# 11581 - Preduzcece 44 Model 98 Mauser
11/29/2005
Matt, Falling Waters, WV

Preduzece 44 Has Mod. 98 stamped on side Has six eagle symbols throughout gun. I have a Preduzece 44 that has Mod. 98 stamped on the side. Also it has about six different eagle symbols on it. Is it a Nazi rifle or a Yugoslavian rifle?

Answer:
Matt- Preduzcece 44 is the term used by Communist Yugoslavia for the arsenal at Kragujevec where Mausers had been repaired for decades. After the 1920s they made Mauser rifles there on machinery purchased from FN. I believe that some of the "Model 1948" Mausers from Preduzcece 44 may have used salvaged parts form captured or purchased WW2 German K98k rifles. Thus, your rifle would be classified as a Yugoslavian rifle, not a German rifle. John Spangler

# 11254 - High Numbered - High Standard D
11/29/2005
Carol, Charlotte, NC

What is an approximate value of this pistol. It is in good condition? Thanks

Answer:
Carol, the serial number that you sent me is inconsistent with Model D production records. In 1938 High Standard decided to serial number all pistols consecutively regardless of model. Development of the Model D began in late 1937 before the consecutive serial number policy was adopted so a few pistols were made with serial numbers beginning at 500, but regular production guns were numbered in the normal sequence. The first regular production Model D was serial number 33216, it was shipped April 22, 1938. Total production of the Model D was a little more than two thousand five hundred and the model was discontinued in 1942 when serial numbers were in the 96600 range. The serial number that you sent me ''332704'' is well above the range and it would date your pistol in 1951. Possibly you sent the wrong number or maybe the frame is mismatched to the slide (I am not sure if this is possible or not with a Model D). Blue book values for Model D pistols range from about $200 to over $900 depending on condition but in the past few years collector demand for High Standard pistols seems to have somewhat diminished and these values may be a little high. If your pistol is mismatched with a Model D slide on some other frame, value will be in the low end of the range at most. Marc

# 11253 - Marlin 1895 Value
11/29/2005
Jamie . Blairsville, GA,

none How much would this gun be worth?

Answer:
Jamie, Marlin manufactured the Model 1895 from 1895 to 1915. Typical examples came with a case colored receiver, 9 shot tube magazine 24 or 26 inch round or octagon barrel open sights and plain straight or pistol grip stock but other configurations were available on special order from the factory. The blue book tells me that values for Model 1895 rifles ranges from about $900 to over $3000 depending on condition. Marc

# 11576 - Sporting Rifle Or Sniper Rifle
11/26/2005
Brian, Pryor, Oklahoma

The rifle has BNP stamped on it with a crown stamp underneath it. The 25-06 has xx listed after it. It says Made in England on the barrel and has Leslie Edelman, Horsham, PA and DEB stamped on the bottom. It also has Bz under the magazine and the number 43 as well. Any ideas as to what this gun could be? My brother's son in law said it was a British Sniper Rifle. I have my doubts. Mike says it has a heavy barrel, just not a bull barrel. Thanks, Brian Thompson

Answer:
Brian- quick, sell it to your brother's son in law, since he is such an expert, and probably thinks it is very valuable. Leslie Edelman is/was a dealer in guns and related stuff, including the mid-Atlantic dealer for Herters products in the 1960s. (I got my reloading gear from them, way back then.) As far as I know, the .25-06 cartridge has never been used as a sniper cartridge by any country ever. I think Edleman was located in Philadelphia origianlly and then later moved to Horsham, so this is probably a 1970s gun. Herters, and probably Edelman, imported a number of rifle models from England, usually built on Mauser type actions. They were good quality guns, but have little or no collector interest. It will be a good hunting rifle for someone, or you can make a nice profit, and your know it all shirt tail relation very happy, if you sell this "rare" gun to him. John Spangler

# 11572 - Strawvick Pennsylvania Rifle
11/26/2005
Robert Kempner, TX

Dated on top of barrel 1832 Initials A S A. Strawvick My wife's brother has in his possession a Pennsylvania long rifle which has been in his family since about 1832. The weapon is percussion lokced and has a half stock. The stock is inlaid with brass and silver fittings. The butt stock is crescent in shape and there is a rectangular patch box. The barrel is octagonal and there are 7 lands. Along the top of the barrel, next to the owner's name is the date 1832. The barrel is also marked A. Strawvick and has the initials A S with the A lacking a cross bar and looking like a Greek lambda. The original owner lived in the Butler County area of Pennsylvania. Do you have any information concerning the gunsmith who made this weapon?

