# 6459 - Luger For Sale?
10/28/2003
Melissa, Hastings, MN

S\42 - G - N Other markings, but would have to be drawn. Trying to find out this weapons value. Any recommendations on where it could be brought?

Answer:
Melissa, the blue book of gun values lists value for S/42 G date Luger pistols from about $500 to a little over $1300 depending on condition. OldGuns.net may be interested in purchase. E-mail us at hq@oldguns.net if you want to sell. Marc

# 6456 - Re - Blued / Re - Stamped Luger Value
10/28/2003

Has 2 position rear sight marked for ''100'' and ''200''. Matching mag with metal lug on bottom. No date marked. Crown over Erfurt. Was reblued and beautiful. Matching numbers. Has ''P'' under crown. Has ''C'' under crown. Has possibly ''B'' under crown. RC over crown (revised). Dove tailed front sight. What is the approximate date (I understand some Erfurts were not stamped). Approximate value please. Any comments please.

Answer:
Your description sounds like that of a WWI German Navy Luger. Among other differences, Navy Lugers have a longer barrel and an adjustable two position rear sight. Magazines should have a wooden base with or without concentric rings.

The fact that your Luger has an incorrect but matching metal based magazine leads me to believe that it has been re-numbered. Check for a flat spot on the metal base of the magazine where the numbers are, a flat spot will indicate that the original numbers have been removed so matching numbers could be re-stamped.

It is impossible for me to know what changes were made to your Luger at the time it was refinished without a thorough examination. My guess is that your magazine has been re-stamped and possibly there are other alterations. Values for original, all correct and matching Navy Lugers can go as high as $5500. In my opinion values for a refinished Navy Luger with possibly altered markings would be in the $500 -$700 range. Marc

# 6277 - Springfield Trapdoor Unit Marks
10/28/2003
Stuart, Park Ridge, IL

L Stamped just above the breech block hinge 20 This is a standard infantry ''Trapdoor.'' Probably refit in 1879. Any ideal what the L/20 stands for. L Company/20th Infantry??? Thanks. Stu

Answer:
Stuart- The conventional format for unit markings (specifically directed NOT to be applied to arms, but sometimes this was overlooked) was the Regimental number, then the Company (Troop/Battery) letter, followed by a number within the unit (about 80-100 men per company/troop/battery). These are commonly found on canteens and haversacks and a few other items. I have seen a number on rifle stocks (mostly trapdoors) as well, mainly from state units, especially Georgia and New York. However the L 20 is probably a rack number at a very small unit, perhaps more likely a veterans group, or maybe a military school, and it is most unusual to find it stamped on the action.. I am almost certain it is not related to the 20th U.S. Infantry. There is no documented history on your rifle, so we can neither prove nor disprove an association with any specific unit. John Spangler

# 6349 - M1903 Springfield(?)
10/25/2003
Stephen, Joplin, MO

82310 1907 manufacture. All original parts. In good to very good condition. All damage is to stock, and is only surface scratches. US logo on receiver filed off, Japanese characters engraved just below filing. Picked up from Japanese officer's quarters by USMC Staff Sgt. William Dye (My grandfather) during raid on Japanese airfield in WWII. Includes original sling (probably M1923A3) Has unusual straight lever on bolt action. Barrel is marked (underneath handguard) ''A1'', also a small crescent and dot above the ''A1''.

Answer:
Stephen- I am a bit confused. "Rockfield Armory'? The choices are either Springfield Armory or Rock Island Arsenal. Barrel length should be 24" when measured from the face of the closed bolt to the muzzle, unless someone has cut the barrel back a bit. I do not understand the "unusual straight lever on bolt action". The A1 and crescent/dot are probably heat lot or subinspector markings. The M1923 sling is a complicated arrangement with lots of straps and buckles, but it was not used much at all, so I would suspect it is something else, and I have never heard reference to a M1923A3 sling before. Regardless of the confusing items, the fact that it was acquired by your grandfather adds great sentimental value, and we encourage you to keep it in the family, and to write down as much information you can about who got it under what circumstances and keep that with the rifle. I do not read Japanese, so cannot help with what those markings may be. Certainly sounds interesting. John Spangler

# 6487 - Rough Rider (1st US Vol Cav) Carbines
10/25/2003
Eric

Hi...any idea how many identified Rough Rider issued Krag carbines there are KNOWN, not just listed with SRS? Thanks. Eric

Answer:
Eric- Unless verifiable through SRS documentation, I would not be willing to concede that any purported Rough Rider carbine is actually that. Therefore the field is limited to the 191 or so identified by SRS.

Of those, my guess is that maybe 20-30 have been located. I have seen photos of several and have actually seen two or three for sale over the years.

SRS can probably tell the number that have been lettered, which would probably be pretty close to the number which have been located.

