DENVER, Pa. – On the opening day of their May 8-10 Premier Firearms & Militaria sale, Morphy’s set a new world record for a Colt Model 1875 Gatling gun sold at auction. The all-original, high-condition “Long Model,” complete and mounted on its original “N.J.” marked field carriage, rolled past its $200,000-$300,000 pre-sale estimate to declare victory at $381,300, inclusive of buyer’s premium.
The 10-barrel Gatling bore the serial number “130” and was one of 44 such guns purchased by the US Army, including the ones General George Custer unfortunately left behind as he set out for the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn. Prior to the auction, Morphy’s cataloger carefully removed and examined each bolt, confirming that all were marked with the same assembly number (34) and that they matched their respective barrels.
The Gatling’s line of provenance was distinguished by the fact that the gun had been gifted to Lafayette College’s class of 1952 by future businessman, philanthropist and 63rd US Secretary of the Treasury William Simon (1927-2000), who was a member of that year’s graduating class. The new owner is a private collector who wishes to remain anonymous.
To consign to a future firearms sale at Morphy’s, contact Dan Morphy by calling 877-968-8880 or emailing info@morphyauctions.com. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential.
All-original, high-condition US Army-purchased Colt Model 1875 ‘Long Model’ Gatling gun on original field carriage in display case. One of 44 such guns purchased by the Army. Serial #130. Matching numbers on bolts and barrels; numbered ‘47’ on frame. Gifted to Lafayette College class of 1952 by future US Secretary of the Treasury William Simon, who was a member of that year’s graduating class. Sold for $381,300 at Morphy’s May 8-10 Premier Firearms Auction
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