10 Historic Guns That Sold for Sky-High Prices

A close-up of an antique flintlock musket, powder horn, lead balls, and paper-wrapped cartridges on a dark wooden surface.
zim286/istockphoto

There are plenty of flashy, souped-up guns on the market that cost thousands of dollars, but some historically significant (and expensive) guns are worth far more than their weight in gold.

From the gun that was used to kill Billy the Kid to George Washington’s saddle pistols, these one-of-a-kind guns fetched impressive prices at auction. 

1. Texas Ranger Sam Wilson’s Colt Walker

A vintage revolver with a wooden handle and metallic barrel, resting on a plain light gray surface, showcasing intricate engravings on the cylinder and a brass trigger guard.
u/LoneWolfIndia via Reddit.com
u/LoneWolfIndia via Reddit.com

Sold for: $920,000

Built for the Texas Rangers in 1847, the Colt Walker was one of the most powerful black powder revolvers ever made. With only 1,100 produced and few surviving, this one, issued to Texas Ranger Sam Wilson, was in near-perfect condition, skyrocketing its value.

2. Pat Garrett’s Colt Single Action Army Used To Kill Billy the Kid

Elderly woman standing outside in front of a brick wall, holding a revolver in one hand. She is wearing a patterned dress and has her hair tied back. The image is in black and white.
u/SmokeTheFire via Reddit.com
u/SmokeTheFire via Reddit.com

Sold for: $6.03 million

This is the six-shooter that ended an outlaw legend. The Colt Single Action Army belonged to Sheriff Pat Garrett, the man who famously gunned down Billy the Kid in 1881. This pistol was, without a doubt, a Wild West relic.

3. Teddy Roosevelt’s Double-Barreled Shotgun

A vintage double-barrel shotgun is displayed in a glass case at a museum. The wooden gun case is open below it. Informational plaques and various exhibits are in the background.
Pi3.124 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)

Sold for: $862,500

Teddy Roosevelt was best known for being the president, but he was also an avid outdoorsman. This shotgun, crafted by the Fox Gun Company, was made specifically for his 1909 African safari. Roosevelt called it the most beautiful gun he had ever seen. Originally sold by his family in 1974, it changed hands a few times before fetching nearly $900,000 in a 2010 auction.

4. Simón Bolívar’s Flintlock Pistols

An open antique pistol set in a velvet-lined case. The case contains two ornately engraved flintlock pistols, a powder flask, and various tools. The background features a red label with decorative text.
Calibre Mx / YouTube
Calibre Mx / YouTube

Sold for: $1.80 million 

Crafted by Nicolas-Noël Boutet— Napoleon’s own gunsmith — these pistols were a gift from the Marquis de Lafayette to Simón Bolívar in 1825. 

5. George Washington’s Saddle Pistols

Two antique flintlock pistols displayed on a light background. The pistols feature intricate metal detailing on the wooden grips and barrels, with unique trigger and hammer designs. One pistol is larger than the other, both showcasing historical craftsmanship.
u/Sensei_of_Knowledge via Reddit.com
u/Sensei_of_Knowledge via Reddit.com

Sold for: $1.98 million

These elegant flintlock pistols rode with George Washington through the Revolutionary War (no biggie, right?). The presidential pistols included intricate details and gold inlay, adding to their inherent value.

6. Danish Sea Captain Colt Walker

A vintage revolver with a wooden grip is displayed in an open wooden case lined with red fabric. Beside the revolver are a brass powder flask with engravings, and several small gun-related tools.
u/BeautifulOk2967 via Reddit.com

Sold for: $1.84 million

One of only 100 civilian Colt Walkers ever made, it’s the only known factory-cased example, complete with original documentation in Sam Colt’s handwriting. Bought in 1847 by Danish sea captain Neils Hanson in New York (hence its nickname), it made its way to Denmark, survived Nazi occupation by being buried in a garden, and finally returned to the U.S. after the war.

7. Millikin Colt Dragoon Revolver

An antique revolver with an ivory handle and ornate engravings lies on a table. Behind it, there is a brown wooden case and a dagger with a similarly decorated hilt.
Rock Island Auction Company / YouTube
Rock Island Auction Company / YouTube

Sold for: $1.66 million

This Colt Dragoon, gifted to Civil War officer John Millikin, is a masterpiece of engraving and craftsmanship. Passed down to Millikin’s son Paul, whose name and rank are etched into the backstrap, this revolver is steeped in history.

8. The 44.-Caliber Smith & Wesson That Killed Jesse James

A vintage revolver with a wooden grip is displayed on a beige cloth. The gun shows signs of age with a tarnished metal surface. A knife with a price tag partially visible is placed underneath.
Pawn Stars / YouTube

Sold for: $350,000

Jesse James was the ultimate Wild West outlaw — robbing banks, dodging the law, and building a legend. But his story ended with a betrayal. Shot in the back by fellow gang member Robert Ford, this Smith & Wesson is believed to be the very gun that fired the fatal rounds. 

9. Gold-Inlaid Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver

A highly ornate revolver with intricate gold and silver engravings displayed in a glass case. The handle is made of wood with a rich, polished finish. Its reflective metal surface showcases detailed craftsmanship.
B / Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA)
B / Flickr (CC BY-NC-SA)

Sold for: $1.1 million

Dripping in gold inlay, this .31 caliber Colt Model 1849 features an intricate mix of mythical creatures, wild animals, and ornate scrollwork. Even the screws are decorated. 

10. Colt Patterson Revolver

A vintage revolver set displayed in a wooden case with red velvet lining. The set includes a disassembled revolver, wooden handles, a cylinder, a bullet mold, a powder flask, and a rod.
Throwing Copper CRA / YouTube
Throwing Copper CRA / YouTube

Sold for: $977,500

As the first ever repeating pistol, patented by Samuel Colt in 1836, the Colt Paterson changed firearms forever. With its revolutionary revolving cylinder, it paved the way for the modern revolver, and this model is arguably the most pristine in existence.