Morphy Auctions officially became a multinational company today as founder and president Dan Morphy announced the launch of a European division based in Zwingen, Switzerland.

“Having a permanent presence in Europe means we can now offer collectors there a convenient and economical way in which to consign valuables to our major sales in Pennsylvania and Las Vegas,” Morphy said.

To ensure the intercontinental operation runs professionally and without any delays due to time-zone differences, Morphy’s has partnered with the respected Swiss firm CBR Trading AG, d.b.a. Munitionsdepot.ch (hereafter Munitions Depot). Consignors may now access a streamlined service that includes pickup anywhere on the Continent or in the U.K., safe storage of goods in Zwingen, and prompt shipment to the USA. Confirmed initial consignments include antique firearms and militaria; antique toys, fine and decorative art, jewelry, and other high-quality antiques.

“We’ve had a strong involvement with European collectors for many years, especially those who collect antique firearms and militaria,” Dan Morphy said. “We’ve often been asked if there were a way to consign firearms to Morphy’s that didn’t involve tedious government paperwork or international shipping hassles. We knew that in order to set up a seamless, consignor-friendly system, we would need the right partner – a business with unquestionable integrity, a secure facility, and a thorough understanding of the documentation and legalities involved in handling firearms. We found that partner in Munitions Depot.”

Led by CEO Christoph Borer, Munitions Depot is a premier retailer of modern and contemporary weaponry, sporting arms and ammunition. The Swiss firm’s venue is already set up specifically for firearms storage, with state-of-the-art security, locking display cases and a sizable vault. They have vast experience in the legal exportation of weapons to authorized dealers in other countries.

Christoph Borer remarked: “Being part of such a great alliance with a company as renowned as Morphy Auctions is an honor. We invite European collectors to visit us in Zwingen or view our website, www.munitionsdepot.ch. We can’t wait to get started on the first exciting project.”

Munitions Depot will pick up collections anywhere in Europe and, in the case of firearms, handle the packing and paperwork required for shipment to Morphy’s government-authorized arms importer in the USA. Militaria (medals, uniforms, etc.), other types of antiques, artwork or jewelry are shipped direct to Morphy’s Pennsylvania gallery. Firearms may be previewed at the Zwingen gallery approximately one month prior to auction.

Dan Morphy noted: “Some firearms, like WWI and WWII European arms, sell for 2-3 times as much here as they do overseas. The biggest collectors of early German, French and Austrian militaria are also here in the States. The US market is hungry for it. The same applies to many types of antiques and luxury items. Amphora pottery, Rolex watches, and high-end German and French toys and trains often achieve higher prices in the States.”

Morphy’s plans to conduct two auctions per year in Zwingen, starting in fall 2024. Those sales will feature American consignors’ property that, in the opinion of Morphy’s specialists, would fare better in Europe.

Morphy Auctions staff will be at major firearms shows across Europe this year, including the March 22-24 Weapons Sammlerborse in Luzern, Switzerland, to meet with potential consignors and those wanting information about Morphy’s referral program, which pays generous fees for introductions leading to auction consignments. Contact Dan Morphy: +1 877-968-8880; info@morphyauctions.com.

Author Anthony Vanderlinden has definitely set a high standard for firearms reference books with his latest release. One glance at the new expanded two-volume set of books titled FN Browning Pistols, Sidearms That Shaped World History is enough to see this has been a true labor of love for Vanderlinden.

Vanderlinden’s publishing company, Wet Dog Publications, has rightfully earned a solid reputation for high quality books on arms related to the FN firm. I have previously reviewed books covering FN Mauser rifles, the FN-49 rifle, the Polish VIS Radom pistol, and the earlier 2^nd edition of FN Browning pistols. (This second edition was reviewed in V21N3, April 2017.)  All these have been fine books, combining solid research with beautiful photography and layout. And yet, this new third edition goes above and beyond even Wet Dog’s high standards.

With the third edition having over double the material as compared to the second edition, it should come at no surprise that each book is oversize at 9.25 x 12.25 inches (235 x 310mm). The total page count is 840 pages. It also features 2790 color and period (B&W) photos.

Upon opening, the first thing you notice is that the pages are color-coded. The chapters are broken down by color, and the top of each page is colored accordingly.

Volume I begins with a long detailed section on history, then biographies of important people tied to FN, followed by production, sales network, and accessories.

Volume II covers the pistols themselves, with chapters on John M. Browning prototypes, the Models 1899, 1900, 1903, 1907, 1905, 1910, 1910 Grand Browning, 1922, Baby Browning, Le Grand Rendement (High Efficiency), High Power, the 100 Series, and an Engraving Gallery. The entire table of contents is repeated in both volumes. The page numbering runs continuously through both volumes, as does the color-coded pages.

