DENVER, PA.- History buffs and collectors of fine antique, vintage and modern firearms probably didn’t find what they wanted at Black Friday sales, but that doesn’t matter. The collectible-arms community will gather for holiday shopping December 10-13 at Morphy’s Pennsylvania gallery. The company’s four-day series is packed with American, European and Japanese legacy firearms and militaria and opens with a very special December 10 session titled The Art of War in America, 1750-1850: The James L Kochan Study Collection. The December 11-13 lineup features one exciting highlight after another, including the Kenneth Smith-Christmas collection of Irish arms, and fresh selections from the Jim Cyr collection and Frank Brownell knife collection. In all, there are more than 2,100 lots.

The opening session (Dec. 10) is devoted exclusively to the James L Kochan Study Collection. It includes museum-quality martial artifacts, paintings, manuscripts and imprints from the crucial period of American history between 1750 and 1850, an era marked by hard-fought battles for liberty and land. “James Kochan is a collector and dealer of the highest degree who has handled some of the most important of all known artifacts from the French and Indian War, Revolutionary War, and War of 1812,” said Dan Morphy, president of Morphy Auctions. “He is also the author of numerous reference books that are highly respected by others who share his passion for American military history. It is a tremendous honor for us to represent his collection at auction.”


Inscribed fusil (carbine) of the Charlestown, Massachusetts Minutemen belonging to patriot and merchant Benjamin Hurd Jr. (b. 1749/’50-1821). Full-length cherry stock with profile of British influence and relief-carved panels around lock and sideplate. Four fabricated brass ramrod ferrules, the foremost trumpeted. Escutcheon inscribed ‘Benja Hurd jr 1775.’ Comes with iron ramrod appearing to be original to the piece. Provenance: Descent through Hurd family; sold at Northeast Auctions, Aug 22, 2010; James L Kochan; Steve Hench; reacquisition for Kochan collection to present day. Estimate: $30,000-$50,000


The spirit of Boston’s early patriots comes to life in the form of an inscribed fusil (carbine) of the Charlestown, Massachusetts Minutemen that belonged to activist and merchant Benjamin Hurd Jr. (b. 1749/’50-1821). The gun has a full-length cherry stock with relief-carved panels around the lock and sideplate. Its profile displays British influence and it has four fabricated brass ramrod ferrules, the foremost being trumpeted. Its escutcheon is inscribed Benja Hurd jr 1775. It comes with an iron ramrod appearing to be original to the piece. The fusil passed by descent through the Hurd family until it was purchased by James Kochan at Northeast Auctions in 2010. Subsequently, it became the property of Steve Hench, then was reacquired for the Kochan collection. Its auction estimate is $30,000-$50,000.

Attributed to Matthew Pratt (American, 1734-1805), the Portrait of Captain John Barry, Continental Navy, c. 1776 is an oil-on-canvas work laid to a mahogany panel and presented in a contemporary carved and gilded frame. Irish-born Barry (1745-1803) was the first officer, either military or naval, to receive a commission from the Continental Congress. That document was signed by John Hancock and dated December 7, 1775. His first command was the 14-gun Lexington, while his last – due to being seriously wounded in battle – was the frigate Alliance, May 1781. With provenance that includes lateral family descent to Barry Hayes Hepburn (1886-1966), followed by private acquisitions, it comes to auction with a $20,000-$40,000 estimate.

Poised to unleash its formidable firepower at auction, an extremely rare bronze 4-pounder cannon of the Gribeauval System is one of only two surviving examples in that caliber to pre-date the French Revolution, when most were melted and recast. Its tube measures 62¼ inches from the muzzle to the cascabel. Made October 12, 1765 at the Royal Foundry in Douay, France, it is identified on the top of the barrel as LA SEDUISANTE’ (THE SEDUCER). Weighing in at a hefty 650lbs, it is expected to command a winning bid of $80,000-$120,000.