Of course, not all the Rough Rider guns are verifiable through SRS, so we can all fantasize about ones of ours with really close serial number that MAY have been used by them. (I have two in that category). But, like horseshoes and hand grenades, close does not count.

If one were to be located that is NOT documented by SRS, but is accompanied by all sorts of paperwork from a veteran of that unit, including something that mentions the serial number (not a notarized statement from someone three generations later) that would be accepted by many collectors as genuine. However, it is just as possible that instead of being ``the gun Pvt. X carried'` it is merely a gun that former Pvt. X acquired in later years from a dealer that was the same model that he carried. Value and demand would be adjusted accordingly. John Spangler

# 5725 - Winchester M1903 Ammunition
10/25/2003
Dan, Boise, Idaho

I have a Winchester Model 1903 which belonged to my father, I believe he is the original owner. I am trying to determine the correct .22 cartridge for the gun. My research on the internet indicates that this gun was manufactured in 1910. I have attempted to shoot the rifle but it will misfire and jam. Also in my internet searches I have found auctions for collectible ammo labeled Winchester Automatic for Model 1903. I have also found that there is a .22 cal defined as ''The .22 Winchester Automatic'' (has been produced in limited quantities and is currently available. This cartridge is NOT interchangeable with any other rimfire cartridge)''. Thanks for your assistance

Answer:
Dan, your suspicions are correct, the Winchester Model 1903 was chambered for .22 Winchester Automatic cartridges, it will not function properly with regular .22 rimfire ammunition. Winchester chambered the Model 1903 rifle in this unusual caliber because at the time the rifle was introduced, blackpowder and semi-smokeless powder 22 rimfire ammunition was still widely available. Use of blackpowder ammunition in this type of semi-automatic rifle will quickly gum up the action and render it inoperable. The .22 Winchester Automatic cartridge was introduced as a measure to prevent the use of anything but smokeless powder ammunition in the rifle. Remington later brought out a similar cartridge for the same reason. The Remington and Winchester cartridges are not interchangeable. Winchester manufactured a total of 126,000 Model 1903 rifles between 1903 and 1932 when the model was discontinued. Winchester dropped the .22 Winchester Automatic round from standard production in the 1970s. Marc

# 6408 - NIB Pre-64 Winchester Mod. 70?
10/21/2003
Dave, Wellington NZ

I recently acquired this pre-64 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight in .308 Win (standard grade)- new (unfired) in the original box complete with two hanging tags and a plastic sleeve with warranty registration card and booklet. The box shows the small dings you'd expect from over 40 years of storage, and the paperwork is covered in small holes which I am told are the result of acid in the paper. Otherwise it is in pristine condition, just as it was delivered. When was this rifle made? Can you give me an idea what it might be worth?

Answer:
Dave, Winchester's Model 70 Featherweight was a lightened version of the Standard Model 70. Featherweight models had a tapered 22-inch barrel, lightweight stock, aluminum alloy buttplate, and an alloy trigger guard/magazine floorplate assembly. Standard chamberings included 243, 270, 308 Winchester, and 30-06 with 30-06 being the most common. It is believed that a few rifles were manufactured in 22 Hornet, 220 Swift, 264 Winchester Magnum, 257 Roberts and 358. Winchester manufactured the Featherweight from 1952 to 1963, my records indicate that your rifle (serial number 512862) was manufactured in 1960. Blue book values for Featherweight Model 70 rifles in 100% condition is $775, but I think that is a little low. If I were listing a rifle like yours for sale at OldGuns.net, I would put a higher price on it. The blue book cautions prospective Model 70 buyers "believe it or not, there are getting to be a lot of fake Model 70 boxes that have been intentionally aged, carefully screen rifles that are new in the box (watch the hanging tag also) specimens in this model". This caution will make your rifle harder to sell. The acid holes in the paper don't seem right to me, I have much older Winchester papers that are still in good condition with no acid holes. It would help if you have further documentation to confirm your rifle's originality. Marc

# 6351 - Mauser Model 1891 Argentine Rifle
10/21/2003
Amanda, Bismarck, Mo.

This gun has the shaking hands and a marking with a B and a M blended together. All matching serial numbers. I was wondering when the last year that this model was made. And how to go about finding history on this rifle.

Answer:
Amanda- As far as we know there is no way of finding any history on any of the Argentine Mausers. They were made in Germany, shipped to Argentina, mostly left in storage until sold as surplus in the 1960s, and another batch in used condition appearing in the 1990s. The shaking hands and other marks are inspector marks. These were made by Ludwig Loewe & Company in Berlin circa 1891-1896. After Loewe and Mauser joined to form Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken they were made by DWM from 1896 to 1900. I have seen the date of merger as 1898 in some references, and do not know which is correct. The Argentine Mausers are extremely well made and usually in excellent condition, and I really like them. John Spangler

# 6354 - Zouave Bayonets
10/21/2003
Dennis Souderton Pa

John Spangler said the only real Zouave bayonets have a B.H. mark on the handle. I have one, and also one with P.S.JUSTICE on the blade,(philada under it also). Who made the B.H. marked bayonet? Also, do you know what Zouave regt. got the 69 caliber P.S.Justice Zouave bayonets?

