Morphy’s Firearms & Militaria Auction fueled by new bidders

DENVER, Pa. – Morphy’s Sept. 10-12, 2024 Firearms & Militaria Auction surpassed all expectations with a 97% sell-through rate and resounding three-day total that exceeded $7 million. Outstanding prices were achieved across all subcategories, attributable in no small measure to the “boom” in new collectors who’ve entered the collectible firearms hobby.

“This auction attracted the largest group of new players in years,” said Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions. “From the beginning, our long-range goal has been to build a firearms division that was second to none by adding the assets and experts needed to become a force in the marketplace. It’s very exciting to see enthusiastic new collectors at our firearms sales and to hear their many positive comments about our operation and the high quality of firearms we offer. It means we are succeeding in our mission.”

At the top of prices realized, two lots achieved individual selling prices of $123,000 (all prices in this report are inclusive of buyer’s premium). The first of the two, which led the sale’s 184 NFA firearms, was a 1985 factory-original Heckler & Koch MP5SD machine gun with matching factory suppressor – the embodiment of one of the most ubiquitous firearm designs ever developed. Collectors rushed at the opportunity to bid on what was the first fully-transferable factory-original example (not a conversion) ever to be offered at auction. According to Eric Wagner, Morphy’s firearms researcher, cataloger and auctioneer, the $123,000 price represents a “new world record for the MP5 platform.”

Rivaling the prized Heckler & Koch dollar for dollar was a trio of Ron Lake knives that showcased the combined talents of S R Johnson, Ron Lake, and Barry Lee Hands. Made by Johnson and Lake, the showy edged weapons were engraved and artfully embellished by Hands. Employing his signature Renaissance Leaf pattern and Black Satin finish, Hands adorned each of the knives with gold, mother-of-pearl, and variously colored diamonds. Housed in their French-fitted custom display case, they formed the glittering crown jewel of the Frank Brownell knife collection, Part I (further installments to be auctioned at a future date at Morphy’s). Against an estimate of $30,000-$50,000, the lot sold for $123,000.

Many bidders showed a distinct partiality for guns that had forged a place in history, like the original ERMA-manufactured German MP-44 machine gun that had been captured in December 1944 at St Vith, Belgium, an entry point to the Battle of the Bulge. It displayed original matching factory-applied numbers throughout, Mertzwerke-supplied and stamped sheet-metal parts, and an “Eagle/280” mark on the underside of the receiver forward of the magazine housing, indicating ERMA manufacture. The consignor had purchased the MP-44 from the son of Robert Bruce Jones, the WWII veteran who actually captured it. Against an estimate of $35,000-$50,000, it sold for $60,270.

Another estimate-defying historical weapon harkened back to the earliest days of a great American arms manufacturer, Colt, and the legendary company’s founder. The auction example, a Colt No. 3 Paterson belt-model .31 percussion revolver, was manufactured circa 1837-40 and attributed to William Watson, a New York City attorney. It is well documented that Watson represented Samuel Colt in disputes with the Patent Arms Mfg. Co’s treasurer and majority shareholder, John Ehlers. Offered in its original presentation case with accoutrements, the revolver was most recently in the renowned collection of Dr. Jim Watson of Scottsdale, Arizona. Against an estimate of $40,000-$60,000, it was bid to $73,800.

Manufactured in 1863 at the height of the Civil War, a fabulous silver-plated and Hoggson-engraved New Haven Arms Model 1860 “Henry” lever-action rifle bore the serial number “3001” and was inscribed (likely at the factory) J.T.H to T.T. The rifle is an actual book example appearing in R L Wilson’s reference titled Winchester Engraving. At the time of the book’s publication, the coveted longarm was part of Colonel (later Ambassador) T Daghistani’s collection. It sold just shy of its high estimate, for $39,360.

A formidable katana crafted by Ieyoshi, in “efu-no-tachi” samurai mounts, made its mark in military history as a gift to US Army Major General Frank Parker (1872-1947) from Prince Kan’in Kotohito, adopted son of Emperor Komei and Chief of Staff of the Imperial Japanese Army from 1931-1940. The 67.1cm-long (approximately 26 3/8in) katana was housed in an inscribed presentation box and accompanied by a binder of research items with translations, an original photo of Parker in his office with the sword on a stand, and other items. Previously in the collection of the McKissick Museum, which deaccessioned the sword in 1997, it was auctioned at Morphy’s for $41,820 against an estimate of $20,000-$30,000.

An imposing entry, a behemoth 4-bore double rifle, circa 1875, was designed with dovetailed 24-inch fully-rifled brown Damascus barrels, whose tops were marked R.B. Rodda & Co. Makers by Appointment to H.R. The Viceroy, and H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh / London & Calcutta. Accompanied by tools and books relevant to the rifle’s type, and with provenance from the Cal Pappas collection, it swept past its high estimate to settle at $46,740.

From Colt’s celebrated “Snake” series, a rare set of 1989 Python Snake-Eyes .357 Magnum double-action revolvers was manufactured in 1989 in a limited edition of 500 pairs. The auction duo displayed all of their correct markings and matching serial numbers “83 EYES” and “EYES 83.” Presented in a Colt illuminating glass-front display case and with provenance from the Jim Cyr collection, the popular Pythons conveyed to their new owner for an above-estimate price of $29,520.

A small but very nice selection of firearms-related advertising and ephemera included posters, signage and an especially well-preserved 1907 Peters Cartridge Company calendar with the image of a boy carrying geese. Boasting beautiful colors and fine artistic detail, it retained its original calendar pad and metal bands both at the top and bottom. It sold for $12,300 against an estimate of $4,000-$10,000.

To discuss consigning to a future Firearms & Militaria auction at Morphy’s, whether a single item or an entire collection, please call 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. All enquiries are kept strictly confidential and there is never an obligation to consign. Online: www.morphyauctions.com.