Unique and historically-significant early 1960s Colt AR-15 machine gun presented to JFK’s Chief of Staff General Earle G. Wheeler. Manufactured and specially serialized by Colt for presentation to Wheeler, who was instrumental to the adoption of the forward assist feature on the AR-15. Barrel: 20in. Caliber/Bore: 5.56mm NATO. Markings include ‘PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVT.’ and ‘XM 16E1.’ Comes with hardwood display rack with extensively-inscribed brass presentation plaque. Gun exhibits near-excellent original factory finish with gold plating on receiver and barrel. Estimate: $100,000-$200,000


The three-day Firearms & Militaria Auction to follow is crowned by a unique and historically-significant early 1960s Colt AR-15 machine gun that was presented to JFK’s Chief of Staff General Earle G. Wheeler. Manufactured and specially serialized by Colt for presentation to Wheeler – who was instrumental to the adoption of the forward assist feature on the AR-15 – its markings include PROPERTY OF U.S. GOVT. and XM 16E1. The gun comes with a hardwood display rack bearing an extensively-inscribed brass presentation plaque. Displaying near-excellent original factory finish with showy gold plating on the receiver and barrel, this one-of-a-kind weapon is estimated at $100,000-$200,00.


German World War II machine gun manufactured by C.G. Haenel and marked ‘MKMKB42H’ on left side of receiver. Barrel: 16in. Chambered 7.92 x 33mm Kurz. Extended gas cylinder, enlarged long muzzle nut, and lack of familiar safety on the grip housing are immediate indications that this is not one of the MP or STG models that came later. Approx. 8,000-12,000 made between early 1942 and mid-1943. Nearly all were fielded into Russia, with few ever surfacing in the US. Estimate: $40,000-$80,000


Two spectacular World War II machine guns top the auction list of NFA arms requiring BATF approval prior to transfer of ownership. The first is a German machine gun manufactured by C.G. Haenel and marked MKMKB42H on the left side of the receiver. With a 16-inch barrel and chambered 7.92 x 33mm Kurz, it has an extended gas cylinder and enlarged long muzzle nut, and lacks the familiar safety on the grip housing – all indications that the gun was not one of the later MP or STG models. Approximately 8,000-12,000 units like the auction example were made between early 1942 and mid-1943. Nearly all were fielded into Russia, with few surfacing in the US. Estimate: $40,000-$80,000


Fantastic WWII Nagoya arsenal (Japan) Type 99 7.7mm machine gun with 21in barrel, manufactured August 1944 and captured by Marines of the 1st Marine Division at the Battle of Shuri Castle in Okinawa, July 1945. All visibly-numbered parts are matching. Lot includes two original unnumbered 30-round magazines and original 2-cell Japanese magazine pouch numbered 6738. Provenance: Given to US Navy officer Peter Mills aboard ship at Okinawa by ‘Engineer of the First Marine Division,’ as documented by the recipient’s 1996 handwritten account, attested to by the retired captain’s son in a sworn affidavit. Copies of documentation accompany gun. Estimate: $15,000-$25,000


The second premier WWII machine gun is a Nagoya arsenal Type 99 7.7mm with a 21-inch barrel and all visibly-numbered parts matching. It was manufactured in August 1944 and captured by the 1st Marine Division at the Battle of Shuri Castle, Okinawa, in July 1945. The lot includes two original unnumbered 30-round magazines and an original two-cell Japanese magazine pouch numbered 6738. Provenance: Given to US Navy officer Peter Mills aboard ship at Okinawa by the “Engineer of the First Marine Division,” as documented by Mills’ 1996 handwritten account, attested to by the veteran’s son in a sworn affidavit. Copies of documentation accompany the gun. Estimate: $15,000-$25,000