Answer:
Robert- That is a nice gun, probably made as a flintlock full stock and later converted to the more efficient percussion lock, and more fashionable half stock configuration. The only info I have is from Frank Sellers' "American Gunsmiths" which lists Andrew Strawvick as working in Butler, PA and being associated with a percussion fullstock rifle. It is wonderful to see an old piece like that remaining in a family where it is appreciated, and a tangible link to ancestors and their lives and experiences. John Spangler

# 11220 - Alamo Ranger
11/26/2005
R. E. TN

3 hallmarks on frame forward of cylinder - Letter A with star on top, rampart lion, shield with a crown on top. On frame above trigger guard - words ''Made In Spain''. on barrel near frame -Rampart Lion and initiala T. U.. Along top of barrel the words- ALAMO RANGER. below that the words 38 SPECIAL S & W CTGS. The finish is a brown steel. What is the history of this weapon and what is it's value?

Answer:
The Alamo Ranger was manufactured in Spain circa 1928 to 1930. It was an anonymous 38 caliber six-shot double-action model with no note-worthy or distinguishing features. Typical examples were marked ALAMO RANGER EIBAR 1929, and MADE IN SPAIN / 38 CTG. They have Eibar proof marks and some are occasionally dated. The frame was solid with a loading gate, there was no ejector but the cylinder arbor pin could be unscrewed, allowing the cylinder to be removed for reloading. The quality of material and the finish of these pistols is generally poor. I have read in a major gunsmithing text book that the metals used in most of the Spanish revolvers of this type is of very low quality making them dangerous to fire. Values are very low, probably in the $50 range. Marc

# 11768 - Sniper Named FAGEN?
11/22/2005
Bobby, Houston Texas

Stampings on barrel and receiver, Logos? Name on buttplate is ''FAJEN''. What is this? Was told was name of sniper to use this weapon.

Answer:
Bobby, as far as I have been able to research, M1917 rifles were NEVER used as snipers. Fagen is a well known maker of after market replacement sporter stocks. I can not know for sure without seeing the rifle, but my guess is that you have a sporterized M1917 in a Fagen stock. It may be a good deer rifle but it is not a rare and valuable sniper rifle. Hope that you did not pay a sniper rifle price for it. Marc

# 11766 - RG Value
11/22/2005
John New Fairview Texas

This item was apparently made in Miami. Is the $20-$25 range fairly accurate for this item?

Answer:
John, RG firearms were manufactured in West Germany, one the importers was in Miami. I don't know why anyone would want to purchase an RG, but if you do, $20 is about the right price. Marc

# 11571 - Samel Hutson Percussion Rifle
11/22/2005
Robert Waco, Texas

Has (S Hutson) on top center of barrel. I would like any information I can get on this gun as I am having very little luck on the internet. Thank You

Answer:
Robert- This was most likely made by Samuel Hutson of Logansport, Indiana (just down the river from Cincinnati) and perhaps sold through a dealer in the larger city. In the 1860 census, he was listed as Samuel Hudson, but that was likely a typographical or penmanship error. That area probably supplied many guns to travelers heading down the Ohio River to the Mississippi, perhaps then bound down river to New Orleans or intervening points, or heading west overland from St. Louis to the plains or the West. John Spangler

# 11556 - Spencer Shotguns
11/19/2005
Hank

Did Spencer ever make a lever action shot gun?

