# 14336 - EIG Marked Rifle
5/29/2012
Rich, St Marys, GA

I was left this rifle when my grandfather passed. Unfortunately, I never asked anything about it. Is there any information you could give me? Thanks in advance.

Answer:
Rich- I believe the mark is actually ELG which is usually found in an oval or under something like the Washington Monument, which is a Belgian proof mark. In general, the Belgian made percussion arms have rather low values, so while it may have sentimental value, it probably would not bring much cash if sold. John Spangler

# 14333 - Tear Gas Firing Pen Gun
5/26/2012
Derek Massachusetts

Pengun tear gas the potent protector How much is this worth. and is it rare. and where could I sell it..thanks?.demeloderek@yahoo.com

Answer:
Derek- this can be a somewhat confusing issue. Various types of “pen guns” more or less the size and shape of an old fashioned fountain pen have been popular since the 1930s. Early designs used regular cartridge cases which were loaded with a charge of tear gas. Eventually the BATF outlawed those designs on the grounds that some idiot could put in a cartridge with a lead bullet instead of tear gas which would make it an “any other weapon” under federal law. Those would need to be registered with BATF and special taxes paid and complicated rules followed to buy or sell one. Later designs were changed so that ONLY special types of cartridges loaded with tear gas could be chambered, and those are legal without all the fuss.

Penguin (not “Pengun”) was one maker that turned out the modified designs, mostly in the 1960s from what I hear. .

The newer types do not seem to have a lot of appeal to collectors and I think values are pretty low (under $50?). .

Various states run by idiots probably have their own laws on this type of item, which may differ from federal law and I have no idea what your state might think about them. If legal in your state, you could sell at a gun show, or maybe on one of the on line auctions, but I would try to figure out what laws applied first. .

Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14479 - Type 99 Value - Need More Info.
5/26/2012
Kent Mo. Valley Iowa

Has Imperial Chrysanthemum on receiver. Has stadia aircraft sights. 95 -A- condition. WW 2 battlefield pick up. I am handicapped and can't go to basement, where guns are stored. Mainline rifle. What is approximate value of this piece at this time?

Answer:
Kent, The Japanese Type 99 was adopted about 1939 and it was one of the two main infantry rifles used by Japan in WW2. Type 99 rifles originally had the Imperial "Chrysanthemum" marked on the top of the receiver, but most were defaced by grinding or chisel cuts before being brought home by US troops as souvenirs. Type 99 rifles are quite common but early models with an intact chrysanthemum marking are becoming more popular with collectors. Value for your rifle will depend on condition, intact chrysanthemum marking and configuration (early? last ditch? aircraft sights? monopod? dustcover? etc.). Values for early rifles that are complete and intact can go as high as $650 or more. Values for rifles that have been sporterized or last ditch rifles are in the $100 or less range. Marc

# 14476 - Winchester 94 Value
5/22/2012
Dennis, Mesquite, Tx

What is the value of this with it being in great shape with no defects or scratches?

Answer:
Dennis, your Winchester sounds like a nice item, my records indicate that it was manufactured in 1950. You told me about the condition but you did not mention if there have been any alterations. We often see Model 94 rifles that have had a recoil pad added, or the received has been drilled and tapped so that a scope could be mounted. If your Winchester is in original condition, with no alterations, value is in the $750-850 range. If there have been alterations, value is in the $350 range. Marc

# 14332 - M1903 Springfield Bullpup Rifle
5/22/2012
Jeff

Bullpup I have a m1903 bullpup, I'm trying to ascertain some information on it before I attempt to sell it. I know it's pretty rare, but am wondering how rare and does it have any worth? I can email pictures if you are interested. Thanks

Answer:
Jeff- Bullpups are rare, but people wanting one are even more rare, especially based on a M1903 Springfield. These were NOT arsenal made, but rather are custom sporterized projects. During the 1940s there was a fad for reducing the overall length of a rifle by mounting it in a stock so the action is way back on the stock, nearly at the buttplate, and the trigger is located more or less in the normal position, but connected by a long linkage system. For a bolt action rifle, this achieved shortness, but having the bolt handle back by your shoulder made rapid operation awkward to impossible.

