Morphy Auctions reports blockbuster year with 2021 sales exceeding $50M
Highlights: Colt Buntline single-action Army Revolver with 16in barrel, $288K; 4 French & Indian War powder horns, $216K; Shoot the Chute mechanical bank, $156K; Keith Haring vase, $84KDENVER, Pa. – Morphy Auctions is pleased to report a year of unprecedented new-buyer interest and stellar results across all categories in 2021, with gross sales surpassing $50 million. Group of four cased, engraved French and Indian War map powder horns, three belonging to Lt. Col. Archibald Montgomerie (1726-1796) and acquired at historic 1925 auction at Eglinton Castle, Scotland. Two horns bear the Royal Arms; one bears the Arms of the Earls of Eglinton. Sold above the midpoint of its pre-sale estimate for $216,000 at Morphy’s May 18, 2021 Early Arms & Militaria Auction.“Throughout the year, we witnessed unwavering enthusiasm and willingness on the part of collectors to invest in high-quality antiques and historically important objects,” said Morphy’s founder and president Dan Morphy. “The market for exceptional pieces with great provenance was very strong, even in the midst of the second wave of the pandemic. Against all odds, the auction trade held fast and continued to evolve into a powerful microeconomy of its own.” Morphy’s year of estimate-topping prices began with the February 27 sale of Bob and Judy Brady’s prized mechanical banks. The 40-year collection featured some of the most elusive, high-condition banks known to exist. In total, the 184 banks realized $2 million and were led by a J & E Stevens “Shoot the Chute” depicting early comic strip characters Buster Brown and his dog Tige. In superior condition and with provenance from the late Donal Markey, the bank also appears in Dan Morphy’s landmark 2007 reference book The Official Price Guide to Mechanical Banks. It swept past its $80,000-$120,000 estimate to close at $156,000. The gallery was abuzz during Morphy’s May 11-15 marathon