Historical Guns — An Overview for Collectors & Appraisers
Historical firearms are among the most fascinating and culturally significant artifacts an appraiser or collector can handle. When approached from a historical, technical, and artistic standpoint—as opposed to a functional one—they offer deep insight into craftsmanship, warfare, exploration, and society.
Major Collecting Categories
Matchlock, Wheellock & Flintlock firearms
Early craftsmanship pieces—often museum-grade when original. These are as much sculpture as weapon.Percussion-era arms (c. 1830–1865)
Includes Civil War muskets, sporting rifles, and dueling pistols. Enormously collectible with strong North American demand.Victorian & Colonial firearms
Martini-Henry rifles, Sniders, Enfields—icons of empire and industrial standardization.World War I firearms
SMLE No.1 Mk III, Luger P08, Mauser C96, early machine-gun development era.World War II firearms
Lee-Enfield No.4, Mauser K98k, Tokarev, Nagant—historical gravity, but condition and originality are critical due to post-war refurbishment.