Answer:
Hank- No. Please don't bother asking us questions if you don't want to give us the full serial number, or you will get stupid answers like this. Recommend you buy Roy Marcot's excellent Spencer Firearms book and look it up yourself. (In a dark closet so the space aliens in the black helicopters don't find out the serial number on your gun.) John Spangler

# 11555 - Stevens Springfield M1 Looking Training Rifle
11/19/2005
Ron San Antonio TX

I once saw a picture of a .22 Cal training rifle that looked a little bit like an M1. I think that Stevens or Springfield may have made it. Sorry that my information is very slim, but I would like to find one of these. Thanks Ron

Answer:
Ron- That would be the Stevens Model 87. They do have a long stock with handguards and Garand type sight picture. I believe that I heard they were developed for a possible Canadian contract during the 1950s which never materialized. A fair number were made, but they never seem to have been very popular, and collector demand is very weak since they were never purchased as military trainers (by any country). I have seen a number at various shows at very modest prices (and a few that the owners were quite proud of and will never sell). I think the American Rifleman had an article on these in 2002 or 2003 if you want more info. John Spangler

# 11206 - Black Diamond Trap Gun
11/19/2005

Black diamond old English stock, trap I can't find any information on this gun or what it's worth. Can you help me ?

Answer:
Chris, references indicate that Winchester Model 12 "Black Diamond" trap shotguns came in various configurations with straight or pistol grip stocks and a solid rib. They all featured a small ebony diamond inlaid on each side of the grip area of the stock. Blue book values for Black Diamond trap guns range form about $700 to over $2000 depending on condition. Marc

# 11205 - Luger - Need More Info.
11/15/2005

63 63 This gun was given to me by my wife's grandfather. I need to know how much it is worth. Also, can any repairs be made to it?(firing mechanism) Is there a history along with it.

Answer:
Ken, values for P.08 (Luger) pistols can range from around $300 to well over $10,000 depending on make, markings variation, accessories, matching numbers and condition. You did not give me enough information to pin a value down closer than that for you. If your serial number is 6009 then all the small parts should be marked with "09" The "63" that you mention could be anything from WaA 63 German WW-II Heerswaffenamt inspector's mark on arms produced at Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf am Neckar - Germany, to mis-matched parts numbers. If the parts are mis-matched and the pistol is in need of repair value will be in the $300 to $500 range.

Any competent gunsmith should be able to repair your Luger. Remember that if the repair requires replacement parts to be installed, it is most likely that the numbers on the replacement parts will not match the numbers on the pistol, this will lower the value. I would advise you to check the Yellow Pages and to call some local gun shops in your area, ask them for a referral to a gunsmith who knows Lugers. Marc

# 11200 - Sell Mondial .22
11/15/2005
Margaret, Springfield, MO

ivory colored handle, small What is the value? Where do I sell it?

Answer:
Margaret, there is not much collector interest in this type of firearm. I would expect to see one offered for sale at a gunshow in the $50 range. Possible approaches to sell the gun would be to take it to local pawn shops, gun stores, gun shows or try a newspaper add. Marc

# 11552 - 1863 Springfield Musket
11/15/2005
David, Killeen TX, USA

I kid you not the ser# is 1863 (located on the top flat of the octagon barrel) The right side plate is stamped 1863 (to the rear of the hammer) and has the eagle crest and ''Springfield'' to the front of the hammer. The wood is in good shape although very dark and shows no grain - it seems like it is still preserved with cosmoline or some kind of oil or wax. There is what appears to be a 4 leaf clover stamped into the center of the butt plate. I bought this rifle for $300.00 at an estate auction in Upstate New York 2 years ago. I am just wondering what your opinion of the worth of this rifle is? It's in very good shape Should I clean it up or leave it as ?

Answer:
David- "I kid you not?" (The old Jack Paar line---kids ask your grandparents who he was- sorta like Jay Leno a million years ago...). Well the number 1863 may be on the barrel, but, and this ain't no BS (a little sailor talk there) it is not the serial number but just the date the barrel was made. It is good when the barrel date and the lock date match, and based on your description it sounds like the musket is pretty much original. The four leaf clover is not a mark I recognize, but a three leaf clover was the badge of the 2nd Corps of the Army of the Potomac, so maybe this has some connection with a veterans group or Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) post. I would be reluctant to attempt to clean it unless you really know what you are doing. Done poorly it will greatly reduce the value. Most Civil War Springfield muskets seem to sell in the $1000 and up range. John Spangler

# 11543 - Anchor Marked Japanese Type 99 Rifle
11/12/2005
Art

One vent hole, no mum present nor filed off. Just above vent hole is a single circle about the size of a dime containing an anchor, a flower, and what appears to be a banner with letters on it. The serial number on the rifle is 18505. The bayonet is marked by National Denki under Kokura supervision. I just received this from my father-in-law today. He is a WWII Navy vet who brought the rifle home. We have searched for hours online, but find no clue as to the symbol of the anchor/flower/banner. Is this a Navy Special of some specific ship's markings? Thank you! My 16 year old son and I are working on this together.