Answer:
Dennis- The only real bayonet for the Remington made so called model 1863 "Zouave" rifles are marked with the letters B.H. The number of similar looking brass handled sword bayonets by various American and foreign makers is unknown, and one of the really still undocumented areas of arms collecting. (Al S- get busy and write a darn book!)

Phillip S. Justice of Philadelphia entered into a contract with the State of Pennsylvania and delivered 2,469 .58 caliber "rifles" fitted for sword bayonets. (He also made about 2,174 .69 caliber smoothbore "muskets" and rifled "rifle muskets" which took socket bayonets.) Robert M. Reilly's U.S. Military Small Arms 1816-1865 (one of my "essential books for gun collectors) has details on both types of arms. He describes them as "some of the worst firearms ever delivered to the U.S. government" but notes that these were delivered before the end of 1861 at a time when arms were desperately needed, and that deliveries of interchangeable .58 caliber Springfield pattern arms were still months or years away. Basically, the P.S. Justice arms were assembled using whatever surplus or scrap parts they could obtain along with some newly made parts (such as stocks made from unseasoned walnut). Records show that P.S. Justice arms were issued to the 58th, 88th, and 98th Pennsylvania Volunteers, and perhaps others. I suspect that some of these may have come from your area, and that your bayonet was brought home by a returning solider. Also, some of the early troops only served for 90 days or 1 year, and they are likely to have been issued these substandard arms. As there was tremendous variation in dimensions of the guns and bayonets, most were serial numbered to identify which ones would fit. John Spangler

# 6288 - Manhattan Arms Copy Of Colt Revolver
10/18/2003
David ,Jesup, GA

Manhattan Fire Arms March 8 1864 As you can see its a colt revolver made by Manhattan fire arms back during the civil war it was carried by my great great grandfather for the (south) the question is was this gun made for the confederacy or the north? And also how many were produced and what the value could be worth?? it has definitely baffles allot of historians around here because its a 5 shot 36 cal. any help would definitely be appreciated.

Answer:
David- It will sure look like a Colt, but believe it when it says Manhattan Fire Arms Company., because that was who made it. Although the company was incorporated in New York City in 1856 (in anticipation of Colt's first patent on revolvers which would expire in 1857), the guns were first made in Norwich, Connecticut, and later in Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Bacon, later a prolific maker of cheap revolvers (under his own and many other names) was involved with setting up Manhattan's production facilities. Manhattan made single shot "boot" pistols, pepperboxes, percussion revolvers similar to Colts, and l.22 caliber cartridge pistols, copied from the Smith & Wesson. However, Smith & Wesson's patents had NOT expired, and Manhattan's making of these copies was stopped when the lost a lawsuit from S&W in 1873.

Your pistol, if it is .36 caliber with 4 inch a barrel and having a 1864 patent date is one of about 78,000 of the "Navy Type" or .36 caliber revolvers made circa 1859-1868. Collectors divide these into 4 variations and yours would be the 4th type (due to the 1864 date). These had a spring plate on the recoil shield, to minimize the chances of adjacent chambers firing by back flash through the nipple when fired. These were offered with 4, 5 or 6.5 inch barrels. Production on this variation began at about serial number 45,200 and went thru 69,200, so I would assume yours was made early in 1864, and thus could have been used in the Civil War. Yankee firs were NOT selling arms to rebellious Southern patriots at that time, so if used by a rebel, it probably was obtained from a Yankee who no longer needed it. Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and their Values lists this at about $350 in NRA antique good condition. As a family piece with Confederate usage, the sentimental (and perhaps cash) value would be a lot higher, so insure it accordingly. There is an entire book, Manhattan Firearms by Waldo Nutter which was a pioneering study for arms collectors that remains the definitive study on all types of Manhattans, but Flayderman's Guide has an excellent section sufficient for most collectors. John Spangler

# 6289 - Steyr Model 1895 Rifle
10/18/2003
Darrell Iowa City, IA

Has Austria 8X56B on barrel tip and opposite that is C.A.L ST. ALB. VT. The stock, receiver, and bolt are all marked with the number 4345. There is an earlier number on the stock that has a line through it. The top of the receiver also has what looks like a run together WHV and the number 136 plus the monogram that looks like a two headed crab. Has a stainless steel bolt that I managed to remove by pushing the trigger forward while pulling back, but now can not get back in! What can you tell me about this rifle. Any collector interest? With the exception of the replacement stock it appears to be mostly unused.

