Most Valuable Guns In History

Value: $1,986,000

Why Worth So Much: A pair of guns belonging to the first U.S. president fetches a high price.Washington receivedMarquis de Lafayette, a French ally, gave Washington these pistols. Washington used the ornate rococo carvings and golden inlays in action during the American Revolution. After Washington died, Andrew Jackson took the guns into his collection, then gave them to the Washington family. The Richard King Mellon Foundation bought the guns at Christie's 2002 Americana auction for $1,986,000. The Foundation then gave the pistols to the Fort Ligonier historic site and museum.

Value:$1,805,000

Why Worth So Much: ThisgunBelonged to Simon Bolivar, a Venezuelan military leader who fought to free Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador, and Peru from Spanish rule. He united these nations under a single banner of independent Latin American nations and served as the president of the organization. His impact on Latin America and the world made his possessions, including his guns, very valuable. Bolivar collected guns, and these flintlock pistols were the most valuable ones he owned. You can get them at Christie's for $1,805,000.

Value:$1.2 million

Why Worth So Much: Winchester rifles are usually high-quality, high-priced items. However, the 1886 model is exceptional—especially the one owned by US Army Captain Henry Ware Lawton, the man who captured Geronimo. This gun sold for $1.2 million by the Rock Island Auction Company, making it the most expensive gun ever sold as of May 2016.

Value:Last sold for $1,142,500

Why Worth So Much: Regular Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolvers canfetcha few thousand dollars, but this model is special because of its gold inlays. The beautiful design features dogs, bears, and other animals, which push the price over the $1 million mark.

Value:Up to$1 million

Why Worth So Much: Lugersare semi-automatic fixed-barrel pistols best known for use in Germany during WWI and WWII. Many national militaries used Lugers, but they are heavily linked to Nazi Germany and appear in movies and pop culture featuring SS troops. Though this link is unpleasant, the guns are a part of history, which explains why they command such a high price. There is a .45 caliber Luger, but because only two were ever made, the two existing ones can fetch prices up to $1 million.only twoTwo exist; they can fetch prices up to $1 million.

Value:Sold for$920,000in October 2008

Why Worth So Much: Produced in the 1840s, the Colt Walker.The Colt Walker.This historic, rare revolver resulted from a collaboration between Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker and Samuel Colt. This gave it its name. It fit inside horse-mounted holsters and could carry a horse, making it useful during the Mexican-American War. Now, it has little practical use; collectors value it.Only 1,100 models of the Colt Walker exist.Only 100 of those 1,100 models reached the civilian market.

How Much It's Worth: $228,000 and up.

Why It's Worth So Much: Claims suggest these cost over $228,000. That amount exceeds what most people earn in five years. Master artisans build each weapon, spending 850 hours on every one. The company sells its guns to wealthy clients, including the British royal family.Holland & Holland is a luxury gun outfit. Their guns cost so much you must contact the company for prices. One source claims they can cost over $228,000, more than most people earn in five years. Master artisans spend 850 hours crafting each weapon. The company sells guns to wealthy people, including the British royal family.One source claims they can cost upwards of $228,000, which is more than most people make in five years.claims they can cost upwards of $228,000, which is more than most people make in five years. These weapons are made by master artisans who put 850 hours into crafting each one. The company sells its guns to some very fancy people, including the British royal family.

How Much It's Worth:Up to $169,500.

Why It's Worth So Much:The Colt Paterson.Patented in 1836 and made a year later, the Colt Paterson became the first single-action revolver. It improved accuracy over other guns of its kind. However, it did not sell well first. Only 2,850 models were produced over five years. The Texas Rangers gained fame after they used them in the 1844 Pedernales River fight.The Colt Paterson, patented in 1836 and manufactured a year later, was the first single-action revolver. It improved accuracy over other guns of its kind. It did not sell well initially. Only 2,850 models were produced over five years. The Texas Rangers used them in the 1844 Pedernales River fight.

How Much It's Worth:$106,800.

Why It's Worth So Much:Berettas are high-quality shotguns globally, so they command a high price. Olympic skeet and trap champions often use them. They show great appearance and function. The Beretta Imperiale Montecarlo shotgun is a top model. Luxury costs a lot.

How Much It's Worth:Up to $99,500.

Why It's Worth So Much:Fabbri is a boutique Italian gun maker. Ivo Fabbri and artisans run it, producing only 30 firearms per year.Fabbri produces only 30 firearms per year.To order a Fabbri gun, you must pay a bundle and wait up to four years for delivery. Fabbri guns are rare and stunningly beautiful. Inlays show intricate art, making them works of art and functional weapons. These guns also have modern tech for easy use.

How Much It's Worth:$28,000 - $30,000.

Why It's Worth So Much:The The Chapuis Savana Double Rifle appeared in the 1800s. Hunters used this gun for one job: taking down rare, dangerous animals in Africa. Its double barrel let the user shoot twice without reloading. Today, magazine guns offer more firepower. These rifles now hold collector value, likely because wealthy hunters owned them. The guns also feature fine decoration, adding historical and aesthetic worth.

Value: Up to $10,995

Why It's Worth So Much: This gun is one unlike others on this list.You can actually buy - if you have $10,000. Ed Brown builds custom guns, meaning they match customer specs. That isn't the only reason the weapon costs so much. Ornate design also boosts its value.

Value: $7,000 to $9,500

Why It's Worth So Much: ThisrevolverJoseph Brazier got a patent for his complex loading lever design in 1855, which created this revolver. England likely did the scrollwork. Gold Indian damascene patterns probably formed in India while the gun was there. The same artisan may have decorated a pair of Colts at the NRA National Firearms Museum.

Value: Up to$800

Why It's Worth So Much: This revolver may not reach the high prices of some rarer guns on this list.Smith & Wesson J-frame RevolverThis revolver is a good asset to sell for a stable price. Keep this gun in good shape, and it should sell for about $800.