Answer:
Art- without photos we cannot be sure what you have. There is a "Type 99 Special" rifle that was made very late in the war especially for Navy use with an anchor type crest on the receiver. The receiver was a somewhat crude casting, with a distinct step or wider area starting about half way up the left side. Serial numbers are known to go as high as about 14,000 but it is possible that more than that were made. Rifles and bayonets were issued independently, so the bayonet maker info does not help much. Honeycutt & Anthony's Military Rifles of Japan is the standard reference on these rifles. Regardless of collector interest in these, each of the Japanese rifles has special meaning to the soldiers, sailors and Marines who brought them home, and they should be valued for that, especially if it was a family member who served to defend out country. John Spangler.

# 11538 - Afghan Enfield Musket
11/12/2005
Jeff, Afghanistan

Crown behind lock with VoR under it, 1855 with ENFIELD in front of the lock. Small crown with broad arrow forward of date. On Barrel, left side, two markings of Small Crown with Broad Arrow pointing to muzzle. I am currently stationed in Afghanistan and have found this rifle. It is fair shape, all brass fittings are in place and the sling swivels are also intact. The Ramrod is of the 2nd type. It meets all specs as far as I am aware until you get to the fact that it is a long barrel and has only two bands, and the rear sight is a single blade type and not the graduated scale. Will this be worth the $100.00 the vendor is asking?

Answer:
Jeff- Thanks for your service to our country. Most of the percussion Enfields I have seen from Afghanistan are actually copies made in the Khyber pass region. While interesting and sometimes actually old, many turn out to be recently made copies for the tourist trade. If you like it as a souvenir of your service, I guess it is okay. If you are thinking about making a quick profit by selling it when you get home, I think it might be best to pass on it. The market is pretty well saturated, and demand was weak to start with. Also, large quantities of real British military arms from that era have recently been imported from an old storage depot in Nepal, so you face a lot of competition. John Spangler

# 11197 - Unidentified Torre Annunziata
11/12/2005
Lori Slidell LA

It has the bayonet and cleaner with the same dates, 1885, and the same name which I understand to be the manufacturer. We found this weapon during a French Quarter demolition. Can you tell me anything about it? Are you interested in it?

Answer:
Lori, it sounds like you have an Italian Mannlicher-Carcano Model 1891 Carbine. Most of these were manufactured by Regia Fabbrica d' Armi Terni between 1892 and 1937 but prior to 1912 some were also manufactured by Torre Annunziata. The first Model 1891 rifles were issued to the Italian military in the spring of 1894. The 1891 carbine was adopted on June 9th 1893 and issued to cavalry, carabineri (mounted gendarmerie) and cyclists. The original carbine had a straight-wrist half-stock, a turned-down bolt handle, and a folding bayonet attached to a special muzzle block. Early bayonets were locked by a sliding catch on the blade, this was changed about 1897 to a radial lever on the right side of the muzzle block. Total carbine production was 750,000 to 1,000,000. Mannlicher-Carcano values are often modest, we usually sell them for under $200 (often well under $200). We would not be interested in purchase but thanks for offering. Marc

# 11189 - K 98 With No Markings
11/8/2005
Oliver Rainbow City Al.

There are absolutely no markings on this piece. What is a possible source/nationality this rifle. Why are no markings

Answer:
Oliver, with the information that you provided, it is impossible to guess what you have. If the rifle has been sporterized, it is not uncommon to have most of the markings except for the serial number buffed off before re-blue. If your serial number has been removed the firearm is not legal to own. If the rifle is a military K-98 that has not been modified, it may be something special that would be quite a prize for a collector. Marc

# 11185 - Luger in Bosnia & Herzegovina
11/8/2005
Goran, Banja Luka, Bosnia & Herzegovina

World war II, war trophy How can I sell this gun and what would be the approximate price of it?