Answer:
Darrell- The Austro- Hungarian empire used the double headed eagle as part of their crest and the two countries were part of the declining Hapsburg empire until it was divided up after WW1. (At least I think so....) The 1895 rifles have been plentiful on the surplus market for about 10 years or so, often at very low prices, but with ammunition very hard to find. Many beginning collectors buy these and have fun figuring out how to take them apart. Many also figure out how to put them back together again (hint- you may have to extend and turn the bolt head before trying to get the bolt back in). These can be fun to practice home gunsmithing skills on, and if pretty doggy, you will not be shunned by future generations of collectors if you try your hand with some sandpaper and finishes on the wood, and maybe a bit of cold blue on the metal parts. While they do not appeal to me, you are welcome to enjoy them if they strike your fancy and fit your budget. John Spangler

# 6312 - Essex Or Remington?
10/18/2003
Bob North Brunswick, NJ

Essex Arms is on the frame Remington is on the slide I am new to guns and I need to get some information from you. I recently purchased a 19911A1 and was told that it was used in W.W.I.I. Someone informed me that Essex Arms might not have been in business at that time and that you did not make military guns. Just three questions 1. What year did Essex Arms company start making 1911A1 frames? 2. Did they ever make frames for the military? 3. Is there any chance that this gun was used in W.W.I.I.

Answer:
Bob, Your pistol is DEFINITELY not U.S. military issue. Several companies during WWII including Colt, Remington Rand, Ithaca, Union Switch & Signal and Singer sewing machine manufactured US 1911A1 pistols, but none were manufactured by Essex. I searched the Internet for more information about Essex and found that they have a web site located at www.essexarm.com. I contacted them via e-mail and found that Essex has been manufacturing 1911A1 frames since 1970.

My first 1911A1 was similar to the one you are asking about, it had a Colt military surplus slide and a mixture of military surplus and after market parts put together on an early Essex frame (serial number 154). I purchased my Essex for NRA short course target shooting and was quite happy with it. Collectors call guns that are a mixture of odds and ends like these "parts guns" or "Frankenstein guns". This type of gun can be a good shooter but they have no historical significance or collectors value.

If you erroneously purchased your Essex under the impression that it is a WWII collectible, I hope that this experience does not make you give up on firearms collecting. To avoid costly mistakes, I would advise you to do some research before your next firearms acquisition. Buy some good firearms reference books, they are a vital part of any good firearms collection. A good book to start out with is Fjestad's "Blue Book of Gun Values". The blue book has just about every gun that you can think of listed in it along with values and useful information. Last of all, "if you don't know your diamonds know your jeweler", the same is true for guns. Give your business to reputable dealers who know their guns and will be able to answer your questions honestly and correctly. Marc

# 6331 - Nat'l Ord. WWII/Korea Carbine?
10/15/2003
Scott

Hi, what can you tell me about National Ordinance Incorp. Do they still manufacture weapons? I know they produced M1 Carbines during WWII and Korea, how can I trace the SN of a weapon that they made at their facility?

Answer:
Scott, sorry to have to contradict you, but National Ordinance DID NOT manufacture M1 Carbines during WWII and/or Korea, they manufactured about 50,000 M1 carbines, for commercial sales starting around 1960 to the mid 1970s. National Ordnance did not make any M1 carbines for U.S. Military contracts and they have almost no collector interest or value. Marc

# 6413 - Vietnam K98 Bring Back
10/15/2003
Tim, Bluffton, SC

Top of the receiver stamped bnz X 41, left receiver-eagle stamp serial number Mod 98 h below. right receiver stamped 4 times in a row with eagle wing and WaA623 below it. Barrel where barrel meets receiver stamped 7'90 left barrel stamped with eagle and matching serial no. with h below. Top of barrel stamped 3 times with the same eagle wing WaA623. Sight stamped 2 times with eagle wing WaA623 in the right corner. There is something stamped under the barrel but I cannot read it with out taking it apart the only thing I can read is the letter RD The stock in engraved with the matching serial number and slotted for rifle sling. The butt of the gun is stamped with eagle wing 37, there are 4 x over what appears to be the serial no. and the number 160 stamped below it. The bolt has numbers all over it but none match the 8836 serial number. the bottom of the gun is stamped twice with what appears to be 3 horizontal lines ( maybe an eagle) with 77 below it. Please tell me anything you can about this rifle. I know it was manufactured Steyr-Daimler-Puch in 1941. I think it was one of the Russian confiscated rifles because of the x's. My father got this gun at a weapons cache raid in Vietnam it still had the Cosmoline in it. He told me it had never been fired. Inside the chamber has a stamp some symbol and the number 39. The stock shows a lot of wear but the metal parts of the chamber look brand new. This rifle has been in storage since 1970. Thanks Tim

Answer:
Tim, The X markings do denote Russian capture. The rifle must have been supplied the North Vietnamese by the Russians. The markings with 623 under them are waffenamts stamps (weapons inspector) for the Steyr plant. The letters on the barrel are the heat lot identification of the steel used to make the barrel. The assumption was that if the barrel failed the heat lot number could be traced and other rifles made with the same lot of steel withdrawn from service. If the stock number matches its probably the original stock. The bolt is definitely a mismatch, the commonest problem found on the captured German rifles. The 77 stamp on the stock under three lines, is a stylized variant of the waffenamt you see on the receiver and barrel. Number 77 was another inspector associated with the Steyr factory (bnz).

