Morphy Auctions – The Paul Friedreich Collection
May 7, 2024
2000 N. Reading Rd Denver, PA 17517
www.morphyauctions.com

DENVER, PENN. — Collecting elite firearms and militaria is an interest that has captivated crowned heads, presidents and history buffs for centuries. The study of such weaponry is one thing, but having the opportunity to acquire premier examples — especially those associated with immortal figures and world-changing events of the past — is quite another. That is the premise for Morphy’s auction marathon of military, civilian and sporting arms slated for May 7-10, with an opening session devoted exclusively to Part II of the Paul Friedrich collection.

By choice, Paul Friedrich (1943-2022) was a man of another era, enchanted by the romance of America’s Old West and Gold Rush days. He lived it, loved it and collected it. Throughout his 60-plus years of amassing stellar firearms and artifacts, Friedrich focused intently on quality, rarity and careful historical research to support his purchases’ authenticity. Part I of his time capsule of historical American arms and objects, which was offered in a boutique auction at Morphy’s last October 25, realized a hefty $3.4 million, with a Winchester “1 of 1,000” 1876 lever-action rifle leading the lineup at $344,400. There will be more treasures of the same high “caliber” for collectors to pursue in the May 7 session.

The Friedrich collection features some of the most important Colts and Winchesters ever to reach the marketplace. A prime example is the pair of rare pre-World War II exhibition-engraved and gold-inlaid Colt officers model double-action revolvers in a deluxe French-style case. They are accompanied by Colt factory letters, copies of descriptions from their sale at Little John’s auction house, plus other documentation ($75/150,000).

Another gem is the documented .44-40-caliber smoothbore Nimschke-engraved Colt Lightning magazine rifle that was custom-made and inscribed for a member of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Together with a Colt factory letter and other documentation, it is estimated at $75/100,000.

A John Ulrich factory-engraved, nickel-plated Deluxe Winchester Model 1876 lever-action rifle was built in 1882 and chambered in .45-60 caliber. One of only 709 made with plating and one of only 127 with factory engraving, its action is stamped “J. Ulrich” behind the trigger. This Winchester ’76 comes to auction with a 1981 factory letter, photographs and an advertisement ($60/90,000).

The May 8-10 firearms and militaria sessions contain many once-in-a-lifetime buying opportunities, like the pair of factory-engraved Colt 1851 Navy revolvers commissioned by Victor Emmanuel II, first king of Italy, for presentation to General Alessandro Negri di Sanfront. The serial numbers indicate the guns were made circa 1853, at the beginning of the Colt London era. The guns are in a case inscribed with the Crown of Savoy. Accompanied by di Sanfront’s calling card and postcard depicting the general, the pair is estimated ($300/500,000).

Another prize is the original US Army-purchased Colt Model 1875 “Long Model” Gatling gun (.45-70 government caliber) on its original field carriage, in a display case. One of 44 such guns purchased by the Army, it has matching numbers on the bolts and barrels, with the number “47” on the frame ($200/300,000).

A documented, early flintlock Kentucky long rifle attributed to gunsmith John Walker is identified to James Fenimore Cooper (1789-1851), author of Last of the Mohicans. Research by the rifle’s former co-owners, Ed Louer and Gordon Barlow, concluded it was made in the mid-Eighteenth Century in Augusta County, Va., for a mountain man named Jack Hays. Family history says it was used in the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War and War of 1812 before being given to Cooper in the early Nineteenth Century ($40/80,000).

A rare Parker Brothers AAHE 28-bore side-by-side shotgun with 26-inch barrels is a Grade 7 gun. Per the serial number, this shotgun was made circa 1920 ($80/120,000).

Originating north of the border, a rare North American Arms 1911 .45 ACP semiautomatic pistol is one of just over 100 original prototype (tool room sample) pistols produced by the Quebec City (Canada) manufacturer under a 1918 contract to the US Ordnance Department ($75/150,000).

An artful addition to the sale is an early Twentieth Century Joseph Winn Fiske life-size zinc and cast iron statue of a regal elk. More than a century ago, elk statuary appeared as installations in city parks or public places, often underwritten by the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks. Unfortunately, many such statues were scrapped for wartime metal drives. The auction example is one of few known. Morphy’s has placed a $25/75,000 estimate on the statue entered in the May 8 session.

All sessions will be conducted live at the company’s Denver gallery, starting each day at 9 am ET. All forms of remote bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through MorphyLive. For information, 877-968-8880 or www.morphyauctions.com.

Near New San Francisco Shipped Colt Frontier Six Shooter With Picture Box
Fabulous Colt Factory Engraved & Nickel Plated Single Action Army Revolver With Mother Of Pearl Grips & Factory Letter
Large Gold Nugget 266 Grams
Documented Factory Engraved Colt Model 1878 Double Action Revolver
G. Wostenholm IXL Marked California Bowie Knife With Mother Of Pearl And Silver Grips
Large Civil War Era California Bowie Knife by Corsan, Denton, Burdekin & Co with Half Horse Half Alligator Handle
Circa 1850 Engraved Gold Snuff or Tobacco Box
19th C. Statue in Zinc of California Bear with Shield
ACCEPTING CONSIGNMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER 10-12 (Consignment Deadline – June 18)
2000 N. READING ROAD DENVER, PA 17517 877-968-8880
INFO@MORPHYAUCTIONS.COM
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