13 Historic Firearms from American Makers Now Worth a Fortune
American-made firearms have long held a special place in history, from their role in pivotal wars to their impact on the development of the Wild West. Over the years, many of these historic firearms have become rare collectibles, with some fetching impressive sums at auctions. Firearms like the Colt Walker, Winchester Model 1873, and Colt Single Action Army have left their mark on American culture and are highly prized by collectors today. As time passes, the value of these historic guns continues to rise, driven by their rarity, condition, and historical significance. From Civil War carbines to World War II rifles, each piece tells a story of America’s past.
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Colt Walker 1847
The Colt Walker was a massive revolver created for the Texas Rangers in 1847. Designed by Samuel Colt and Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker, it was chambered for a powerful .44 calibre round and featured a 9-inch barrel, making it one of the largest revolvers of its time. The revolver became a key part of American frontier history, used in early conflicts such as the Mexican-American War.
Only about 1,100 were produced, and the rarity of the Colt Walker makes it highly prized by collectors. In recent auctions, examples have fetched as much as $1,840,000 due to its historical significance and condition. Those with original cases or unique documentation tend to bring the highest bids, making it a coveted item for collectors.
Colt Single Action Army Model 1873
The Colt Single Action Army, also known as the “Peacemaker,” became iconic after being adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873. It is renowned for its reliability, precision, and the role it played in the American West, being carried by lawmen, outlaws, and soldiers alike. This revolver was chambered in .45 Colt and was used for over 50 years in various military and civilian applications.
Today, the Colt Single Action Army is revered for its historical value, and rare early examples are highly sought after. Depending on condition, serial numbers, and provenance, one of these revolvers could fetch anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000+. Collectors often pay top dollar for unique variants with historical ties, such as those owned by famous figures.
Remington New Model Army 1863
This percussion revolver was widely used during the American Civil War by both Union and Confederate forces. Produced by Remington, the New Model Army was known for its robust design and ease of use, making it a favorite of soldiers and civilians alike. It had a distinctive square‑backed trigger guard and was chambered in .44 caliber.
Original models, especially those with military markings, are highly valuable today. A New Model Army in excellent condition can command prices of $239,000 or more, particularly if it is connected to a notable historical figure like Buffalo Bill Cody. These firearms are celebrated not just for their role in history but for their craftsmanship and rarity.
Sharps Rifle Model 1874
The Sharps Model 1874 was a single-shot rifle that became famous for its accuracy and powerful range, particularly in the hands of buffalo hunters and military sharpshooters. It was chambered in a variety of calibers, including the .50-70 Government, and featured a falling block action. The rifle’s precision made it a favorite among hunters and marksmen during the American West’s expansion.
Today, a Sharps rifle, especially one with engraving or a low serial number, is a highly collectible item. Depending on its condition and features, it can fetch anywhere from $40,000 to $70,000, with some rare models achieving even higher prices. The rifle’s place in both military and civilian history has cemented its status as a prized collector’s item.
Winchester Model 1894
Designed by John Browning, the Winchester Model 1894 was one of the most successful lever-action rifles ever made, with over 7 million produced. It became synonymous with hunting and ranching in the American West, known for its smooth action and powerful calibers. The rifle was chambered in calibers like .30-30 Winchester and .32 Winchester Special, making it versatile for hunting various game.
While most models today trade in the low thousands, rare variants like the pre-1964 editions can be worth significantly more. With desirable features such as special order options or limited runs, these rifles can reach values between $10,000 and $20,000. Some rare commemorative editions or rifles in near-new condition have even exceeded these figures at auctions.
Colt Dragoon Revolver
The Colt Dragoon was a powerful percussion revolver developed for the U.S. Army during the Mexican-American War. It was chambered for a .44 caliber round and was designed for long-range accuracy, becoming a preferred sidearm for cavalry and military units. The revolver’s weight and design made it a significant step forward in firearm technology during the mid-1800s.
