Morphy Auctions’ January Fine Firearms Sales Event Hits the Bull’s Eye

Sales Topping $1.1 Million!

LAS VEGAS — Plenty of collectors went home happy from Morphy Auctions’ fine firearms sale held on Jan. 23 in Las Vegas. The one-day event, held in conjunction with the Las Vegas Arms Collectors show and concurrent to the SHOT Show conference, featured examples from the most desirable and collectible manufacturers, firearms from specialty and boutique firms, knives and swords, historical items, and a full range of other militaria. Lock, stock, and barrel, this sale had 28 lots realizing $5,000-9,000; six at $10,000-19,000; and two over $20,000. All prices reported include Morphy’s buyer’s premium.

Morphy's did not hesitate to pull out the big guns for this sale. Collectors gave lot 94, a cased pair of J. Wilkes 20 Bore Doubles, more than a second look. This dynamic duo realized $39,040. Lot 570, a phenomenal Special Order Winchester 1886 "Big 50" in high condition with its original factory finish, was a big hit at $18,300. And lot 458, a pair of cased Colt Double Diamond Python/1911 Revolvers produced in 1986 to honor the 150th anniversary of the company, went for $10,980.

Firearms from Winchester continue to be favorites among enthusiasts, and this sale offered over 100 lots from this legendary United States manufacturer. These included lot 591, a US M1 Garand Semi-Automatic Rifle with all correct WRA parts and a bright bore (realized $3,660); lot 26, an investment quality 1894 Flat Band Carbine in near mint condition (realized $1,342) and lot 192, a boxed Model 62-A Gallery Pump Rifle in remarkable condition, which realized $2,074.

This sale also featured a high caliber offering of fine Colt firearms. A Diamondback .22 D.A. Revolver from 1978 with a fine bore and action realized $1,586. Collectors also seemed to have the company's pistols well within their sights. Highlights included lot 65, a Match Target Semi-Automatic Pistol retaining about 97% of its original factory blue finish (realized $1,098); lot 80, an all original, very rare boxed Pre-Series 70 Nickel 1911 .38 Super Pistol (realized $ 3,660); lot 81, a rare boxed blued .32 General Officer's U.S. Model 1903 Pistol in fine condition (realized $ 3,660); lot 83, a near new Model 1911-A1 Transitional U.S. Army Pistol retaining 99+% of its original blue finish (realized $9,150); and lot 549, a pre-war 1911-A1 N.M. Semi-Auto Pistol that realized $5,185.

There was great interest in lot 93, a cased Belgian Browning Lightning O/U Shotgun 28 in "as new condition" inside and out (realized $7,320); lot 211, a high condition Freeman S.A. Revolver from a premier Civil War collection that had been locked in a vault since the 1960's (realized $5,185); and lot 863, a Japanese Type 38 Carbine manufactured in Mukden, Manchuria - which more than doubled its high estimate to realize $1,708. And all eyes were on lot 659, a deluxe engraved Marlin Model 1893 Rifle and lot 389, a very rare 1st model Smith-Jennings Rifle, manufactured in 1851. These fine firearms brought $11,590 and $9,760, respectively.

Ammunition, books, swords, bayonets, and other militaria — including some remarkable displays — rounded out this targeted auction event. Perhaps the most eye-catching was lot 150, a one of a kind, near mint, Holland & Holland cartridge display. The display, which once hung in the offices of the Holland & Holland store in New York City, realized $4,575.

According to Dave Bushing, Morphy's Firearms Division Expert, "This remarkable, standing room only sale surpassed all expectations. The timing in association with the Las Vegas Arms Collectors show and SHOT Show was all but perfect. Attendees seemed pleased with the variety and rarity of the offerings. They also expressed enthusiasm over having a new venue for purchasing new things for their collections as well as meeting like-minded enthusiasts. This is just the first of many successful firearm sales we look forward to hosting in our Las Vegas gallery."

Morphy Auctions, Las Vegas is located at 4520 Arville Street, Las Vegas, NV 89103. They can be reached by phone at 702-382-2466, by fax at 702-382-6513, and by email at info@morphyauctions.com. Their Las Vegas gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9:00am-4:00pm. For more information on Morphy's,visit www.MorphyAuctions.com.