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American Handguns

Although the number of gun manufacturers in the United States is far and reaching, the big two of the American firearms golden age are traditionally acknowledged to be Colt and Smith & Wesson. Ruger, a latecomer, made its own mark in a significant way.

Founded in 1836 by Samuel Colt to manufacture his patented six-shooter design, Colt produced important rifles, machine guns, and the iconic M1911 semi-automatic pistol, which was adopted and long used by the U.S. military. Smith and Wesson, whose handguns represent some of the most highly collectible pieces at auction, has been one of America's most valued firearms manufacturers since 1854. Today, Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. is the only full-line manufacturer of American-made firearms, producing numerous variations of sought-after handguns including the SR1911.

American handguns are considered by many to be the best the world has to offer. There is no shortage of American-made offerings to choose from at arms auctions.


Quick Facts

  • An extremely rare Colt 1905 semi-automatic pistol sold at Christie's of London in 2004 for £16,730
  • In 2014, a lot consisting of a Colt Model 1911 pistol, Smith & Wesson sidearm, and medals and insignia belonging to WWI veteran Major Joseph Stockham sold at a James D. Julia auction for $11,500
  • In 2015 at James D. Julia sale, a Colt 1905 .45 semi auto with matching stock and holster from the Elmer Keither Collection sold for $29,325

Recommended Items at Auction

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(C) ITHACA MODEL 1911A1 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL (1945).
Apr 13, 9:00 AM EDT
(C) ITHACA MODEL 1911A1 SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL (1945).
by Morphy Auctions
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$1,60010 Bids
(X) Hi- Standard Field King FK-101 .22 LR Pistol
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
(X) Hi- Standard Field King FK-101 .22 LR Pistol
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$20010 Bids
Flintlock Pistol
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
Flintlock Pistol
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$2009 Bids
(X) Ruger Model LCP11 .22 LR Pistol
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
(X) Ruger Model LCP11 .22 LR Pistol
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$2008 Bids
L. B. Taylor & Co. Chicopee Mass., .30 RF Pocket Pistol
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
L. B. Taylor & Co. Chicopee Mass., .30 RF Pocket Pistol
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$2756 Bids
(X) Stevens Tip Up .22 Cal. Pistol
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
(X) Stevens Tip Up .22 Cal. Pistol
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$2006 Bids
LW SEECAMP .380 AUTO SUB COMPACT SEMI AUTO PISTOL
Apr 05, 9:00 AM EDT
LW SEECAMP .380 AUTO SUB COMPACT SEMI AUTO PISTOL
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $400- $550
$2206 Bids
Ruger Blackhawk .45 Cal Revolver
Apr 07, 12:00 PM MST
Ruger Blackhawk .45 Cal Revolver
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$2756 Bids
Ruger Mark I 22lr Semi Automatic Pistol
Apr 07, 12:00 PM MST
Ruger Mark I 22lr Semi Automatic Pistol
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$1606 Bids
KEL TEC P32 .32ACP SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOL
Apr 05, 9:00 AM EDT
KEL TEC P32 .32ACP SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOL
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $200- $270
$1105 Bids
(X) High-Standard Mod 103 Supermatic Tournament
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
(X) High-Standard Mod 103 Supermatic Tournament
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$2005 Bids
Ruger Mark Ii Semi Automatic Target Pistol
Apr 07, 12:00 PM MST
Ruger Mark Ii Semi Automatic Target Pistol
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$1605 Bids
Thompson Center Arms Contender Pistol
Apr 07, 12:00 PM MST
Thompson Center Arms Contender Pistol
by EJ'S Auction & Appraisal
Est: $0- $0
$2755 Bids
WILSON COMBAT CQB PISTOL, .45 CALIBER
Apr 01, 10:00 AM CDT
WILSON COMBAT CQB PISTOL, .45 CALIBER
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $1,500- $2,000
$1,3004 Bids
Muzzleloading Single Shot Kentucky Pistol .38 cal. [161248]
Mar 31, 8:00 AM PDT
Muzzleloading Single Shot Kentucky Pistol .38 cal. [161248]
by Holabird Western Americana
Est: $100- $200
$754 Bids
(X) Stevens Tip Up .22 Cal. Pistol
Apr 15, 9:30 AM EDT
(X) Stevens Tip Up .22 Cal. Pistol
by Old Barn Auction
Est: $40- $1,000
$1503 Bids
BUTLER DERRINGER STYLE PISTOL, .22S CALIBER
Apr 01, 10:00 AM CDT
BUTLER DERRINGER STYLE PISTOL, .22S CALIBER
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $100- $200
$1253 Bids
STINGER SURVIVOR POCKET KNIFE PISTOL, .22LR
Apr 01, 10:00 AM CDT
STINGER SURVIVOR POCKET KNIFE PISTOL, .22LR
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $1,500- $2,000
$9503 Bids
SEECAMP LWS .32 CAL SEMI AUTO SUB COMPACT PISTOL
Apr 05, 9:00 AM EDT
SEECAMP LWS .32 CAL SEMI AUTO SUB COMPACT PISTOL
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $350- $450
$1003 Bids
PARA-ORDNANCE TAC-FOUR LDA AUTO LOAD .45 PISTOL
Apr 01, 10:00 AM CDT
PARA-ORDNANCE TAC-FOUR LDA AUTO LOAD .45 PISTOL
by Austin Auction Gallery
Est: $400- $600
$3753 Bids
AMERICAN TACTICAL GSG 1911 .22 LR SEMI AUTO PISTOL
Apr 05, 9:00 AM EDT
AMERICAN TACTICAL GSG 1911 .22 LR SEMI AUTO PISTOL
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $200- $300
$1503 Bids
NIB CITADEL LEGACY 1911 M1 45 ACP SEMI HANDGUN
Apr 19, 9:00 AM EDT
NIB CITADEL LEGACY 1911 M1 45 ACP SEMI HANDGUN
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $600- $800
$1703 Bids
DESERT EAGLE MANGUM RESEARCH .50 CAL SEMI PISTOL
Apr 19, 9:00 AM EDT
DESERT EAGLE MANGUM RESEARCH .50 CAL SEMI PISTOL
by Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC
Est: $1,300- $1,800
$4253 Bids

Sellers Who Sell American Handguns


Kessler Auktionen AG

Kessler Auktionen AG

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Affiliated Auctions & Realty LLC

Austin Auction Gallery

Austin Auction Gallery