As one of the most iconic early revolvers produced by Colt, the Dragoon holds considerable collector appeal. Depending on the model, condition, and provenance, a Colt Dragoon can be worth anywhere between $50,000 and $75,000. Collectors prize those with unique engravings or military history.
Merrill Carbine
The Merrill Carbine, a breech-loading rifle used by the Union cavalry during the Civil War, is a rare and sought-after piece for collectors. It was one of the earliest breech-loaders used in military combat and was known for its quick reloading capabilities, which was a significant advantage in battle. Its distinctive brass trigger guard and design make it easily identifiable.
Because the Merrill Carbine was produced in limited quantities, original examples are scarce. A well-preserved model can command a price in the range of $30,000 to $50,000, particularly if it has military markings or other provenance that ties it to notable Civil War figures.
Volcanic Repeating Arms Pistol
Produced in the 1850s, the Volcanic Repeating Arms Pistol was one of the earliest examples of a repeating firearm. Known for its lever-action mechanism and unique tubular magazine, the pistol was a precursor to later repeating firearms like the Winchester. It was chambered for .41 caliber and was relatively advanced for its time.
Due to its historical significance and limited production, Volcanic pistols are extremely rare. Depending on the condition and the specifics of the model, these pistols can fetch between $20,000 and $100,000 or more. Some exceptional examples with original cases or related accessories have gone for even higher prices.
Winchester Model 1873
Often referred to as “the gun that won the West,” the Winchester Model 1873 was one of the most famous rifles of its time. This lever-action repeating rifle was widely used by settlers, lawmen, and even outlaws. Known for its smooth action and power, it became a symbol of the American frontier.
Winchester 1873 rifles that remain in original, well-maintained condition are highly prized among collectors. Depending on its condition and features, a Winchester Model 1873 can be valued between $15,000 and $30,000. Models with rare markings or special features, such as custom engravings, often fetch much higher prices at auction.
Springfield Model 1861
The Springfield Model 1861 was one of the most widely used rifles during the American Civil War, chambered for .58 caliber. This muzzle-loading rifle-musket was known for its accuracy and reliability in combat. Its design became a standard for Union infantry during the war, and it saw action in numerous important battles.
Given its historical importance, well-preserved examples of the Springfield Model 1861 are highly sought after. Prices for these rifles range from $10,000 to $25,000, with those in near-mint condition or with military provenance often reaching the higher end of that range.
Remington Model 1875
Remington’s Model 1875 was a single-action revolver that was designed to compete with Colt’s popular revolvers. It featured a distinctive top-break action and was chambered in .44 and .45 calibers. While it was not as widely adopted as other revolvers of the era, it gained recognition for its ruggedness and performance.
Today, the Remington Model 1875 is a rare find for collectors, particularly those with military markings or unique features. A well-preserved example can fetch $8,000 to $20,000, depending on its condition and rarity.
U.S. Model 1816 Flintlock Musket
The U.S. Model 1816 was a flintlock musket that saw extensive service from the War of 1812 through the early Mexican-American War. It was one of the last flintlock firearms produced for the U.S. military before transitioning to percussion caps. This musket is a key piece of American military history, often associated with early 19th-century infantry.
Collectors prize the Model 1816 for its historical value and rarity. Depending on the condition and markings, this musket can be worth anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, with well-preserved versions bringing in higher bids at auction.
Colt 1911 Pistol
Developed by John Browning and adopted by the U.S. Army in 1911, the Colt 1911 is one of the most iconic handguns in American history. This semi-automatic pistol became a standard issue for military personnel during both World Wars and continues to serve in various military and law enforcement roles today. The 1911 is chambered in .45 ACP and is known for its power and accuracy.
While modern versions are still produced, vintage 1911s, particularly those manufactured during the World Wars, are highly collectible. Prices for these models typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 for standard versions, but rare or historically significant models can fetch upwards of $20,000 or more.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.