Description:
MBA Gyrojet Mark I Model B 13 mm Rocket Carbine, Manufactured by MB Associates of San Ramon, CA, in cardboard box, as originally shipped to Simon's Sporting Goods, original Simon's Sporting Goods store price sticker attached. This is the Mark I Gyrojet, which launches a .51 caliber rocket. SN is B0027, putting it in the Curio Catagory.
I believe this item has never been fired. Additional photos available showing clean, crisp vents - which would be otherwise due to the nature of the rockets and exhaust gasses.
In the original box, with MBA shipping label, with notations on "out of stock" marking.
This collector's item was obtained by the current owner shortly after the Watts riots and subsequent unrest in urban housing areas in the eastern U.S. This firearm originated in the inventory of Simon’s Hardware of Oakland, California, and retains the original price tags. Store staff took a pistol (listed separately) to the range, and were intimidated by the destructive capabilities of the armor piercing rocket rounds. Upon considering the social unrest of the times, Simons management eventually moved to write these items “out-of-stock” and remove them from the area, considering the destructive capability of the weapons. (Cardboard box includes notations for removing from inventory). Management felt so strongly that these arms did not belong on the street, that they removed them from the store inventory. However, staff had so much fun with them, that they could not consider destroying them. The two remaining gyrojets in Simons inventory were “gifted” to a collector out of the area of unrest (my father), the best that could be done short of destroying the weapons . While the pistol listed separately has fired 9 rounds, the carbine remains unfired.
Produced by M.B.A. of San Ramon California from 1960 to 1969, the Gyrojet saw only limited production. The Blue Book of Gun Values lists these guns at roughly $1,600.00 but it is very difficult to find enven the most common used models for less than $1500.00. Unfired guns, presentation models, and rare variations can top $5,000.00.
This item came from my father's estate, and has basically lived under the bed for 40-years. Though this item is listed in the collector's price guides, I have found sales far exceeding those listed. The asking price listed is for discussion purposes.
Please email if you would like to discuss condition, see additional photos, make an offer, etc.
Condition:
New In Box
Caliber:
(Other Ammo?)
Location:
OR
Trades Accepted:
Shipping Notes: See Description
Private Party
