Morphy Auctions to Sell Historic Firearms, Including 'Pretty Boy' Floyd Thompson Gun
Event summary
- Morphy Auctions will hold a three-day Firearms & Militaria auction from September 15-17, featuring nearly 1,200 lots of antique and collectible firearms.
- Highlights include a Colt 1921 Thompson machine gun used to wound gangster 'Pretty Boy' Floyd, estimated at $100,000-$180,000.
- A Colt Single Action Army revolver linked to General Custer's 7th Cavalry regiment is estimated at $40,000-$60,000.
- Other notable items include a rare World War II German C G Haenel MKb.42(H) machine gun estimated at $80,000-$120,000.
- The auction will be held at Morphy Auctions' Denver, Pennsylvania gallery, with live online bidding available.
The big picture
Morphy Auctions' upcoming sale underscores the enduring value of historically significant firearms in the collectibles market. The inclusion of items tied to infamous gangsters and legendary military figures highlights the niche appeal of militaria auctions. With estimates ranging from $40,000 to $180,000 for key lots, the event will test the depth of collector demand in a sector where provenance often drives valuation.
What we're watching
- Historical Significance
- How the provenance of items like the Thompson gun and Custer-linked revolver will impact bidding and final sale prices.
- Market Demand
- Whether the high estimates for rare firearms reflect sustained collector interest or speculative bidding.
- Auction Dynamics
- The pace at which online bidding integrates with traditional auction formats and its effect on participation.