Chapter 1 delves into the rich history of gun-making in Liege, Belgium, the Industrial Revolution as it applied to Liege, and the formation of FN to build the 1889 Mauser rifle under licence. During the early years, FN also built bicycles, motorcycles, and cars, as well. This is all documented in detail. The Sarajevo Affair covers the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Duchess Sophie Chotek that caused WWI. The pistol that the killer used was an FN Browning Model 1910.

Following this, chapter 1B covers The Great War: 1914-1918. Chapter 1C looks at the interwar years in Interbellum: 1919-1940. More cars, motorcycles, and even buses and typewriters are mentioned. Of course, small arms are covered, as are licence-built Bofors 40mm anti-aircraft cannons. Additional sub-chapters cover WWII including the takeover of the factory by the German army, the liberation of the factory in late 1944, and the postwar era. The entire History chapter is approximately 140 pages and covers a lot of ground.

Starting with master firearms designer John M. Browning, chapter 2 introduces us to various members of the FN team. Besides Browning’s son Val Browning, and assistant Dieudonne Saive, others such as Felix Funken, head of the engraving shop, and Auguste Benard, the artist behind much of the advertising posters and catalogs are introduced.

Chapter 3, Proofs and Markings, is a short, just 16 pages, but detailed look at proof marks, acceptance marks, and German occupation marks. Before spending a lot on a pistol, a thorough study of markings would be a very good idea.

Next is FN Production Processes. This is broken down into finishes, slide legends, serial and contract numbers, production years by model and serial number, and grips. There are many varieties of grips shown in full color, and quite a few have a counterfeit alert notation along side. Forgeries exist! Be warned.

Chapter 5, FN’s Sales Network, starts with the participation of FN in various World’s Fairs in the late 1800s and early 1900s. These fairs were a great way for companies and countries to show off their products. The book features a wonderful assortment of old sepia tone (B&W with a brown tinge) photos of FN-built cars, bikes, motorcycles, and pistols. Also shown are various presentation gifts like keychains and gold-plated cufflinks with small pistols attached, ashtrays and matches with the FN logo… and even cigars!

Volume I ends with Chapter 6, Accessories. This is broken down to include prewar FN catalogs, manuals, factory boxes, factory presentation cases, magazines, tools and cleaning rods, shoulder-stocks, pocket holsters, and finally belt and shoulder holsters. This section has an astonishing number of items featured, enough to make serious FN collectors envious.

Volume II is entirely focused on the firearms. Chapter 7 examines the prototypes of JMB. Many of these hand-made guns can be seen at the John M. Browning Firearms Museum in Ogden, UT. (While this book deals with entirely pistols, the museum also displays long arms and several early full autos as well.)

I found it amazing that the earliest of these early prototypes (1894 dated) is fast approaching 130 years old. Over a dozen models are shown, most photographed from three views (left, right, and top). (A few models have an extra close-up view of a particular detail). All are arranged in chronological order. This is to allow you to see the progression of improvements through the years. Unfortunately, none are disassembled to show the innards.

The following chapters discuss the development process, serial number sequences, various slide markings, international orders, and many other points of interest relating to the many models of pistols produced over the years.

A nice idea that has been included is a “see also” notation that directs you to various accessories, etc. I think of this as a manual “hotlink.”

The High Power chapter, at just over 100 pages is divided into three sub-chapters. These are prewar, Wartime, and Postwar. Incidentally, there is a sidebar that clarifies the correct terminology of the High Power. Belgian FN made, and Canadian made John Inglis marked pistols are always spelled High. Only the post-war American made, by Browning Arms Company are marked Hi-Power.

At first, I was surprised to note that there is almost nothing on the Colt M1911. However, this does make sense as the main subject is FN Browning, not Colt products. There is a chapter on the FN Modéle 1910 Grand Browning, however, which is the immediate predecessor to the M1911.  

The final chapter is a gallery of finely engraved pistols. There are some fantastic examples of the engraver’s art shown. These are often factory presentation models or sales samples. Many have either ivory or mother-of-pearl grips, and several have gold inlay. This looks very impressive when contrasted against deep dark blueing.  

