With firearms playing such a major role in world history, it is not surprising that many older guns have become prized collectibles. Some collectors are drawn to comic books, vintage toys, or rare cars, while others focus on weapons that changed military, sporting, or manufacturing history. The most valuable examples are often more than just working firearms. They are artifacts tied to famous inventors, major conflicts, limited production runs, or turning points in gun design. For collectors, condition, provenance, rarity, and historical importance can turn a pistol or rifle into something worth far more than its original purpose.
15. Volcanic Repeating Arms
The Volcanic Repeating Arms Company is important less because of one single firearm and more because of what it led to. The company helped lay the groundwork for two of the most recognizable names in American gun history: Winchester Repeating Arms and Smith & Wesson. That connection makes early Volcanic firearms especially desirable among serious collectors. Original Volcanic repeating rifles, including examples connected to the late 1840s and 1850s, are valued for their role in the development of repeating firearm technology. Depending on condition, rarity, and provenance, pristine rifles can sell for around $25,000, while certain Volcanic pistols have reached more than $40,000 at auction.
14. Thompson Submachine Gun
Few submachine guns have a reputation as strong as the Thompson. Better known as the Tommy Gun, it became one of the most recognizable firearms of the 20th century thanks to its use by law enforcement, soldiers, and criminals during some of America’s most dramatic eras. Its association with Prohibition-era gangsters helped turn it into a pop culture symbol, while its service during World War II gave it a serious military legacy. Collectors value the Thompson for its design, history, and unmistakable appearance. Depending on condition, model, documentation, and origin, examples can sell for roughly $20,000 to $50,000 at auction.
13. Walther WA 2000
While not as old as some of the other guns on this list, the Walther WA 2000 was first introduced in 1978 and remained in production until 1988. Produced in three different calibers, this weapon was in limited production, with only 176 models made and sold. This makes it one of the most sought-after firearms in the world, with auction prices regularly fetching as much as $50,000.
12. MG34 Machine Gun
Often thought of as one of the finest machine guns ever manufactured, the German MG34 is highly collectible. It’s not uncommon to see models range between $20,000 and $90,000 at auction. The goal of the MG34 was to provide cover for infantry troops, allowing them to fire up to 900 rounds per minute.
11. Colt Python
Often described as one of the finest revolvers ever made, the Colt Python has become a modern classic among collectors. It is not nearly as old as many historic firearms, with original production running from 1955 through 2005, but its reputation for accuracy, craftsmanship, and smooth handling gives it enormous appeal. Collectors especially prize early examples, rare barrel lengths, excellent finishes, and guns with strong documentation. Celebrity ownership can push prices far higher than normal, as shown by an Elvis Presley-owned Colt Python that sold for $172,500. Most collector-grade examples are far more affordable, often selling in the $3,000 to $3,500 range.
10. M1 Garand
For World War II collectors, the M1 Garand is one of the most important American military rifles ever made. General George S. Patton famously praised it as the “greatest battle implement ever devised,” and its reputation only grew from there. The rifle served as the standard U.S. infantry weapon during World War II and the Korean War, and it continued to see use in later decades, including during the Vietnam era in more limited roles. Collectors value the M1 Garand for its battlefield history, semi-automatic design, and deep connection to American military service. In collector-grade condition, an M1 Garand can bring more than $3,500 at auction.
9. Winchester Model 1894
The Winchester Model 1894 is one of the most recognizable lever-action rifles in American history. Designed by John Browning and produced by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company, it became closely associated with hunting, ranching, and frontier-era firearms culture. Its handy size, fast cycling action, and long production life helped make it one of the most successful sporting rifles ever built. Collectors often look for early production examples, rare configurations, strong original finishes, and rifles with clear provenance. While many standard models are more modestly priced, especially desirable Winchester Model 1894 rifles can command prices as high as $10,000.
8. Flintlock Pistol
Dating back to the 17th century, the Flintlock pistol remains highly sought after by gun collectors. Not only do they increase in price depending on condition, but as they were only available in low production numbers, they remain highly collectible in the right condition. Well-preserved models, with documented history, can fetch as much as $15,000 or more.
7. Springfield Model 1861 Rifle
Used during the American Civil War, the Springfield Model 1861 rifle was the most widely used Union weapon of the war. With a 40-inch barrel, it was long to carry, but it could hit a target around 500 yards out. Costing around $15 to make at the Springfield Armory, models that are in their original condition, especially with a bayonet attached, can fetch as much as $8,000 at auction, if not higher.
6. Smith & Wesson No. 1 Revolver
First produced by Smith & Wesson in 1857, the No. 1 revolver holds an important place in firearms history because it was the company’s first successful revolver and one of the earliest American handguns to use self-contained rimfire cartridges. Production continued until 1882, but the design went through multiple changes as Smith & Wesson worked through mechanical and reliability issues. Those variations are part of what makes the No. 1 so interesting to collectors today. Early first and second issue examples are especially desirable because of their age, scarcity, and role in revolver development. Depending on condition, finish, and configuration, the first two issues can sell for as much as $7,500, with exceptional examples bringing even more.
5. Kentucky Long Rifle
Known by several names, including the Kentucky Long Rifle, American long rifle, and Pennsylvania Rifle, this firearm became one of the most recognizable weapons of early American history. It is often associated with frontier hunters, marksmen, and Revolutionary War-era riflemen, including some units that served during the fight for independence. Its long barrel made it easy to identify and helped give it impressive accuracy for the period, though it was slower to reload than many smoothbore muskets used by British forces. Collectors value these rifles for their craftsmanship, age, regional variations, and historical connection to early America. Recent sales have ranged widely, from under $1,000 for rough examples to around $35,000 for highly desirable pieces.
4. Sharps Rifle
The Sharps Rifle became one of the most respected firearms of the 19th century, especially among Civil War sharpshooters and later buffalo hunters on the American frontier. Both the Model 1859 and Model 1863 are highly collectible because of their military use, strong reputation for accuracy, and connection to major moments in American history. Collectors look closely for original military markings, matching components, period-correct sights, and signs that the rifle has not been heavily altered over time. Condition matters, but provenance can matter just as much. A Sharps Rifle with original features and clear documentation can often reach valuations of at least $10,000, while examples tied to notable users or units may be worth even more.
3. Luger P08
The recognizable semi-automatic pistol used in the original release date of the Luger P08 predates World War II by almost 35 years. However, it was due to this war that the Luger P08 became highly collectible. It’s not uncommon to find models available for sale at prices ranging from $800 to $2,300, depending on their condition. However, a “Black Widow” Luger can sell for as much as $3,800.
2. Winchester Model 1873 Rifle
Often labeled the “Gun that won the West,” the Winchester Model 1873 rifle is a collector’s favorite. Released by Winchester Repeating Arms Company in 1873, only 720,000 were produced. As a result, pristine condition models have increased value, making them akin to owning a piece of history. Depending on the condition, recent auctions have sold for as high as $7,750 to as low as $1,000.
1. Colt Single Action Army Revolver
Best known to the world as the “Peacemaker,” the Colt Single Action Army Revolver is one of the most collectible pistols in history. Playing a significant role in the Wild West, the firearm was first introduced in 1873 and was highly popular among outlaws, ranchers, and lawmen. According to recent sales, a pristine condition Peacemaker with matching serial numbers can fetch anywhere between $50,000 and $100,000.
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