If you have capture or export papers from Vietnam paper the rifle would be quite valuable. Without them the price of the rifle would be that of other Russian imported Kar 98k's, between $200 and $300. If you're ever interested in selling please contact us. Marc

# 6290 - Muff Pistol
10/15/2003
L. Scott

Where can I find more information about this gun and how can I determine it's value?

Answer:
Scott- Muff pistols were dainty pistols supposedly carried in the furry thing that ladies stuck their hands in when travelling in the winter. Theoretically when the local highwayman came along and shouted "Stand and deliver!" said lady would whip her hand out of the muff clutching the pistol and send the outlaw ruffian to his just reward. In later generations, ladies had the choice of assorted primitive cartridge pistols, then the S&W Ladysmith series. More recently a compact Glock would serve nicely. However, it is difficult for ladies to drive (any worse than usual) while juggling lipstick, a cell phone and a Glock, instead of being chauffeured in a carriage by a servant. Therefore most ladies now carry their Glock in a purse or sexy thigh holster instead of a muff. Anyway, Reilly could refer to any one of a number of English makers, best narrowed down by examining the type of pistol (flint, percussion, pinfire, etc). You state it is nickeled, if so, it was done after about 1865 when the nickel plating process was developed, but if it is merely polished bright it could date to a much earlier period. There seem to be a lot of these listed for auction on www.antiquearms.com, so that may help you find a comparable example with a feel for value. John Spangler

# 6291 - Dueling Pistols
10/11/2003
L. Scott

Nice dueling pistols, steel swivel ramrods, engraved final and tang, silver escutcheons, in a finely checkered walnut stock & twist steel barrels, about 8'' over all with copper powder flask. Where can I find more information and determine value?

Answer:
Scott- These sound like some neat guns. However, I believe that they are polished bright, not nickel finished. McDermott is listed in A. Merwyn Carey's "English, Irish and Scottish Firearms Makers" as working 1790 to 1840 in Dublin, Ireland. Carey states that he "made flintlock coach pistols with silver mountings and double barrel flintlock fowling pieces of fine workmanship. Later percussion holster pistols with swivel ramrod." Swivel ramrods became popular about 1830 or so, and seem to have been more favored in pistols meant to be carried, rather than cased sets of duelers. I suspect you have pocket pistols (as holster pistols tend to be larger than 8 inches overall) probably made toward the end of McDermott's working period. These sound like higher grade guns and are probably similar to those I see offered in the price range of $1500-3,000 for a pair. The DC numbers are registration numbers from when the guns were registered at Dublin Castle, the seat of government authority. Ireland was one of the earliest areas requiring all firearms to have serial numbers and registration, beginning sometime in the early 18th century. Certainly if gun control were a viable concept, an experiment lasting over two centuries in an island nation would result in a peaceful bucolic paradise, free of violence and certainly with shootings an unheard of event. While such may be the fantasy of Leprechauns and the Brady Bunch, the incessant "troubles" surely are convincing proof to any rational observer that the gun control concept is a dismal failure. Only a fool (or perhaps one excessively partaking of Irish whiskey) would think that gun registration and confiscation anywhere will disarm criminals and thugs bent on criminal acts. However, the news media and assorted liberal idealists persist in promoting victim disarmament schemes (often insisting on their right to have guns for their protection, or armed bodyguards). John Spangler

# 6293 - SN&WTC For Massachusetts Musket
10/11/2003
Ed, Lancaster, MA

IC What does the marking I.C. indicate? It is stamped on the barrel and in the stock opposite the lockplate.

Answer:
Ed- Your .58 caliber rifle musket was made under contract from the state of Massachusetts by Samuel Norris and William T. Clement. Samuel Norris was later Remington's agent in Europe and while trying to peddle rolling blocks, he encountered the Mauser brothers and entered into a contract with them for the rights to their bolt action designs, not bothering to cut his employer in on the action. Unlike most Civil War contract muskets which were Model 1861, a lot of the SN&WTC arms seem to have been of the latest Model 1863 configuration. These have the rounded bands and the hammer altered to strike the nipple set closer to the center of the bore than on the 1861 model. The M1861 had a clean out screw on the nipple bolster, while the M1863 has an eagle stamped on the bolster. Some references list the total SN&WTC production as only 3,000 but based on the frequency with which they are seen, my guess there were more like 10,000 made. My first antique gun purchase was a SN&WTC musket. (This was in 8th grade for $12.50 which took me a long time to save up. I had to repair the broken stock, but shot it for a number of years.) As far as the I.C. marking, it probably means Inspected and Condemned, applied at the time it was obsolete and sold as surplus in the 1870s(?). For what it is worth, the one in my collection now, also has the I.C. mark. John Spangler

# 6344 - Remington Model 513 T Information
10/11/2003
Chuck

NONE Can you tell me how much a Remington 513T weighs.

