Historic Shotgun Gifted by Khrushchev to the US Could Fetch $125,000 at Auction

A remarkable artifact from a pivotal moment in history has emerged for sale: a shotgun gifted by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev to the United States in September 1959. This ornate double-barrel weapon symbolizes peace, presented during Khrushchev’s unprecedented state visit, a mere three years before tensions escalated into the Cuban Missile Crisis.

One of only two shotguns given—one to President Dwight Eisenhower and the other to Secretary of Defense Neil McElroy—this exquisite piece is priced at $125,000 (£97,000), reflecting its pristine condition and intricate engravings depicting scenes of hunting. It was crafted in Izhevsk, Russia, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

During this significant visit, which marked the first invitation for a Soviet head of state to the White House, Khrushchev expressed his desire for improved U.S.-Soviet relations. McElroy echoed this sentiment, hoping that such gifts would symbolize a future where arms were minimized for peace.

However, optimism waned just three years later when Khrushchev’s 1962 decision to place Soviet missiles in Cuba nearly sparked nuclear war, highlighting the fragile nature of international diplomacy during the Cold War era. As tensions soared, the world witnessed a dramatic shift from the hope represented by this shotgun to the brink of catastrophic conflict.