Perhaps a few modern examples of the bullpup design might help some people visualize what we are talking about: The Styer AUG, or the High Standard Model 10 shotgun/flashlight, or the British EM2 which grew into the SA-80 then finally the L85 or L86, and the Israeli TAR-21 “Tavor.” However, all of these are semi-automatics, and occasionally swapping out a magazine is a much different task than manipulating a bolt after each shot, so these are reasonably practical designs.

Frankly, I don’t think there is any demand for a bullpup M1903 Springfield and the value is probably that of the barreled action which is, at least, one of the desirable late “high number” types. The serial number places it in the 1930s when most rifles were being assembled for sale to NRA members while final work on the M1 Garand was under way. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14326 - Civil War Era Gun
5/19/2012
Cheryle

This gun belonged to my great-great grandfather free black man who served in the Civil War It no longer fires would it be worth anything? Also have the pouch the gun powder was carried in.

Answer:
Cheryle- We would need to see some photos to tell you anything about the value of this one. There is pretty good interest in all Civil War era arms, and anything related to African American history is getting much more popular for collectors. A lot will depend on the exact model and the condition, and who much information you can provide about the history. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14475 - Un-Marked Winchester?
5/19/2012
Jason

I found an older looking Winchester 30-30 in my fathers attic. I do not know anything about it. only markings are the serial number. it looks great and well taken care of, but other than that I am clueless. Any information on it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for potentially reading and answering.

Answer:
Jason, my records indicate that your Winchester was manufactured in 1954. It is unusual for a Winchester to not have any markings except for the serial number. Among other things, the model (94), manufacturer (Winchester) and caliber (30-30), should all be stamped on the left hand side of the barrel near the receiver. If your Winchester does not have any of these markings, there is a good chance that the barrel has been replaced. If the barrel has been replaced, and it is not stamped with the caliber, I would strongly advise you to have the caliber verified by a competent gunsmith.

You were asking about value and this will depend on the rifle's condition and configuration. If the rifle all original, like it came from the factory, with no modifications, value can range from $350 to around $750 depending on condition. If the rifle has been modified, value will be in the $350 range as a shooter. Marc

# 14478 - Puppy Revolver Ident
5/15/2012
Joe, Laguna Woods, CA

Double Crown Over U Import proofs Germany) `Crown over P in Oval` makers mark `PUPPY` stamped On top of barrel, barrel is round but flattened on the top cal.5 punch on frame I am trying to find out the maker of this folding trigger, hidden hammer, `puppy` 5 shot revolver

Answer:
Joe, Puppy is a popular name that was used by at least five different Spanish gunmakers. The guns were all solid frame hammerless 5.5mm Velo-Dog revolvers:

• Arizmendi - The Puppy was a five cartridge cylinder revolver with and a foldIng trigger. The barrel is marked 'PUPPY' with the 'FA' trademark on the frame.
  
  
• Crucelegui Hermanos - Not much info. Velo-Dog revolvers, produced 1900 - 1925.
  
  
• Isidro Gaztanaga of Eibar - Entered the pistol business in the early 1900s with a pocket revolver called the Puppy. Shortly before the First World War, the Puppy was abandoned in favor of an copy of the 1906-type Browning
  
  
• Ojanguren Y Marcaido - From the 1890s onward, records of this company are few, but it appears to have been formed to
  manufacture make Velo-Dog revolvers. This continued into the period of the First World War, when the company turned to
  modern designs based on contemporaneous Smith & Wessons. Ojanguren Y Marcaido disappeared about 1930.
  
  
• Retolaza Hermanos - Started in the 1890s, making Velo-Dog pocket revolvers. The Puppy was a pseudo hammerless folding trigger .22 Short rimfire revolver with a solid frame, rod ejection and a five-chamber cylinder. It had a rounded butt, a safety catch on the frame, and Puppy on the barrel.

Hope this helps, Marc

# 14325 - Stevens .25 Rimfire Rifle
5/15/2012
John Chetek WI

Octagonal barrel. Single shot. Wondering what the monetary value of this gun is. Been in the family ''forever''. Thank you

Answer:
John- We cannot help much with that without knowing a lot more about the rifle. Stevens offered just about all of their rifle models in .25 rimfire caliber, but they made dozens of different models. Some are inexpensive lightweight “Boys’ rifles” and others are lightweight “bicycle rifles” and some are heavy duty fancy engraved target rifles. Then the condition is also a major factor.