Answer:
Chuck the Remington Model 513T "Matchmaster" bolt-action target rifle was a moderately priced alternative to the more expensive Remington Model 37 "Rangemaster" rifle. The 513T was introduced 1939, at a cost $29.95, it weighed nine pounds and featured a heavy semi-floating target barrel, full target style pistol-grip stock with beavertail forend, adjustable front sling swivel, Redfield globe front sight (with seven interchangeable discs), Redfield No. 75 micrometer rear sight, adjustable trigger stop, and a six-shot detachable magazine.

The U.S. government purchased 59,964 Model 513T target rifles for marksmanship training during World War II and another 1,300 during the Korean Conflict.

In all Remington produced a total of 123,625 Model 513T Target Rifles in the twenty-nine year period between it's introduction 1939 and 1968 when the model was discontinued. Marc

# 6297 - .32 S&W Revolver Value
10/8/2003
Eric, NY, NY

No special markings. This is the ''C'' prefix, K-frame, 5-inch and is marked just like other M&P's of the late forties except for the rare .32 Smith & Wesson long caliber marking on the barrel. Just how rare is this gun and what would be a fair market value for same? Seldom seen, according to the Jinks books (many exported). I would appreciate any further information you might have. Thank you very much..

Answer:
Eric, rare does not always equal valuable. There may be some collectors who are willing to pay more for a revolver chambered in .32 Smith & Wesson long, but I suspect that such a collector may be even less seldom encountered than the revolver. I would expect to see a revolver like yours for sale at a gunshow in the $150 or less range because there is not much collector interest and ammunition is hard to find so shooters would probably not have much interest either. Marc

# 6298 - Aftermarket Stock For An 1891 Argentine
10/8/2003
Christopher, Alvarado, Texas

This 1891 Argentine 7.65 Mauser of mine has been sporterized greatly, including but not limited to, the bending of the original bolt and notching of the original stock to accommodate the alteration. My question is if you can tell me where I may obtain a composite stock for this weapon to replace the original military wood stock. I have spent several hundred dollars in the modifications on this weapon, and so I will say in closing, price is not an issue.

Answer:
Christopher, the Model 1891 Argentine is a fairly rare rifle. I'm not familiar with anyone who has made aftermarket stocks for them, especially synthetic ones. You might look for a stock that fits a common Mauser such as the Kar 98k and see if it will work. If that is unsuccessful, you may have to pay for a custom stock to be hand made from a blank. To have a stock made from scratch is usually an expensive and time consuming alternative, especially if you want quality workmanship. I know several people here in Utah who could do a good job and I'll bet that if you ask around at local gun shops and gunshows in Texas, you will be able to find someone locally who can do the work for you. Good luck, Marc

# 6301 - Hollis & Sheath = Isaac Hollis & Sons?
10/8/2003
Walker

I have a double barrel percussion cap shotgun which was my great grand father's. A local gunsmith says it has Birmingham UK marks on the barrel, circa 1870 and on the receiver, Hollis & Sheath. It is a low end, common, working man's shotgun, but could this be the Hollis of the more famous London, Isaac Hollis and Sons who operated in Birmingham with sales offices in London and elsewhere? Thanks for any info.

Answer:
Walker- An excellent question, and you provided the right answer too! Hollis & Sheath operated in Birmingham, England, 1849-1861 with their address circa 1853-1861 being 5-11 Weaman row. Isaac Hollis & Sons operated from 1861 to 1900 with their initial address being 5-11 Weaman row. Since they operated from numerous addresses over the years, it would be possible to narrow down dates by the address used. Boothroyd's Revised Directory of British Gunmakers is probably the best source of this information, but it is available from other references as well. John Spangler

# 6432 - What's an Ersatz rifle
10/8/2003

What's an Ersatz rifle?

