Bonnie and Clyde's guns up for auction in Mo.

(AP) 

JOPLIN, Mo. - A Tommy gun and a 1897 Winchester shotgun seized during a raid of a Joplin hideout of the legendary outlaw couple Bonnie and Clyde will be put up for auction later this month in Kansas City.

The weapons are owned by the great-grandchildren of a Tulsa, Okla., police detective named Mark Lairmore, who was given them by a police officer who was involved in the April 13, 1933, raid, The Joplin Globe reported Wednesday.

The guns have been on display at a Springfield museum since 1973 but Lairmore's great-grandchildren, who live in Springfield, decided to put them up for auction.

"My father and grandfather have also passed away, so the sentimental reasons to hold them are no longer there," one of the owners, also named Mark Lairmore, said in a statement released by the auction house, Mayo Auction and Realty. "I feel it's time for someone with an appreciation of antique guns and the history behind these guns to own them and care for them."

Two law enforcement officers died during a shootout at the Joplin apartment where the couple and members of their gang were holed up. All the members of the Barrow gang escaped. After the raid, police confiscated guns, a camera and personal items from the apartment, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Robert Mayo, the owner of Mayo Auction and Realty, declined to estimate how much money the guns might bring at auction.

"These guns are highly collectible and would draw attention in any sale by their own history and merit," he said. "We are expecting specialist collectors and anyone interested in the mesmerizing tale of Bonnie and Clyde from around the world to be interested in getting their hands on them."

A .45-caliber Thompson submachine gun seized in 1933 from a hideout used by notorious robbery partners Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow is seen in this picture provided by Mayo Auction & Realty.

(Credit: Mayo Auction & Realty)

[drillcrew]

Never understood why they were considered anything but nickel and dime stickup people as all they ever held up was filling stations and mom and pop grocery stores. Real nickel and dimers.

[netjunkie1]

Ok, they have the Tommy guns, but what became of the Browning s that made them famous?

[JimBob2012]

The picture has been officially changed. The new picture is definitely Clyde Barrow with Bonnie.

[JimBob2012]

The picture at the top has been officially changed - I guess they read our comments. The new picture is of Clyde Barrow.

[lonestar9000]

I've never heard of anyone in the Barrow gang possessing a Thompson submachine gun before. Clyde preferred Browning Automatic Rifles.

[JimBob2012]

You are correct, that is not Clyde - it's W.D. Jones. He and Henry Methvin were the two primary members of the Barrow Gang (although at different times). The character of C.W. Moss in the 60's film was a compilation of the two men.

[TerryS1948]

That is not Clyde Barrow in the picture. It is one of the other gang members. I believe it is Clyde's cousin.

[you_MAY_be_right]

Sure wish I wasn't broke.

[mecanik-2009]

Stuff like that belong back in the museum. Keep it there for the future generations to ponder.

[TerryS1948]

That is not Clyde in the picture. I believe it is one of the other Barrow gang.