Historic Firearms Shine at Morphy's May 2026 Auction with Record Sales
Historic Firearms Auction Highlights
From May 12 to 14, 2026, Morphy’s Auctions hosted an exceptional event that brought together history enthusiasts and collectors at their Firearms and Militaria Auction. The auction featured an impressive array of exquisite firearms with extraordinary provenance, making headlines for both the items presented and the staggering sales figures that followed.
Iconic Firearms Sold
One of the standout pieces was the first-ever DWM 1900 Swiss Luger semi-automatic pistol. Manufactured in May 1901 and bearing the coveted serial number 01, this significant artifact fetched a remarkable $307,500. As the first military contract Luger produced, it is part of a historical narrative that began with a contract for 610 guns from Switzerland. This particular Luger had an extraordinary journey, previously belonging to renowned collectors Hank Vissner and Geoff Sturgess, and it retained over 97% of its original rust blue finish, underscoring its impeccable condition.
In addition, the 1940 Singer Model 1911A1 .45 ACP semi-automatic pistol also captured the attention of bidders, raking in $184,500. Known as an extremely desirable piece among .45 automatic collectors globally, this specimen remained undiscovered until recently, and its exceptional condition contributed to its impressive value. Maintaining nearly all of its original DuLite finish and featuring a pristine bore and grips, this pistol was a prime example of historical craftsmanship.
Other Noteworthy Sales
The auction didn’t stop there: an exquisite circa-1994 Purdey .410 SLE shotgun settled close to its estimate at $150,000. This fine shotgun was praised for its intricate engraving and mechanical excellence, a true testament to Purdey's legacy as one of the finest gun makers.
Another notable mention was a Colt 1921/28 Navy Thompson machine gun, which bore the