Revolvers stand out among firearms. Their rotating cylinders and classic designs have served for nearly 200 years. They are used by law enforcement, the military, and civilians. Most are practical, but some, due to their history, rarity, or craftsmanship, become valuable collectibles.
We’ll look at ten remarkable revolvers that highlight top design and value. These guns, from Old West six-shooters to modern wonders, show how handguns have evolved. Join us to explore the most desired revolvers, appealing to collectors, enthusiasts, and the curious.
1. Colt Walker 1847: The Trailblazer of Power
The Colt Walker 1847 stands as a colossus among revolvers. Born from the minds of Samuel Colt and Texas Ranger Captain Samuel Hamilton Walker, this behemoth redefined firepower. At 4.5 pounds and 15.5 inches, it dwarfed its contemporaries. Its unrivaled might could fell a horse from 100 yards, cementing its legacy as the era’s most formidable handgun. This titan reshaped the landscape of personal firearms, leaving an indelible mark on history.
Only about 1,100 Colt Walkers were ever produced, making them incredibly rare today. Of those, a mere handful are known to exist in pristine condition. In 2018, a factory-engraved, cased set of Colt Walker revolvers sold at auction for $1.84 million. It set a record for the most expensive single firearm ever sold at that time.
The Walker’s historical significance cannot be overstated. It played a crucial role in the Mexican-American War and helped establish Colt as a dominant force in the firearms industry. For collectors, owning a Colt Walker is akin to possessing a piece of American history, explaining the astronomical prices these revolvers command when they rarely come to market.
2. Colt Paterson 1836: The Revolutionary Beginning
Predating the Walker by over a decade, the Colt Paterson 1836 holds the distinction of being Samuel Colt’s first commercial revolver. Named after the New Jersey city where it was manufactured, the Paterson represented a revolutionary leap forward in handgun design. Its five-shot cylinder mechanism allowed for unprecedented firepower compared to single-shot pistols of the era.
The Paterson’s production run was relatively short-lived, with only about 2,850 units manufactured between 1836 and 1842. This scarcity, combined with its historical importance as the revolver that launched Colt’s empire, makes the Paterson an extremely valuable collector’s item. Well-preserved examples have sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars, with particularly rare variants fetching over half a million.
What makes Paterson especially intriguing to collectors is the variety of models produced. From pocket pistols to holster models, each type of Paterson has its own unique appeal. The most sought-after are typically the larger caliber versions, such as the No. 5 Holster Model, which saw use with the Texas Navy and Rangers.
3. Colt Single Action Army “Peacemaker”: The Gun That Won the West
No discussion of valuable revolvers would be complete without mentioning the legendary Colt Single Action Army, popularly known as the “Peacemaker.” Introduced in 1873, this iconic six-shooter became synonymous with the American Old West, earning its place in history and popular culture alike.
While standard production Peacemakers are relatively attainable for collectors, certain rare variants can command astronomical prices. Factory-engraved models, especially those with provenance linking them to famous historical figures, are particularly valuable. For instance, a Colt Single Action Army owned by Bat Masterson, the famous lawman and gambler, sold for $375,000 in 2003.
Even more impressive are the prices fetched by some specially commissioned Peacemakers. In 2016, a pair of Colt Single Action Army revolvers crafted for a Mexican president in the late 19th century sold for over $1.1 million. These revolvers featured elaborate gold and silver inlays, showcasing the pinnacle of the engraver’s art. Colt SAA values are all over the board, so it’s best to really understand which one you have if you have one.
The Peacemaker’s enduring popularity, combined with its rich history and the existence of numerous rare and custom variants, ensures that certain examples of this revolver will continue to command top dollar in the collector’s market.
4. Smith & Wesson Model 29 .44 Magnum: The Dirty Harry Gun
Jumping forward to more recent times, we encounter the Smith & Wesson Model 29, a revolver that gained worldwide fame as the weapon of choice for Clint Eastwood’s character in the Dirty Harry film series. Introduced in 1955, the Model 29 was the first revolver chambered for the powerful .44 Magnum cartridge.
While not as rare as some of the older revolvers on our list, certain Model 29s can still fetch impressive prices. Factory-engraved models, limited editions, and revolvers with significant provenance are highly sought after. For example, the actual Model 29 used by Clint Eastwood in “Dirty Harry” sold at auction for $529,000 in 2021.
The Model 29’s value is driven not just by its pop culture status but also by its reputation as a superbly crafted firearm. Its powerful cartridge and excellent accuracy made it popular among hunters and target shooters, while its association with law enforcement added to its mystique. For many collectors, owning a pristine early-production Model 29 represents the epitome of modern revolver collecting.
5. Colt Python: The Rolls-Royce of Revolvers
Often referred to as the “Rolls-Royce of revolvers,” the Colt Python has long been admired for its exceptional build quality and accuracy. First introduced in 1955, the Python quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest double-action revolvers ever made.
While production Pythons are generally more affordable than some others on this list, certain rare or vintage models can command significant prices. Factory-engraved Pythons, especially those with intricate patterns or gold inlays, can sell for tens of thousands of dollars. In 2020, a pair of exhibition-grade engraved Pythons sold for $132,000. However, Colt Pythons are usually worth between $900-$1,500 these days.
