A rifle replicated to match the one used in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is set to be auctioned next month. This firearm, owned by renowned ballistics expert Monty C. Lutz, played a significant role in the investigation conducted by the United States House Select Committee on Assassinations. It will be available for bidding during the Rock Island Auction Company’s Premier Auction from May 2nd to 4th in Bedford, Texas.
The rifle, an exact replica of the Mannlicher-Carcano model, was famously used by Lutz during his testimony in front of the House Select Committee. It was also featured in the 1986 film “On Trial: Lee Harvey Oswald,” where Lutz portrayed himself. Notably, the rifle was ordered from the same retailer Lee Harvey Oswald used and was equipped with an identical scope. This level of accuracy was crucial for the committee’s 1978 investigation, which aimed to resolve lingering questions surrounding the assassination.
The auction will not only feature this historically significant piece but also nearly 2,000 other items, including an antique Colt revolver presented by President Franklin Pierce and the first M1 Garand rifle ever produced. Additionally, a Winchester rifle used by movie star Jimmy Stewart will be up for grabs.
Lutz, who has participated in numerous high-profile cases, including the investigations into the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., believed in the “Lone Gunman” conclusion of the Warren Report. His rifle comes with a collection of related documents, including personal notes and comprehensive evidence reports from his various cases.
The Rock Island Auction Company, the leading firearms auction company since 2003, is hosting this event. The company is known for its dedication to elevating firearms collecting and offering a range of auction formats to suit collectors of all levels.
For more information on the auction, visit Rock Island Auction Company.