Answer:
"Ersatz" is a German term which basically means something like a substitute or imitation or artificial item. Most often it is used to identify bayonets improvised from various materials with very crude quality, but okay to be used when regular items are not available. Generally this would be under "last ditch" or emergency conditions (as when a war is not going well). John Spangle

# 6320 - Flintlock " Horse Pistol "
10/4/2003
Gary North Port, Fl.

ELG star in a Oval, Crown over R ,15.4, also looks like a E with a L script, Barrel fluted, could not find serial Number Would like to know a little history on this gun

Answer:
Gary- The ELG is a Belgian proofmark, used for many years. The caliber and barrel length suggest that is would be the style popular circa 1750-1830. However, the Belgains have made a lot of copies of early style pistols, so it is perhaps even more likely that it was made in the last 40-50 years for the collector/decorator/theatrical market. That is about all we can tell you based on the information provided. I am not sure about the significance of the "fluted barrel." John Spangler

# 6424 - Purchase Folding Stock For A Marlin Camp 9
10/4/2003
Craig Dallas, TX

Before I purchase a folding stock for a Marlin Camp 9 that I have, I need to find out if my Marlin was made pre- or post-ban. Could you either provide that information or route me to someone who could? The number on the carbine is 03446328. Thanks!

Answer:
Craig- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. I would recommend you contact the local BATF office (who will probably forward it to the BATF Technical Branch) and ask them. They are the folks who would be called on to testify against you and prove that it was post ban, so presumably they should know. It may be best to find their address from the BATF website http://www.atf.gov and WRITE rather than call or use email, so you will have a piece of paper on BATF letter head explaining that it is, or is not, okay to do this. Hopefully you are busy contacting your Congresscritters and telling them to NOT reauthorize the stupid assault weapons ban. If it sunsets without being reauthorized no one will care about a folding stock on your rifle, and crime will neither go up nor down. John Spangler

# 6409 - Mauser Sporter's History
10/4/2003
Edward Miles, Hickory Tavern, S.C.

Receiver marked ''GEWEHRFABRIK DANZIG'' and Carries the Royal Prussian Eagle marking. The Receiver Ring measures 3.25cm in Diameter, and is 4.25 Cm long. The old rifle has a scope attached made by OIGEE of Berlin with front tip off mount and a rear post mount. The scope reticule adjustment block is inscribed ''Luxor 6X 108590 on one side, and on the other, D.R.P. No. 305004. The scope mounts feature a peep through at their base. The mounts are inscriber ''315''. The stock is of walnut wood, and features an elongated checkered oval pistol grip. The same has a cheek plate. The front of the stock features a schnable design, and also has oval panels at the receiver area for strength. The barrel length is 59.5 centimeters long from the receiver ring. The bolt is what appears to be a standard 98 model, excepting it does not have a ramp in the semicircular groove to aid in removing the Extractor. The old rifle has two set triggers with adjusting screw...and I could go on if need be. My question is...What model is it, when was it made, where can I get documentation on it, and was it a sniper rifle. It was passed to me through family who said the rifle was taken off a German Ski Patrol during WWII by a Russian friend named Victor Rockwell. Some friends have speculated that it is a commercial model 88 made before WWI and made a sport rifle by some German gunsmith in the 20's. What's the truth?

Answer:
Edward, from your description it's difficult to identify exactly what rifle you have. There was a Prussian State arsenal at Dang which produced the Model 88 and the Model 1898 until 1918. The ejector on the Model 88 is a small button headed devise on the left side of the receiver, while the Model 1898 has the standard rectangular ejector that pulls out. The bolts are also different, the Model 1888 bolt does not have the famous Mauser large spring steel extractor on the right hand side.

The rifle has been extensively modified by a gunsmith with double set trigger and scope mounts added. We've seen a number of other German rifles, usually Model 1888's so modified for hunting. Many found their way back to the U. S. at the end of World War II and turn up occasionally on the collector's market.

World War II German sniper rifles were made from the standard Jeweler 98 rifle, not from hunting rifles. There were a number of mounting systems used. All required the attachment of permanent metal plates to the receiver. Otherwise the rifle was left in its standard military configuration. It's highly unlikely that your rifle was used as a military sniping rifle. I suspect that the story about history has been enhanced to make it sound more exciting. Marc

# 6300 - byf K-98
10/1/2003
Anthony

byf, numbers 61,63, two German eagle symbols, one with the number 63 under it, model 98 I found out that the gun was produced at Mauser-Werke, Oberndorn am Nekar, Germany. I assume that the gun was assembled by Germans, but my first question is was the gun actually assembled by Germans or could it have possible been assembled by contained Jews? My other question is what would you say the value could be estimated at? It's in excellent mechanical condition, and the barrel has good rifling and no pits, smooth as far as I can tell. Thank you very much for your time and consideration, you have a neat sight.

Answer:
Anthony, glad you like our site, feel free to tell all of your friends about it and to come back often and purchase all sorts of rare and valuable junque. As you already know, your rifle was manufactured at the Mauser plant at Oberndorf. The manufacture date will be sometime between 1941 and 1945, the last two digits of the year of manufacture (41-45) should be stamped on the receiver ring below the letters "byf". The serial number may have a letter suffix. The Germans began numbering their rifles with number 1 at the start of each year, after they reached 9999 they added a letter (a, b, c...) to denote the next 10,000. To properly identify a serial number you need the number and its accompanying letter, the maker, and the year. There were obviously many thousand duplicate serial numbers among the Kar 98k rifles. The other markings are inspector's marks. The inspectors working at the Mauser plant during this time used the numbers 656 or 135.