The Python’s value has been further enhanced by Colt’s decision to discontinue the model in 2005, only to reintroduce it in 2020 due to popular demand. This gap in production has made original Pythons, particularly those from the early years, highly desirable to collectors. Factors such as barrel length, finish, and condition can greatly affect a Python’s value, with pristine examples of rare configurations fetching premium prices.
6. Merwin Hulbert & Co. Revolvers: The Forgotten Gems
Perhaps the least known entries on our list, Merwin Hulbert & Co. revolvers represent some of the most innovative and underappreciated firearms of the late 19th century. Produced from 1876 to 1916, these revolvers featured unique mechanisms that set them apart from their contemporaries.
What makes Merwin Hulbert revolvers so valuable today is their relative scarcity and the quality of their construction. Despite being well-regarded in their time, they were produced in much smaller numbers than their Colt and Smith & Wesson counterparts. As a result, well-preserved examples, especially those with original finishes or special features, can sell for tens of thousands of dollars.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Merwin Hulbert revolvers is their unique takedown system, which allowed for easy cleaning and maintenance. This innovative design, combined with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, has made these revolvers highly prized by collectors who appreciate mechanical ingenuity and historical significance.
7. Korth Combat Revolver: German Engineering at Its Finest
Moving into the realm of modern high-end revolvers, we encounter the Korth Combat Revolver. Handcrafted in Germany since 1954, Korth revolvers represent the pinnacle of precision engineering in the world of handguns.
What sets Korth revolvers apart, and justifies their hefty price tags, is the meticulous attention to detail in their construction. Each revolver is essentially hand-built by master gunsmiths, resulting in firearms of exceptional quality and accuracy. New Korth revolvers typically start at around $5,000, with custom models easily exceeding $10,000.
The Combat model, in particular, is highly sought after for its blend of classic revolver styling and modern materials. Features like interchangeable cylinders, allowing the use of multiple calibers in a single firearm, add to its appeal. For collectors and shooting enthusiasts who demand the very best, a Korth represents the ultimate in revolver craftsmanship.
8. Manurhin MR73: The Elite French Service Revolver
The Manurhin MR73 might not be as well-known as some American revolvers, but in certain circles, it’s regarded as one of the finest combat revolvers ever made. Developed in the early 1970s for French law enforcement and military units, the MR73 is renowned for its durability and accuracy.
What makes the MR73 valuable to collectors is its limited availability outside of France, combined with its reputation for exceptional quality. While not as expensive as some others on this list, pristine examples of early production MR73s, especially those with provenance from elite French units, can command prices in the thousands of dollars.
The MR73’s value lies not just in its rarity but in its performance. These revolvers are built to withstand an intensity of use that would quickly wear out lesser firearms. For collectors who appreciate functional art, the MR73 represents a perfect blend of rugged reliability and precision engineering.
9. Mateba Autorevolver: Futuristic Form Meets Function
Standing out from the crowd with its unique appearance, the Mateba Autorevolver is one of the most distinctive handguns ever created. Designed by Italian firearms engineer Emilio Ghisoni, the Mateba features an unusual recoil-operated mechanism that places the barrel in line with the shooter’s hand, reducing muzzle flip and allowing for faster follow-up shots.
The Mateba’s futuristic design and limited production run have made it a highly sought-after item among collectors. Prices for these revolvers have steadily climbed since production ceased in the early 2000s, with well-maintained examples often selling for $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
What adds to the Mateba’s allure is its appearance in various films and video games, enhancing its popularity among firearms enthusiasts and pop culture fans alike. For collectors, owning a Mateba represents a chance to possess a truly innovative piece of firearms design, blending revolver tradition with cutting-edge engineering.
10. Janz JTL-E Target Revolver: Precision Personified
Rounding out our list is the Janz JTL-E Target Revolver, a firearm that pushes the boundaries of accuracy and customization. Handcrafted in Germany, Janz revolvers are renowned for their exceptional precision and the ability to be tailored to individual shooters’ preferences.
What sets the Janz apart, and justifies its high price tag, is the level of customization available. Every aspect of the revolver, from grip shape to trigger pull weight, can be adjusted to the shooter’s exact specifications. This level of personalization, combined with top-tier materials and craftsmanship, results in revolvers that can cost upwards of $20,000.
Competitive target shooters prize the JTL-E model, in particular, for its unparalleled accuracy. For collectors, a Janz represents the pinnacle of modern revolver technology, where traditional wheel-gun design meets state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques.
Conclusion
High-end revolvers represent more than just weapons – they embody historical significance, technological innovation, and artistic craftsmanship. From the Colt Walker to the Mateba Autorevolver, these firearms span nearly two centuries of development, offering collectors a tangible connection to history and potential investment value.
While collecting rare revolvers presents challenges like scarcity and forgeries, their allure remains strong. They captivate enthusiasts worldwide and stand as testaments to human ingenuity in museums and private collections alike.
With modern manufacturers pushing boundaries and classic models being revived, the fascination with fine revolvers continues. These remarkable firearms will likely remain objects of desire, study, and admiration for generations to come.