Guns became much more than ways to protect yourself or get food a long time ago. These items show skill, new ideas, creative talent, and occasionally, they signify authority. Someone who loves guns feels a special connection when they own an unusual or old one; it’s like having a part of the past. Some collectors will spend millions of dollars to get these items. 

Old guns sell for amazing amounts at auctions across the globe. People pay a lot because these weapons are hard to find, have interesting histories, or represent important parts of our shared past. Here are ten antique guns that fetched the highest prices at auction, each showing excellent work skills with a significant place in history.

1. George Washington’s Saddle Pistols: $1,986,000

These flintlock pistols, once belonging to the first president, are important pieces of American history. People bought these items at auction in 2002. They are useful tools, yet they also hold significant historical value as important objects from the time of the Revolutionary War.

2. Simon Bolivar’s Flintlock Pistols: $1,687,500

Simon Bolivar, celebrated as the person who freed South America, owned pistols that represent a significant part of history. These guns, well-made with a link to a famous historical figure, sold for a high price because of their history.

3. The Gun That Killed Billy the Kid: $6,030,312

Sheriff Pat Garrett shot the notorious outlaw Billy the Kid with this Colt .44 revolver in 1881. It sold for the highest price ever paid for a gun at auction in 2021, showing people remain very interested in stories from the American West.

4. Theodore Roosevelt’s Colt Single Action Army Revolver: $1,466,250

Theodore Roosevelt, a past president, loved spending time in nature. He was also a skilled politician. A Colt revolver that belonged to him sold for a lot of money at auction, showing how leaders often have a special gun they favor.

5. The Walker Colt Revolver: $1,840,000

The Colt Walker stands out as a very uncommon, highly desired old gun. People first created just 1,100 of these in 1847; now, fewer than 200 still exist. A Walker Colt in great shape sold for a very high price; it is a prized possession for dedicated collectors.

6. A Gold-Inlaid Winchester Model 1886: $1,265,000

People who love guns respect Winchester; this rifle, a Model 1886 with gold details, shows how skilled the company is. Beautiful details and excellent upkeep drove the price up to over a million dollars at auction.

7. The Colt Paterson Revolver: $977,500

The Paterson, Samuel Colt’s initial commercially produced revolver, represents a key moment in gun development. Because few exist, plus it appeared when revolvers first became popular, this old gun fetches a very high price when it’s sold.

8. Bat Masterson’s Colt Single Action Army: $736,000

Bat Masterson, a famous figure from the Old West who worked as a lawman, also enjoyed gambling. He used this Colt revolver throughout his interesting life. People really wanted the gun because it belonged to a famous figure from the Old West, so it sold for a lot of money.

9. A Winchester “One of One Thousand” 1873 Rifle: $718,750

People often call the Winchester 1873 “the gun that won the West.” It’s a famous firearm. The “One of One Thousand” rifles were top quality, offering great precision and a beautiful look. Because they are uncommon and well-made, collectors who really care about old guns want these items.

10. The Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver Owned by Wild Bill Hickok: $425,000

Wild Bill Hickok remains a famous person from the early American West. The revolver he used when he worked as a police officer, and during his time as a card player, fetched close to $500,000. This made it a significant item in the story of guns. 

The Future of Antique Gun Collecting 

More people want old objects, so sales of antique guns keep going strong. As more young people start collecting items, firearms connected to American history, the Wild West, or famous figures, will probably keep selling for very high amounts. 

People new to collecting firearms often find it wise to begin with less expensive, older guns. As you gain more skill, with bigger funds available, you can look for unusual, important items from the past. 

Final Thoughts 

The ten most expensive old guns ever auctioned show how much people value history, skilled work, and collecting. Guns, from those owned by presidents to those used by criminals, represent more than just tools for fighting. They show us history, times of big change, famous people, and captivating tales. 

People who enjoy guns can find what they need at Collectors Firearms, whether they are beginning a collection or adding to one they already have. We have a huge range of old and new guns, so everyone finds something they like, whether they are starting a collection or they’ve been buying guns for years. 

Discover interesting old guns now; obtain a historical item from Collectors Firearms.