Answer:
Goran, sorry but I do not know what your Luger is worth in Bosnia & Herzegovina or what laws will pertain to selling it there. Values here in the USA for WWI vintage Lugers like you are describing range from about $400 to over $1500 depending on many factors including markings, variation, matching parts and condition. Marc

# 11537 - Brass Barrel Blunderbuss
11/8/2005
Jim, Clemson, SC

Stamped on the brass barrel: 1. a flower with 2 petals and 2. a lion or horse or griffin inside a diamond What country or gunmaker used these marks and when? jc3435@charter.net

Answer:
Jim- the brass barrel was popular on English made arms, But, the animal type markings do not sound English, maybe more like Spanish or Italian. This type of gun has been widely reproduced in recent centuries and without photos I cannot tell if it is even original, let alone where or when it was made. Too bad they did not have a bunch of tigers on it for the Clemson fans.... John Spangler

# 11536 - Military (?) Colt SAA
11/5/2005
Rodney Nowata. OK

The letter ''J'' is carved in the butt of the one-piece walnut grips. bought a Colt 45 SA out of a collection in Kansas City back in 1960 or 61. I was told at that time, hat it was issued to a soldier at Ft Riley Kansas in 1876, but I don't know if that's true or not. It has the one-piece walnut grips with a ''J'' neatly carved in the butt of the grips. The barrel length is 4 3/4 ''. The gun is in pretty good shape other than the bluing is worn off over all of the gun except for the backside of the hammer. Can you give me any definite information as to the year it was issued, to whom and a ball-park value?

Answer:
Rodney- There are some military Colt Single Actions in the 29,000 range, but this one is not listed. The military issue guns were marked U.S. by the patent dates on the frame., and in 1876 had 7.5 inch barrels. Some were later converted to "Artillery models" with 5.5 inch barrels, but 4 3/4 inch barrels were not military issue. Any early Colt SAA has good collector value in almost any condition (really- even rusty dug up junk goes for $$$$!). Military models go for more. You would need to have a reliable Colt expert look at it to give you an idea on value, but it should be a lot. John Spangler

# 11535 - Unidentified 4 Shot Pepperbox
11/5/2005
Kevin, Utica, NY

I have what I believe to be a pepper box pistol. It is a 4 shot with 3'' barrel. The handle is wood (light to medium) maybe Walnut, and the total length of the gun is 9''. The gun was found buried in dirt in old garage in Utica, NY. The serial # is very clear to see underneath and in back of the trigger. There are 4 deep groves on the outside of the barrel. The pistol fires one time and they you have to re-cock it with the hammer, and move the cylinder. Don't know who manufactured it or when it was made but guessing maybe civl war era?

Answer:
Kevin- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. It sounds like it would be a bit earlier than the Civil War. It is the type of inexpensive, easily concealed weapon that might appeal to a boatman (or passenger) on the Erie Canal. Perhaps it was lost when fleeing a dastardly crime scene, or dropped from a pocket while engaged in amorous activity with a local lady, or gleefully discarded after purchase of a fine firearm from the Remington works 15 miles to the west. .John Spangler

# 11757 - What's It Worth?
11/5/2005
doug,neosho,mo.. U.S.A.

themes a eagle on it+ two 88, with a line above it, could you tell me what its worth. Thanks

Answer:

Doug, can I tell you what your pistol is worth? Not really. I don't know how you expect me to give you a meaningful answer given the information that you have provided. I know that you have a blue P.38 with a short barrel. There are a couple of 88s and an eagle stamped on it. You did not send me any information about condition, matching numbers, other markings, missing or broken parts or accessories. You did not take the time to measure the barrel, or even to look at the serial number. Does it have a holster with it? How many magazines? Has it been re-blued? Did Bubba take a hack saw and cut the barrel down to 1 inch?

When a question has more than 2 or 3 of the following annoyances (like yours does) I usually just delete it.

• Inadequate information
• Poor spelling
• No spaces after commas
• Bad grammar
• Submitter does not even capitalize his own name

On the other hand, today is a slow day so what the heck?

