Morphy Auctions is set to host a significant Firearms & Militaria Auction from December 6-8, showcasing 1,152 lots from prestigious collections. Notable among these are pieces from the late Richard “Dick” Burdick, a renowned authority on Colts.
Highlighting the auction is a historic Colt No. 3 Paterson belt-model percussion revolver from circa 1837-1840, believed to have been presented to William Watson, a New York City attorney who represented Samuel Colt. This rare item, estimated at $250,000-$350,000, comes from Dr. Jim Watson’s personal collection in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Another standout item is a rare smoothbore Colt Frontier Six-Shooter Single Action Revolver, once owned by exhibition shooter John Garrett. Manufactured in 1912, it’s one of only 15 made in .44 caliber for smoothbore cartridges, estimated at $75,000-$150,000, from the Richard ‘Dick’ Burdick collection.
The Burdick collection also features a Colt Frontier Six-Shooter Single Action Revolver, associated with John Witner Garrett, a legendary shooter and store owner in Colorado Springs. This piece, also valued at $75,000-$150,000, is accompanied by extensive documentation and a Colt factory letter.
Dr. Jim Watson’s collection includes another highlight: a cased Colt No. 3 Paterson belt-model percussion revolver, estimated at $250,000-$350,000. This revolver is believed to have been a gift from a New Jersey politician to attorney William Watson, who represented Samuel Colt in legal matters.
The auction also boasts a rare Bertuzzi Gullwing in 20-gauge, estimated at $50,000-$80,000, and a Model 1860 Henry factory-engraved and silverplated rifle from 1862, estimated at $70,000-$100,000.
Responding to the demand for machine guns, Morphy’s offers a Maremont M-60, estimated at $90,000-$120,000, and a highly sought-after Colt 1921A Thompson machine gun from 1921, estimated at $60,000-$100,000. This Thompson, with serial number 152, has historical significance, having been shipped to British arms expert Captain H B C Pollard during the Irish independence rebellion.