As I have noted in previous reviews, all of Wet Dog’s titles are proudly printed and bound in the United States. Vanderlinden feels very strongly about this, even if it does add to the cost. Speaking of cost, yes, this set is certainly is getting up in price. However, it must be noted that high quality, limited printing reference books hold their value and often gain value once they sell out. A look online for other respected gun books shows they often double or even triple in cost. As well, by consulting this book prior to buying an expensive firearm or accessory, you might well avoid the pain of getting burned by a forgery. This may well pay for this set right there.

If you are fan of FN guns, especially sidearms, this 2-volume set is HIGHLY recommended.

Final thoughts… With the closing down of Collector Grade Publications in early 2022, their 3-volume set on the FN-FAL rifle is not likely to be reprinted. It is my hope that Wet Dog will consider filling the void and publish a top quality, highly researched book about the FAL rifle.

Military arms are one of the most popular genres in gun collecting. That success has led to record prices year after year for storied favorites like the M1 Garand and the 1911 pistol, but how does the lesser revered Mosin Nagant stack up?

From the Mosin Nagant’s invention in 1891 to its continued irregular use in warfare today, the Russian-born rifle and its variants are some of the most prolific longarms in history. The Mosin Nagant rifle’s immense production numbers bred surplus for decades, but gone are the days when local gun stores offered an entire Mosin crate for figurative pocket change. Though the rifle is still widely found for sale in the current collecting environment, Mosin Nagant price trends reflect a shift in supply status and the market’s continued desire to own these historic bolt actions.

For shooters today, the Mosin Nagant is viewed as a sturdy rifle with a powerful round and an explosive muzzle flash, a fun weapon to let fly at the range to say the least. With their low-cost entry point compared to other vintage military rifles, the Mosin Nagant continues to be a favorite at Rock Island Auction Company. Below, we’ve assembled more than seven years’ worth of auction data to help collectors and gun consigners better gauge the current market value of the Mosin Nagant.

Mosin Nagant Price by Year

When considering the average Mosin Nagant price by year at Rock Island Auction Company, we’ve gathered data from every Sporting & Collector Auction and Premier Auction dating back to 2015.

In an effort to maintain consistency and accuracy, the graphs presented below have excluded rare Mosin Nagant prototypes, presentation pieces, and other extremely scarce and atypical examples. The buyer’s premium is included in the sales price (15% during the periods analyzed), as this properly reflects what a collector paid to own their Mosin Nagant rifles.

We’ve also excluded any lots that feature guns other than a Mosin Nagant since those prices cannot be easily attributed to a single rifle type within their respective lot. Since Mosin Nagant rifles tend to be bundled into lots of two or more guns, the price each Mosin-only lot achieved has been divided by the total number of rifles in that lot to give a more accurate representation of the average Mosin Nagant price by year at Rock Island Auction Company. In short, the graph below is a compilation of hundreds of examples and over seven years of sales data intended to present a detailed snapshot of how the Mosin Nagant market has changed over time.

In only a six-year span, the average Mosin Nagant price at Rock Island Auction Company more than tripled, a dramatic surge in value that equals or surpasses some of the hottest collectible guns on the market right now by growth percentage. In 2015, a Mosin Nagant averaged $211.83 in price, inching up another $32.33 in 2016 before rocketing up more than $200 in 2017 and holding that average for the next three years before continuing its impressive ascent to its current $692.69 mark, a number that would have seemed unimaginable ten years ago.

Gun prices are going up across the board, but saying that the Mosin Nagant is experiencing a rapid upswing is a gross understatement. Like many military arms, the Mosin Nagant has received some Hollywood coverage in films such as ‘Enemy at the Gates’ and ‘Black Widow,’ has been featured in almost every iteration of Call of Duty and countless other video game series, and has been well represented by popular Guntubers like Garand Thumb and Brandon Herrera. It’s little wonder this Russian-invented workhorse rifle continues to garner interest from gun collectors across the globe.

Beyond the Mosin Crate

Historically, Russian military doctrine has always been to stick to what works and what can be produced en masse. This was certainly the case with the Mighty Mosin, originally called the Model M1891 or “Three Line Rifles” and updated four decades later with the well-known M91/30 design. With over 37 million Mosin Nagant rifles and M44 carbines manufactured in Russia alone, it’s no wonder vast quantities of surplus found their way to America, where a Mosin crate became a common sight at gun stores.

In recent years, various import restrictions have been imposed on some Russian companies that have traditionally imported large quantities of Mosin Nagants, specifically a round of economic sanctions in March of 2014 which was expanded three years later. The Russo-Ukrainian War resulted in a much stricter embargo on all Russian arms and ammunition, but our first graph demonstrated that the rising Mosin Nagant price had been an ongoing trend for years prior. The reality is that shooters and gun collectors today are willing to pay more for a Mosin Nagant.

