET. All forms of remote bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphyauctions.com.
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