2020 September Premier, Volume I

LOT 588
Rare and Desirable MBAssociates Experimental Mark I Model A Gyrojet Semi-
Automatic Carbine - Serial no. A0004, 13 mm Rocket cal., 16 inch irregular bbl., black
anodized finish, walnut stock. Designed as a carbine version of the MBA Mark I
Gyrojet Pistol and utilizing the same 13 mm solid fuel rocket ammunition. The
carbine has a vague resemblance to an AR type carbine with a high flat-top
front sight, fixed carry handle with Williams adjustable rear notch sight, full
aluminum construction, full length handguard, contoured pistol grip, and buttstock with smooth
plastic buttplate. The left side of the receiver is inscribed “EXPERIMENTAL/MARK I/GYROJET/
ROCKET/CARBINE” over the serial number. Like the pistol version, the magazine is fixed in the grip, and the hammer works in reverse, driving the
round backwards into a fixed firing pin. Includes leather sling. This carbine along with a Gyrojet pistol with the same serial number, lot 591, were both originally
shipped to a Dr. Robert D. Taylor who was friends with the heads of MBA. Dr. Taylor is listed as the owner of this carbine as well as the pistol in the Gyrojet
census on gyrojet.net.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 99% plus original black anodized finish with some small scattered scratches. The fire controls have turned to a brassy/copper
patina. The wood is also excellent with a few small dings. Mechanically excellent.
Estimate: 3500 - 4750
LOT 589
MBAssociates
Mark I Model
B Gyrojet
Pistol with
Box - Serial no.
B5004, 13 mm
Rocket cal., 5
inch round bbl.,
black finish,
walnut grips.
A product of
the 1960s, the
Mark I Gyrojet
uses a miniature
solid fuel
rocket in place
of a standard cartridge. As the rocket does not need a solid
chamber or extractor equipment, the entire pistol can be
greatly simplified and made from lightweight materials.
Elevation adjustable blade front and fixed notch rear sights, a
sliding magazine cover, front-mounted hammer, model, caliber
and serial number markings on the left side, and a pair of
smooth grips. Includes an unnumbered factory box.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 95% plus original black finish with
some high spots and handling areas having thinned slightly to
reveal a smooth grey patina. The grips are excellent with a few
light scratches on the left panel. Mechanically excellent. The
box is fine with some mild wear.
Estimate: 2000 - 3000
LOT 591
Rare and Desirable MBAssociates
Experimental Mark I Gyrojet Pistol
with Presentation Case - Serial no.
A0004, 13 mm Rocket cal., 5 inch round
bbl., black finish, walnut grips. A product
of the 1960s, the Mark I Gyrojet uses a
miniature solid fuel rocket in place of a
standard cartridge. As the rocket does
not need a solid chamber or extractor
equipment, the entire pistol can be greatly simplified
and made from lightweight materials. Fixed blade
front and notch rear sights, “EXPERIMENTAL/MARK
I” over the serial marked receiver, a magazine cover
mounted on the left side, front-mounted hammer,
and a pair of smooth grips. With a hardwood MBA
display case, Robert Hutchings Goddard medallion,
and ten dummy rounds of Gyrojet ammunition. This pistol along with a Gyrojet carbine with the same serial number,
lot 588, were both originally shipped to a Dr. Robert D. Taylor. An included letter from MBA details the shipment of this
pistol as well as Dr. Taylor’s friendship with the heads of MBA. Also included is a certificate of authenticity issued to Dr.
Taylor and stating this “is an experimental gun used in the research and development of the high-performance 13mm
Gyrojet Rocket handgun” and an extensive collection of documents pertaining to the development of Gyrojet firearms
including advertisements and correspondence relating to the pursuit of government contracts.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 99% original black finish with a grey patina visible in the markings on the left of the
frame, and minimal handling marks. The fire controls have turned to a brass/copper patina. The grips are excellent
with only the slightest handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case exterior is very fine with some scattered minor handling/storage marks and there is a
moderate rip in the lining of the lid with the interior plaque detached but included.
Estimate: 2500 - 4000
378
LOT 590
Scarce and
Desirable 13mm
Gyrojet Cartridges
- A plain box
containing 23 of
the scarce and
desirable 13mm
rocket cartridges for
the MBAssociates
Gyrojet line of arms.
A must have for any
Gyrojet collector!
CONDITION: The cartridges are very fine showing some mild wear
and age-related discoloration and the paper tape covered box is
very good with some light wear.
Estimate: 1400 - 2250
LOT 592
MBAssociates Mark I Model B Gyrojet Pistol with Presentation
Case - Serial no. B125, 13 mm Rocket cal., 5 inch round bbl., black
finish, walnut grips. A product of the 1960s, the Mark I Gyrojet uses
a miniature solid fuel rocket in place of a standard cartridge. As the
rocket does not need a solid chamber or extractor equipment, the
entire pistol can be greatly simplified and made from lightweight
materials. Elevation adjustable blade front and fixed notch rear
sights, a sliding magazine cover, front-mounted hammer, model,
caliber and serial number markings on the left side, and a pair of
smooth grips. With a hardwood MBA display case, ten dummy
rounds of Gyrojet ammunition, MBA pamphlet, and
operating instructions.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 90% original black finish with some mild loss on
some edges and handling areas exposing a smooth grey patina. The grips are
excellent with a few light handling marks. Mechanically excellent. The case is very
fine with some scattered minor handling/storage marks.
Estimate: 1000 - 1600