Historic Winchester 1873 .44-40 lever-action rifle used by Chief Rain-in-the-Face, born Ite Omagazu (circa 1835-1905), who apocryphally earned his name after a childhood fight left him with blood streaming down his face like rain. The chief participated in many battles against Whites including a raid on Fort Totten (N.D.) and the Fetterman Massacre (Wyo.), both in 1866; and multiple bitter encounters with General George Custer. Allegedly, he cut the heart out of Custer’s younger brother Thomas’ chest at Little Bighorn, and on his deathbed, Rain-in-the-Face reputedly confessed to a missionary that he might also have shot and killed George Custer at the same battle. Estimate: $60,000-$90,000


An Old West treasure, a Winchester 1873 .44-40 lever-action rifle was used by Chief Rain-in-the-Face (circa 1835-1905), who apocryphally earned his name after a childhood fight left him with blood “raining” down his face. The chief participated in many battles against Whites including a raid on Fort Totten (N.D.) and the Fetterman Massacre (Wyo.), both in 1866; and multiple bitter encounters with General George Custer. Allegedly, he Rain-in-the-Face cut the heart out of Custer’s younger brother Thomas’ chest at Little Bighorn, and on his deathbed, the chief reputedly confessed to a missionary that he might have also shot and killed George Custer at the same battle. Estimate: $60,000-$90,000


Spectacular Colt factory-nickel-plated Single Action Army Revolver originally shipped on February 21, 1889 to J.F. Schmelzer & Sons, Kansas City, Kansas in a shipment of six guns. Two-line address on top of barrel; three-line patent-dated on left side of frame; ’45 CAL’ on left front trigger bow. Black powder frame. Matching serial numbers on frame, trigger guard, backstrap and inside of left grip panel. Lot also includes sealed, 1878-dated 12-round packet of Frankfurt Arsenal .45 Colt ammunition. Retains virtually all original nickel finish. Paperwork: factory letter with Serial No. 127677. Estimate: $25,000-$35,000


A premier Colt factory-nickel-plated Single Action Army Revolver was originally shipped on February 21, 1889 to J.F. Schmelzer & Sons, Kansas City, Kansas, in a shipment of six guns. It has a two-line address on the top of the barrel, a three-line patent date on the left side of the black-powder frame, matching serial numbers on the frame, trigger guard, backstrap and inside of the left grip panel. It comes with a sealed, 1878-dated 12-round packet of Frankfurt Arsenal .45 Colt ammunition and a Colt factory letter indicating its serial number, 127677. Estimate: $25,000-$35,000


Outstanding pair of Colt Boa .357 Magnum Double Action Revolvers with 4in and 6in barrels, respectively. Archival Colt Factory letters confirm the pair’s configuration and shipment to Lew Horton Distr. Co. Inc., in Southboro, Mass., on March 28, 1985, the only year of the model’s production. Horton purchased the entire production run of 1,200 units. Ribbed barrels, ramp front sights, fully adjustable rear sights. Checkered rosewood grips with gold Rampant Colt medallions. Accompanied by original factory woodgrain boxes and wood display case for both guns. Among the scarcest of all Colts. Estimate: $30,000-$40,000


An archival Colt factory letter also accompanies an outstanding pair of Colt Boa .357 Magnum Double Action Revolvers with 4- and 6-inch barrels, respectively, and confirms the pair’s configuration and shipment to Lew Horton Distr. Co. Inc., of Southboro, Mass., on March 28, 1985, the only year of the model’s production. Horton purchased the entire production run of 1,200 units. The guns have ribbed barrels, ramp front sights, fully adjustable rear sights, and checkered rosewood grips with gold Rampant Colt medallions. Together with original factory woodgrain boxes and a display case, these very scarce Colts could earn $30,000-$40,000 at auction.