As to the rifle being made in a concentration camp, there was some manufacture of rifles by the Gustloff Company (code bcd) at Buchenwald, but I'm not aware that Mauser ever set up a manufacturing facility in any concentration camp. Marc

# 6311 - Spanish .25
10/1/2003
Robert

On the barrel - ''PISTOL AUTOMATIC CAL 6.35 (35 is underlined). It also shows PARAMOUNT CAL 25. The number 4041 is imprinted just above the trigger frame. It has the Modele 1920 and the initials RB within a circle on the grip. It also has ''Made in Spain'' imprinted on the frame. Can you give me any background or history on this model? Made an error on barrel length. It is 2 inches long, not 4.

Answer:
Robert, your pistol may have been produced for sale in the United States by the Apaolozo Hermanos company of Zumorraga, Spain. Little information is available about Apaolozo Hermanos beyond the fact that they manufactured pistols from the early 1920s until the Spanish Civil War. The Paramount was a 6.35mm semi-automatic pistol that was based on the Browning 1906 pattern. Paramount slides were marked 'Paramount Cal .25'.

Spanish handguns produced in this era are notorious for their poor quality steel and many are dangerous to fire. I would advise you to not shoot it so as not risk a chance of injury to yourself or others. Marc

# 6410 - Springfield Shipping Crates
10/1/2003
Glenn

I am looking for either plans or some good pictures of the shipping crates used by Springfield(and other manufacturers) to deliver their .58 cal rifled muskets during the American Civil War. I belong to a new Civil War reenacting company and we are looking to add some camp equipment, and have somewhere to store some of our company lending muskets that is accurate. I believe the crates held either 8 or 12 guns. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Answer:
Glenn- Musket crates held 20 muskets, making them about 250 pounds when filled with 20 muskets and 20 bayonets and a few small tools and spare parts.

There are plans in the 1855-1862 Ordnance manuals which have been widely reprinted, although they details are a bit confusing.

Basically they are just a big wooden box, sturdily constructed. Then there are several layers of blocks that fit across the ends on alternating rows. From bottom to top they are a muzzle block with holes for 5 muzzles and ramrods, then a butt block with wedge shaped slots that hold the butt in place, then a butt rest or spacer followed by another muzzle block, butt block, and another different spacer.

I recently added a crate for M1842 muskets to my collection and had to make two complete sets of blocks (as I found two crates and sold one to another collector). Quite a project, and a real pain getting authentic size lumber to use. I had made three other crates (M1903 Springfields, M1898 Krags and M1873 trapdoors) and am familiar with the general scheme, but it is still a pain. However, it is the MOST efficient way to store arms if you have enough to fill up a crate. Hope this helps. John Spangler

# 6411 - Deal With Rust, Pitting, Fixing Stocks, Etc.
10/1/2003
Scott

Gentlemen, what is the best book or other source for info on how to clean rust, deal with pitting, deal with repairing stocks, etc... In other words, the definitive restoration/maintenance guide. Let me know what you think.

Answer:
Scott- Excellent question. But first, we are sending Tony & Guido to track you down at your new address and have teach you a bit about oiling your guns so you don't got no rust! Kapeesh?

There is no single good reference, and no substitute for experience and practice. Please determine the limits of what work is appropriate, rather than what is possible, and go no further than that. Then determine if you have the capability to do what is appropriate, and if not, then please don't mess up a collectible gun. Many of the books will talk about refinishing and all sort of other things that are simply not appropriate on collector guns. However, they may cover valuable bits and pieces that can be used in other contexts, or be useful tricks for adding age to newly made parts, or valuable insights to spotting guns that have been worked on by others.

Some of the more useful books are the following: Ronald Lister- Antique Firearms: Their Care, repair and Restoration A good basic starting point. NRA Gunsmithing Guide Any (or all) of the many good gunsmithing guide books by Baker, MacFarland, and the paperbacks by the Gun Digest folks have useful bits and pieces. For stock repairs, it is as much an art as a science, and a stock worker accumulates various epoxies, glues, dies, stains, oils, scraps of wood, wing of bat and eye of newt to brew up what he hopes will fix the problems with a stock and leave it looking the right color, age and amount of use.

Probably the best laboratory for practice is to play with some junky old guns and see what you can do. If in doubt, do nothing, and leave it to a professional. If a gun is worth fixing, it is worth having it done right. We have longer replies in the Q&A archives. Search for number 2493 and 2832 to find out more. Hope this helps. John Spangler