While the days of buying a cheap Mosin crate have passed, the rugged bolt action rifle can still be purchased in quantity at Rock Island Auction Company. Our second dataset compares the average price for a bundled lot of three Mosin Nagant rifles over the last eight years.

The average Mosin Nagant price for lots with three rifles grouped together followed a somewhat similar trend to our last dataset, including the jump in price in 2017 and 2018, then a slight market correction in 2019 that rebounded and soared to new heights in 2020, 2021, and the first half of 2022. Going from a $748.50 average in 2015 to an average of $2,329.25 less than eight years later, an increase of more than 300%, is yet more evidence that the market for the Mosin Nagant is thriving at Rock Island Auction Company.

Mosin Nagant Price: Rare and Desirable

Next, let’s take a look at some rare Mosin Nagant rifles that are offered as standalone lots. These “best of the best” Mosins are often highly collectible variations or original condition rifles that include sniper scopes and other valued accessories. General value can be further estimated by make, model, and Mosin Nagant serial number lookup. Though this dataset includes far fewer examples, it still offers a snapshot of not only the approximate value of the most sought-after Mosin Nagants available, but an examination of the expanding price ceiling in this rising genre and how top-tier examples of the Russian-born rifle can perform as a quality collector gun.

Starting at $776.50 in 2015, the average standalone Mosin Nagant price at Rock Island Auction Company experienced a gradual increase over the next two years before jumping to an impressive $1,807.14 price in 2018. The average Mosin Nagant price shattered the $2,000 barrier in 2019 and has remained above $3,000 over the last two years, nearly four times the price five years ago. Once again, this upswing lines up with Mosin Nagant blue book values and demonstrates how original, high condition, fully accessorized Mosin Nagant rifles can compete with some of their traditionally more expensive cousins in the military arms collecting genre.

Mosin Nagant Price: Two Rifle Groupings

Finally, let’s compare the sales data for Mosin Nagant rifles that have been bundled in pairs at Rock Island Auction Company. Single Mosin lots tend to represent the high point of the genre, while the first graph we featured presented an average of all Mosin Nagant-only lots sold at Rock Island Auction Company, including lots with five, six, seven or more Mosin rifles. Examining the Mosin Nagant lots bundled in pairs can provide a more accurate look at what a gun collector would consider above-average examples of the Mosin Nagant genre that isn’t skewed by some of the rarities found in the single lot offerings or the more common examples found in the higher quantity lots.

The average Mosin Nagant price for lots with two rifles grouped together more than tripled over the course of five years. After a surge in Mosin Nagant prices in 2017 and 2018, the 2019 Mosin Nagant price correction observed in the first two datasets resurfaces here, and so does the dramatic upswing that follows in 2020, 2021, and the first half of 2022, which has already seen a nearly 16% increase from the already remarkable $1,955.56 average Mosin Nagant price for two rifle lots in 2021. As stated, Mosin lots that are bundled as a pair tend to be above-average examples compared to lots that include five, six, and seven or more Mosin Nagant rifles, and the values we see at Rock Island Auction Company reflect the desire to own quality examples of these bolt action classics.

Mosin Nagant Prices 2022

The average Mosin Nagant price in 2021 broke new boundaries, and all data indicates that the trend shows no sign of slowing through the remainder of 2022. This upswing particularly holds true for highly desirable examples that can be determined through scarce makes, models, and Mosin Nagant serial number lookup. Even when taking into account record inflation, Russian embargos, and limited surplus imports, Mosin Nagant values are experiencing a truly historic ascent.

Estimating just how high the average Mosin Nagant price will climb in 2023 and the years to follow is difficult to predict. Though the days of cheap Mosin crates are long behind us, the rugged rifle’s forward momentum, continued demand, and the perception of scarcity presents gun sellers with a chance to make a handsome profit and buyers with a firearm that has real investment potential.

Gun Values at Rock Island Auction Company

Most vintage military rifles are viewed as a great store of value in the firearms community, and when it comes to estimating true gun value and predicting forthcoming sales trends, Rock Island Auction’s free gun catalogs are one of the finest tools around. Price trends on other Russian military rifles like the SKS or the SVT-40 rifle can be monitored using past auction data, like the example presented below.

This article is shared with the permission of its author, Rock Island Auction. It’s an exciting time in the world of fine arms collecting, so subscribe to the weekly Rock Island Auction newsletter to receive new gun blogs on the latest prices and trends. RIA looks at the values of popular guns like the Colt Python, the Browning Hi Power, and other military gun collection must-haves.