Circa-2020 Holland & Holland Deluxe bolt-action rifle, Serial No. 4572, in .500 Jeffery caliber. Barrel: 24in. Engraved ahead of the rear sight ".500 JEFFERY", and "HOLLAND & HOLLAND BRUTON STREET, LONDON" ahead of quarter rib; 2009-dated London nitro proof for a .500 caliber rifle on right side of the barrel and ‘GP with a Crown’ proof on right side of barrel ring. Built on a Johannsen double square bridge large ring Mauser action with matching serial number visible on bolt. Estimate: $35,000-$50,000


The sporting category boasts many exquisitely-built examples, such as a circa-2020 Holland & Holland Deluxe bolt-action rifle, Serial No. 4572, in .500 Jeffery caliber with a 24-inch barrel. It is engraved ahead of the rear sight .500 JEFFERY, and HOLLAND & HOLLAND BRUTON STREET, LONDON ahead of the quarter rib. Also, it bears a 2009-dated London nitro proof for a .500 caliber rifle on the right side of the barrel and has a “GP with a Crown” proof on the right side of barrel ring. Built on a Johannsen double square bridge large ring Mauser action, this fine specimen is estimated at $35,000-$50,000.


Stunning circa-1982 Ivo Fabbri (Italy) SLE side-by-side game gun with blued 28in chopper lump nitro proofed barrels built with ejectors, 2¾-inch chambers, and hand-filed, raised, tapered rib with round steel-bead front sight. Chokes are Improved Cylinder in left barrel and Skeet in right. Coin-finished side-lock action features illustrations of hunting scenes by master engraver Claudio Tomasoni. An absolutely top-quality production. Estimate: $20,000-$40,000


From Italy comes a stunning circa-1982 Ivo Fabbri SLE side-by-side game gun with blued 28-inch chopper lump nitro-proofed barrels built with ejectors, 2¾-inch chambers, and a hand-filed, raised and tapered rib with a round steel-bead front sight. Chokes are Improved Cylinder in the left barrel and Skeet in the right barrel. The coin-finished side-lock action displays images of hunting scenes by master engraver Claudio Tomasoni, while a hunting dog retrieving a hare from the woods appears on the bottom of the action. An absolutely top-quality production, it is estimated at $20,000-$40,000.

Historically significant, an Ames Model 1840 knight-head militia officer’s sword was presented to California pioneer John A Sutter, famously known as the owner of Sutter’s Mill in Coloma. The scabbard is engraved Presented to Major General John A. Sutter / by Captn / A. Andrews / Sacramento City 1853. One of the most coveted of all early California relics, it will convey to the winning bidder with a copy of an 1853 newspaper article documenting the sword’s presentation, plus descriptions from the 2008 auction where it sold for $172,000. Estimate: $30,000-$50,000


SR Johnson custom ‘Big Bear’ hilt knife with 8½in blade and overall length of 13¾in. Engraved by Barry Lee Hands with a gold rendition of the artist’s trademark Renaissance Leaf with carefully-placed diamonds on large mother-of-pearl scales. Heavily-engraved pommel and guard are accented with diamonds within leaves. Frame marked ‘S.R. JOHNSON / MANTI, UTAH.’ Provenance: Frank Brownell collection. Estimate: $20,000-$40,000


A prized entry from the Frank Brownell collection, an SR Johnson custom “Big Bear” hilt knife has an 8½-inch blade and an overall length of 13¾ inches. It was engraved by Barry Lee Hands with a gold rendition of the artist’s trademark Renaissance Leaf, with carefully-placed diamonds on large mother-of-pearl scales. Its heavily-engraved pommel and guard are, likewise, accented with diamonds. The frame is marked S.R. JOHNSON / MANTI, UTAH. Estimate: $20,000-$40,000

Morphy’s Dec. 10-13 auction series featuring The Art of War in America, 1750-1850: The James L Kochan Study Collection (Day 1) and Firearms & Militaria (Days 2-4) will be held at the company’s Denver, Pennsylvania gallery, starting each day at 9 am EST. All forms of bidding will be available, including live via the Internet through Morphy Live. Questions: call 877-968-8880 or email info@morphyauctions.com. Online: www.morphyauctions.com.