Morphy to Auction Rare & Historical Firearms, Militaria

Morphy’s will unlock the doors to a fresh to market arsenal of rare and historical weapons at their September 10-12, 2024, Firearms & Militaria Auction, with all forms of bidding available, including live via the internet. The 1,831-lot gallery event features World War II, Third Reich, NFA and other military arms, as well as sought-after Colt productions, a Confederate revolver, a “Henry” rifle, and a circa 1875 Rodda (London) 4-bore double rifle. Two special highlights are a cased trio of Ron Lake knives engraved and exquisitely embellished by Barry Lee Hands; and an important Ieyoshi presentation katana gifted to US Army Major General Frank Parker (1872-1947) by Japan’s Prince Kan’in Kotohito.

Unquestionably, the superstar leading the array of Colts is a cased set of four gold-inlaid, gold-banded Single-Action Army Revolvers lavishly engraved and signed by master engraver Leonard Francolini. The handsome quartet has custom serial numbers “PISTOL1” through “PISTOL4.” The engraving program includes crisp renderings of a relief bison and bald eagle, plus floral scrollwork and nicely executed ribbon-work around the gold-inlaid addresses on the tops of the barrels. Presented in a French-fitted Marvin Huey case with accessories and 30 rounds of .45 Colt ammunition, it comes to auction with a $100,000-$150,000 estimate.

For the legion of collectors enamored with Colt’s celebrated “Snake” series, Morphy’s is presenting a rare set of 1989 Python Snake-Eyes .357 Magnum Double Action Revolvers in a Colt illuminating glass-front case. From a limited edition of 500 pairs manufactured in 1989, the auction duo displays all of the correct markings as well as matching serial numbers “83 EYES” and “EYES 83.” This desirable set, which was previously part of the Jim Cyr collection, will be offered with a $15,000-$25,000 estimate.

Few would argue that NFA firearms, which require BATF approval prior to their transfer, comprise the hottest collecting category in today’s marketplace. The September 10-12 auction includes 184 NFA specimens, each one with a story to tell. Topping the group is three-position-selector factory-original (not a conversion) Heckler & Koch MP5 SD machine gun with its matching factory silencer, which is unrestricted and fully transferable per the BATF. It has the “HK MP5 SD” marking and, according to the “IF” proof code on the top of the receiver, it was manufactured in 1985. The right side of the magazine is import-marked Made in W. Germany / HK Chantilly, VA. It has a telescoping stock and horizontal forend, and is near-excellent overall. Estimate: $60,000-$80,000

Sharing the spotlight with the H&K is a tremendous original ERMA-manufactured German MP-44 machine gun that was captured in December 1944 at St. Vith, Belgium, one of the entry points to the Battle of the Bulge. It has 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 entrusting this gun to Morphy’s purchased it from the son of Robert Bruce Jones, the veteran who captured it. An NFA item, it requires BATF approval prior to transfer. Estimate: $35,000-$50,000.

A prized entry amongst the World War II weapons that do not require BATF approval is a fine German J.P. Sauer & Sohn M30 Luftwaffe drilling of a type built from 1941-42. This model was carried by aircrews, especially in North Africa, to kill game or to use for self-defense if their aircraft was downed. The 12-bore shotgun barrels, marked KRUFF-LAUFSTAHL, are surmounted on a single potent 9.3x74mmR rifle barrel. Other markings include the manufacturer’s name and a Luftwaffe eagle over “2” acceptance marks. Cased and accompanied by its capture papers, it could command $20,000-$25,000 at auction.

The selection of 57 swords spans a timeline from the pre-Revolutionary War period through World War II. A Third Reich Eickhorn Diplomatic Official’s Sword, designed and authorized in 1938 for formal wear by German diplomats, is of a type that was produced in very low numbers. It is 36 inches long with a nickel-plated 31-1/4-inch blade that was acid-etched and ornately decorated in a floral motif with an eagle clutching a swastika at its center. The blade is also marked with the maker’s name and logo. Complete and near mint, it comes with a sales receipt and 1983 COA from respected author/dealer Thomas Johnson. Swords of this type are rarely seen on the open market. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000

An important Ieyoshi presentation katana – in efu-no-tachi mounts – was given to US Army Major General Frank Parker (1872-1947) by Prince Kan’in Kotohito, adopted son of Emperor Komei and Chief of Staff of the Imperial Japanese Army from 1931-1940. With an overall length of 36-7/8 inches and a blade measuring 26.42 inches, this weapon of honor comes in a presentation box with hakogaki and a binder of research items, including an original photo of Parker with the sword on a tachi kake in his office, and more. The sword was formerly the property of the McKissick Museum, which deaccessioned it in 1997. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000

A wonderful trio of Ron Lake knives, engraved and exquisitely embellished by Barry Lee Hands, includes a large, custom SR Johnson (Manti, Utah) “Big Bear” knife, Ron Lake medium folder, and Ron Lake small folder. Each is gold overlaid and adorned with pearl inlays and multicolor diamonds, and they are presented together in a custom walnut display case. Boasting excellent condition, this set was one of the most coveted items in the Frank Brownell collection, which will be sold in a series of several auctions at Morphy’s. Estimate: $30,000-$50,000

Every collector of long-arms, no matter how advanced, would gladly make room for a fabulous silver plated and Hoggson engraved New Haven Arms Model 1860 “Henry” lever action rifle. Manufactured in .44 Henry Flat caliber in 1863, at the height of the Civil War, the auction gun is serial numbered 3001. It is also inscribed (likely at the factory) J.T.H. to T.T. Its history is crowned by the fact that it is the actual book example appearing on Page 27 of R.L. Wilson’s Winchester Engraving (publ. 1975). At the time of the book’s production, the Henry was part of Colonel (later Ambassador) T. Daghistani’s collection. In fine condition with an illustrious pedigree, it could reach $30,000-$40,000.

A captured Spiller & Burr Type II Confederate revolver of historical importance comes with extensive provenance that includes a notarized letter stating the gun descended through the family of George A. Shuman, who served in the 9th Pennsylvania Cavalry from 1861-1865. Together with a box of accessories, a CDV of Shuman, copies of photos and family letters, and other personal effects, the lot is expected to make $25,000-$35,000.

From the Cal Pappas collection comes a behemoth circa 1875 4-bore double rifle with dovetailed 24-inch fully-rifled brown Damascus barrels whose tops are marked R.B. Rodda & Co. Makers by Appointment to H.R. The Viceroy, and H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh. London & Calcutta. The barrel flats show London proofs and the numeral “6,” and there are three leaf sights – one fixed and two folding – all with platinum line markers. It comes with tools and books relevant to the rifle’s specific type and is estimated at $35,000-$45,000.

A well-documented pair of Smith & Wesson K-22 masterpiece Double Action Revolvers, Serial No. K8757, was shipped to Montana on February 17, 1948 (per included S&W factory research letters) to legendary exhibition shooter and “fastest gun in the world” Ed McGivern (1874-1957). The left side of the frame is engraved ED McGIVERN 1948. The duo is housed in an attractive floral-tooled double gun belt from Victor Ario Saddlery, Great Falls, Montana. The winning bidder will also receive a copy of McGivern’s book Fast and Fancy Revolver Shooting, personally inscribed to McGivern’s “sincere and loyal friend” Robert Kaurin, who subsequently owned the guns; plus related ephemera and accessory items. Estimate: $16,000-$24,000

Morphy’s Firearms & Militaria Auction will be held at the company’s Denver, Pennsylvania gallery, starting each day at 9 AM ET. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the internet through Morphy Live. Questions can be addressed by calling (877) 968-8880 or emailing info@morphyauctions.com.