So, this is sort of like asking the value of a Chevrolet. It all depends, is this a perfect condition original Corvette, or a 15 year old former cop car, or an official Obama Motors Volt?

In any case, I think the value should be more sentimental than cash. John Spangler

# 14324 - Restoration Of Model 1892 Winchester
5/12/2012
Tom Azusa CA

PAT Oct,14 1884 Hammer missing. Lever action still works slightly rusted. . Worth restoring?

Answer:
Tom- Your Winchester is the Model 1892, based on the patent date and caliber. Those are vey popular with cowboy action shooters, so even a restored example has a good market, although at prices much lower than for a totally original non-restored example. If made in 1898 or earlier this would be an “antique” under federal law, but if made more recently then it is a “firearm” and you have the hassles involved with that of repairs or selling. In civilized parts of the country this would be an easy task, but being subject to the insanity of Kalifornia gun laws, it may be more hassle than it is worth to try to get it fixed and sold, so you may be better just selling as is. John Spangler

# 14471 - Luger Manufacture Date
5/12/2012
John

It looks like DWM on the toggle. I would like to know how old this gun is I think it is pre ww1 I think I heard some where that the early ones slide did not stay open on the last round???

Answer:
John, You are correct that early Lugers do not have a hold open, I have a 1910 model that is configured that way. Your Luger may be an early model or maybe the hold open is just missing or broken. Most Lugers have a year stamped on top of the chamber. A common exception to is the 1920 re- work, these often have the year scrubbed. If your Luger is a 1920 re-work, value will be lower than a Luger in original condition. Hope this helps, Marc

# 14424 - US M1917 Remington Information.
5/8/2012
Jerry, Reynolds, Illinois

Many machinist marking I have looked on the Remington club site to find my serial number to be able to find some history of my rifle. What I have found is they say that there should be letters in the serial number. Mine has none but the rifle came to me from a man in latter years so I don't think it was made between 1998 and 2001 when they took the letters away. I am looking for when the rifle was made and any history that you might know of.

Answer:
Jerry, when the U.S entered the First World War in April 1917 the number of rifles available to equip the expanded military was insufficient. The ordnance department realized that two private firearms manufacturers (Winchester, Remington, (and the Eddystone subsidiary of Remington) had been making a service rifle for British Army, and had nearly completed this contract. There was intense pressure for rifles for the new draftees so the ordnance department approached these manufactures and asked them to convert their existing tooling and make the British designed rifle to chamber the U.S. 30-06 cartridge. This was done and all three plants were in full production by the fall of 1917. Each of the three makers stamped their names on the receivers of the rifles which they produced. Eddystone made the most with about 1.6 million completed by the November 1918. Winchester and Remington both made about 500,000 each.

The new rifle was designated U.S. Rifle, Model 1917, but was commonly called the Enfield because of its British origins. The rifle was longer than the U.S. designed Model 1903, and the balance was never as good, but the action was stronger, and rifles were more accurate straight from the factory than the Model 1903. Over 70% of our troops who served in France carried the M1917 rifle, and it is claimed that Sergeant Alvin York won the Medal of Honor with a Model 1917 made by Eddystone. After the war most of the Model 1917's were arsenal reworked and put into storage. When World War II broke out The U.S. provided M1917's to many of our allies and also our own troops until the M1 Garand became available.

Remington did not use the letter dating system that you found mentioned on the Remington site for M1917 rifles, your rifle was manufactured in August of 1918. Marc

# 14315 - Sedgley U.S. Navy Mark V 10 Ga Flare Pistol Parts
5/8/2012
Justin, Sweet Home, OR

USN on handle I recently received this signal pistol from my grandfather and it does not have a firing pin. I am looking for a replacement or schematics so I can have a new one made. Thank you for your time.