Eagle over 88 was a German WW-II Heerswaffenamt inspectors mark, the number 88 was used on P.38 pistols manufactured by Spreewerk. If your pistol is not mismatched, it should have the following markings:

• The serial number:
  • On the slide just forward of the safety lever.
  • On the frame above the trigger.
  • On the front of the barrel group be-low the round section of the barrel.
  • The last three digits of the serial number on the base of the barrel locking block.

• Heerswaffenamt inspectors mark - eagle over "88".
  • Twice on the right hand side of the slide .
• Once on the frame above the trigger.
• Once on the right hand side of the barrel locking block.
• Once on the left side of the barrel group.
  
  
• "P.38 cyq" or "P.38 cvq"- The letters cyq were the manufacturer's code assigned to the Spreewerk factory in March, 1941. Some collectors theorize that cvq stampings are due to the tail breaking off the y in the cyq die, other collectors theorize that cvq is a legitimate code.
• Military test proof - eagle over a swastika on the right hand side of the slide.
• Spreewerke P.38 pistols typically exhibit rough machining with visible milling marks.

Values for Spreewerk P.38 pistols range from about $100 for a beat up example to over $850 for one in excellent condition with all the accessories. Marc

# 11199 - Remington Information
11/1/2005
Don, Lake Jackson, Texas

I inherited a 30 Remington pump rifle from my great aunt. There is a cartridge embedded in the left side of the housing that reads ''REM-UMC 30 REM'' and there are 5 pat dates on the barrel, Oct.12,09. Jul.5,10. Nov.19,12. Aug.28,13. and Sep.9,15. When was this rifle manufactured and how do I find a value?

Answer:
Don, Remington firearms that were manufactured between 1921 and 1972 have a two or three letter code on the left side of the barrel that identifies the month and year of manufacture. The first letter identifies the month, the other letter(s) identify the year. OldGuns.net has provided a place where you can enter the date code from your rifle and get a year of manufacture. You will find a link to the OldGuns.net Remington dates program on our right hand menu bar.

The Blue Book of Gun Values is the best place to find a what a gun is worth. You can purchase a blue book from:

Blue Book Publications, Inc.
8009 34th Avenue South, Suite 175
Minneapolis, MN 55425 USA
Phone: 952-854-5229 • Orders Only (domestic and Canada): 800-877-4867
Fax: 952-853-1486 (available 24 hours a day)
Website: http://www.bluebookinc.com
Email: bluebook@bluebookinc.com

Hope this helps. Marc

# 11171 - Reichsfinanzadverwaltung PP
11/1/2005
Al

R.F.V. 4126 W I have a Walther PP that was a bring back from World War II from my grandfather. He seems to think it was a German officers pistol. From looking at your site the serial number doesn't seem to match the military issued pieces you speak about. It does have a holster that is dated 1942 Berlin with an eagle and swastika. Does the R.F.V. 4126 W signify anything?

Answer:

Al, your serial number falls into the beginning series range for PP pistols. The first PP serial number was 750000, when the numbers reached one million, a new series was initiated which began with 100000. To the second series of serial numbers a letter 'P' suffix was added.

RFV is an abbreviation for the Reichsfinanzadverwaltung (loosely the German Financial Organization). This was a pre World War II German Government agency that responsible for collecting the fees on imports and exports, and because of this was said to be closely associated with the German Border Police. The RVF pistols that I've seen also have a number and the letter W after the number, I don't know what it means. There is collector interest in the RFV marked pistols, but they are not as popular as PPs and PPKs issued to the military or Nazi party members and so marked. I would estimate value for your pistol to be in the $300 to $500 range depending on condition. If the holster has military markings add $50 to $150 for it depending on condition. If not military marked and just dated value for the holster will be closer to $50. Marc

# 11531 - Winchester 1892
11/1/2005
Hamish. Broken Hill. New South Wales. Australia

I wondered if this configuration was rare. A few rifles in Queensland of this caliber, but not this configuration. This gun was also purchased in Queensland, new, to shoot dingo's from horseback.

Answer:
Hamish- On the Winchester Model 1892 rifle, the 24 inch barrel was standard, and available either round or less often as an octagon barrel. Therefore, while not terribly uncommon, the octagon barrel version would have a slight added value to a collector. I don't know if you should be allowed to shoot dingos from horseback. If the clever little critters have learned to ride horses, that seem excuse enough to spare their little lives. John Spangler