Auction Details

Morphy Auctions’ April, 2016 Fine Firearms Sales Event to Feature a Full Range of Outstanding Modern And Antique Firearms, Knives, Swords, Uniforms, Accessories, and Other Important Militaria.
We will be opened for an extended preview on Friday, April 8th until 8:00 PM
This highly anticipated, early spring two-day auction presents over 1,500 exceptional lots across all collecting categories and price points.

Morphy Auctions, the finest auction destination for fresh to the market collections, is pleased to announce its upcoming fine firearms sales event to be held on Saturday, April 9th and Sunday, April 10th, 2016.    This auction follows on the heels of the company’s recent $1.1 million fine firearms debut sales event at its Las Vegas location. All lots from this upcoming April sale are on display in Morphy’s Denver auction gallery and available for preview now.

This sale hits the bull’s-eye with its amazing offering of over 375 modern rifles.  No brand puts the spring in the step of rifle collectors like Springfield.  As such, two exceptional Springfield offerings will have collectors bouncing off the walls – and each other!  The first is lot #1074, a Springfield Model 1905-06 (30-03) rifle.  This is the only surviving model known, and is estimated at $25,000-$50,000.  This rife was discovered in an attic in Boonton, NJ, where it had been hidden away for over four decades.  The family contacted Morphy’s to see if it would be a good fit for auction, as they had no idea of its value, rarity, or historical importance!  The second is lot #597, a Springfield Model 1903 International Match rifle.  This absolute rarity is one of 50 manufactured for the American shooting team competing in the 1924 Olympics in France.  This medal worthy example – which indeed took home the gold over 90 years ago – is estimated at $10,000-$15,000.  Both of these historically important firearms are in excellent, all original condition with full provenance.

For those enthusiasts interested in antique rifles, this sale aims to please with over 180 fine selections on offer.  Fantastic examples from manufacturers including Evans, Remington, Wesson, T.C. Harris, Merrimack, T. Keller, Eli Whitney, Colt, Whitney Arms, and Winchester will have have firearm collectors feeling over a barrel.  There is no doubt that bidders will be gunning for lot #316, an exceptional Winchester Model 1873 .44 saddle ring carbine estimated at $10,000-14,000.  This all original example, still retaining the majority of its factory finish, is one of the most coveted Winchester brand firearms of all time.

Morphy’s triple digit offering of modern and antique handguns in this sale numbers north of 325 examples.  These revolvers and pistols from manufacturers including Colt, Smith and Wesson, Marlin, Ruger, and others are of the highest caliber.   Lot #471, a presentation engraved Nazi Walther brand pistol, is impressive in its history, presentation, and decoration. Manufactured in 1938, this truly unique, high condition firearm was most likely given to a high ranking or very important member of the Nazi party.   It is estimated at $15,000-18,000.

It’s time to shoulder the responsibility of discussing this sale’s great selection of over 100 modern and antique shotguns.  Collectors undoubtedly will want to take a shot at fine examples from Parker Brothers, Krieghoff, Ithaca, Orvis, Lefever , Beretta , and many others from popular as well as lesser known manufacturers.  Lot #496, a mint in box Browning superposed 20 gauge over under shotgun, is the whole package in this elite category – being both one of the most exquisite AND highest grade Browning firearm ever produced. The gun is ornately and handsomely detailed, with profuse engraving, gold inlays, and a coin silver finish.  It is signed by the master engraver Angelo Bee who worked for Browning for 25 years.  Our cataloger describes this as new, custom shop, never fired firearm as “awe-inspiring.” It is estimated at $15,000-20,000.

In addition to firearms, this sale also presents a full range of other sporting and combat related armaments.  Over 215 cutting edge lots of collectible knives and swords are on offer.  Getting right to the point here, highlights in these categories include lot #775, a magnificent German Forester’s Eichhorn Triple Etched Hunting Sword which is estimated at $2,000-3,000, and lot #776, a dress sword once owned by King Ludwig, which is estimated at $2,000-4,000.

Ammunition, books, uniforms and helmets, bayonets, pocketknives, and other unusual militaria – including lot #1245, an early c. 17th century German youth stone hunting bow estimated at $2,5000-4,500 – round out this targeted auction event.

According to Dave Bushing, Morphy’s Firearms Division Expert, “We are very excited to offer our customers this comprehensive and carefully curated selection of very fine firearms and militaria.  There is truly something for everyone here, from those just starting out to those seeking an remarkable find to complement an elite collection.  The Springfield models 1905-06 (30-03) and 1903 International Match rifles are both extraordinary and will generate tremendous bidder interest.  I’ll certainly be holding my breath as each one comes up for sale!”