Answer:
Justin- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. They are fairly simple, so a good gunsmith should be able to pull it apart and figure out what is needed and make the part, although that may not be a real cost effective solution, since these have rather modest value. Good luck! John Spangler

# 14314 - Civil War Merrill Carbine History
5/5/2012
Russell. Fort Worth, Texas

All assembler's numbers match including those on the rear sights. Stamped US on top of butt plate. Lock plate is stamped 1863. Can the serial number be traced to a delivery to a specific unit? Is this model carbine considered rare? (It is mechanically sound and is in firing order.)

Answer:
Russell- Unfortunately, there is no documented history for any of the Merrill carbines in that serial number range. Yours is a fairly late example, with government purchases during the Civil War totaling about 14,495. Additional examples were sold on the civilian or state market. The Merrills turn up fairly often, with values varying with condition.

Merrills were issued to a number of units during the Civil War including the following: 1st, 5th and 18th New York Volunteer Cavalry; 11th, 17th, 18th Pennsylvania; 1st Ne Jersey; 7th Indiana; 1st and 3rd Wisconsin; 27th Kentucky and the 1st Delaware. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14346 - Retolaza Vilar
5/5/2012
Monroe, Belvedere, SC

Pistola Automatica 765, 07 is stamped inside the gun. This gun has been blued, not sure what the original finish was. Can you tell me whether this is one of the better made Ruby type pistols. I understand that some guns of this type were very cheaply made and could possibly explode with use.

Answer:
Monroe, the Retolaza brothers of Spain started out in the firearms business manufacturing Velo-Dog type pocket revolvers and it appears that they were among the pioneers of automatic pistol production in Eibar. In 1915 they, precipitated in the French army contracts, and continued producing cheap automatics until they were forced to discontinue operations due to the Spanish Civil War. I was unable to find any mention of a Vilar model in any of my references.

I can't help with determining if your pistol is safe to fire. I would advise you to have it checked by a competent gunsmith in your area. Marc

# 14312 - Sporterized M1903 Springfield
5/1/2012
Donald

on the end of the barrel there is RA then a symbol of a ball with feathers or something on top of the ball then under that is 9-43 and the fights are made by Williams with very fine adjustments and the top of the barrel has groves, three or four where it was turned on a lathe I got it from my grandmother in law and it was her late husbands ,does this gun have a value, it is in very good shape for such an old gun

Answer:
Donald- Your rifle has been “sporterized” which usually involved chopping off the stock (or replacing it entirely) to eliminate the useless (to hunters) upper band and bayonet lug. Usually the military sights were discarded and either peep sights or a scope were installed. Quite often the metal parts were polished and reblued. While all this turned an old surplus rifle into one more suitable for hunting use, it also destroyed most of the collector value. Poorly sporterized Model 1903 Springfields are often seen at gun shows priced around $200-250, and more nicely done examples can run more like $400- 500. John Spangler

# 14468 - Marlin DOM
5/1/2012
Shannon, West Columbia, Tx

Pat-D Nov.18,1878 April 2,1888 Aug 12,1890 Mar 1,1892 I would like to know Model and date of manufacture if possible. How much would it worth, if in good condition. my e-mail address is stricks68@embarqmail.com Thanks very much for any help at all.

Answer:
Shannon, my serial number data for Marlins does not go as high as364866. The best that I can tell you is that your rifle was manufactured after (probably shortly after) 1906. Marc

# 14467 - Armi Tanfoglio .22
5/1/2012
Timothy, Roxboro, NC, USA

psf [an] CAT. 885 on the right side above trigger well. Is this particular weapon any special? And what would be the sale value of this particular weapon? It has what seems to be a wood grain grip. It looks almost new, except for one scratch that is on the outer layer of the cylinder. And I would like a little history lesson with this weapon. I am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and of operation enduring freedom. I have served five years in the military and this pistol was left to me by my grandpa. I was just wanting some information for it

Answer:
Timothy, thanks for your service. I am sorry to have to give you bad news but there is little or no collector interest in Armi Tanfoglio firearms. I often see revolvers like the one that you are describing being sold at gunshows in the $150 range.

I did a quick Google search on Armi Tanfoglio and came up with the Tanfoglio website, located at the following URL:

http://www.tanfoglio.it/

The Tanfoglio site will be a good place to get a little history and more information about your revolver. Good Luck, Marc