Antique Firearms Auctions: Selling Pistols and Long Guns from the Late 19th Century and Earlier
Firearms manufactured prior to 1899 are considered antiques. As with most other antiques, many collectors specialize in antique guns.
Contact Central Mass Auctions today to discuss selling your antique firearm(s) at auction, or read on to learn more.
How antique is your firearm?
The first recorded use of a firearm dates back to 1364, according to PBS “History Detective’s” website. By 1380 handguns were “known across Europe.” During the 1400’s matchlock guns came into use. They “were fired by holding a burning wick to a “touch hole” in the barrel igniting the powder inside.” Several important innovations came about over the next centuries, including rifling (spiral grooves inside the barrel that made a bullet spin and travel straighter), and the wheel lock (which created the ignition spark mechanically). The first true flintlock was made in 1630.
Firearms started taking on their modern-day forms over the course of the 19th Century. By 1825 percussion-cap guns were in general use, which over time made muzzle-loaders obsolete. The first Colt revolver was produced in 1835. In 1840 pin-fire cartridges were developed. Shotguns came into common use in 1850. The first full rim-fire cartridge was introduced in 1859. Breech-loading guns came into common use in 1861. In 1873 Winchester began mass-producing affordable rifles. 1877 saw the first effective double-action revolver. Firearm innovations continued through the 20th Century and into the present day.
How valuable is your antique firearm?
At the extreme end, many of the most valuable guns sold at auction have a connection to someone historically significant. One of the first repeating revolvers by Samuel Colt sold for $977,500 according to Money Magazine’s “The 10 Most Expensive Guns Ever Sold at Auction” list. WQAD of Moline, IL reported that a record was set when a rare “Walker” Colt revolver was auctioned for $1.84 million. One set of guns with historical ties that brought six-figure sums at auction were the flintlock pistols of Simon Bolivar (a South American instrumental in revolutions against the Spanish Empire): those fetched $1.68 million. George Washington’s saddle pistols hit the mark when they sold for a little under $2 million at auction.
Your firearm doesn’t need to have a historical pedigree to sell well at auction. Several years ago we sold an antique Colt revolver at auction for $2,000 – more than many brand-new modern revolvers sell for. Your firearm’s value depends primarily on its make, model, rarity, and condition.
We work throughout Central Mass, Greater Boston, New England, and beyond.
