# 14440 - .303 Enfield identification
12/29/2012
Stanley Duluth, Ga

BNP on barrel mark II by iron sites 1?13 above XO483 on metal band around the stock and XO483 on bolt Can you identify age, maker and approximate value gun is in good shape

Answer:
Stanley- The correct model designation should appear on the butt socket, or on the left side of the receiver. The barrel length varies with different models, but I have no way of knowing if yours if the original length or if it has been cut down. Your best bet for model identification would be an excellent Enfield site such as http://www.telusplanet.net/public/philqgbr/enfield.html or one I Ian Skennerton’s books on the Lee-Enfields. Once you know the model, you can check dealer listings or auction sites (completed sales, not the ones that did not get any bids!) to see what guns in similar condition are selling for. John Spangler

# 14604 - Golden Spike, Is There A Question Here?
12/29/2012
Lee Portsmouth oh

Gold spike 94 1969 never been fired

Answer:
Lee - I don't see a question here so I will assume that you are asking for information. I have never liked commemoratives much, but anyone with one is wise not to fire it and to save the box and original papers. For a commemorative to have any value over a regular model, it must be in 100% new condition, never have been fired, and have it's original box and papers. If you do not have the original box and papers you can deduct $100 to $150 from the value. If a commemorative has been fired or shows any signs of wear, it is just a ''fancy shooter'', worth little more than the same model that is not a commemorative. I would advise you to check and carefully clean and oil your commemorative periodically. I know someone who bought a new commemorative and left it for years in its original box without ever looking at it. When the box was opened, he found that the gun had acquired a fine coating of rust. Never cock or dry fire a commemorative.

According the blue book, retail price for the Golden Spike commemorative when it was first offered in 1969 was $120.00 and current value if in 100% condition with box and papers is $650.00. The quantity of these rifles that were made is 69,996. Marc

# 14596 - MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!
12/24/2012

Answer:
Marc and John wish all of our customers and visitors a very Merry Christmas, and a New Year filled with happiness, success and peace.

Remember, though, if Santa forgot to bring that special gift, we just might have it! Check all of our catalog pages to see if there is something that maybe you should have asked for... but forgot to. Then let us know and we can do the job when you're in town, or something festive like that.

Marc Wade and John Spangler

# 14595 - British Bulldog
12/22/2012
Rob, Colonial Heights, Virginia USA

On top of main frame is has stamped ''BRITISH BULLDOG'' What can you tell me about this weapon?

Answer:
Rob, British Bulldog is a name that has been used by many manufacturers since Webley introduced a small frame, large caliber pocket revolver in the 1860s with the name "Bulldog." Since then, the name has been used on many designs including a Charter Arms revolver which is probably the most recent. In many cases, the name "British Bulldog" was probably used with the hope that gullible buyers might vaguely recognize the Bulldog name and be snookered into thinking that a revolver of lesser quality was manufactured by Webley. U.S. manufactures who used the name included Forehand & Wadsworth circa 1879-1883; Hopkins & Allen in the late 19th century; and Johnson & Bye in 1881. With the information you supplied, that's about all I can tell you about manufacturer. I can tell you that today there seems to be relatively little collector interest or demand for the old Bulldog type revolvers. Most would be very modestly priced, probably in the $50-150 range depending on which exact model is involved, the condition, and the eagerness of the buyer or seller. Marc

# 14438 - 1892 Winchester With Three Sights
12/22/2012
David , Goochland , Va

this rifle has flip up sights at 3 different spots This was my great grandfathers gun and I would like some general info on it . I have been to many gun shows and not seen one like this with these sights . It is in great condition ( I regularly shoot this gun )would like to know aprox value also . Thanks !

Answer:
David- Sorry, we cannot help much with that one. Your best bet would be to see if you can get a “factory letter” from the Cody Firearms Museum which would probably tell you if there were any special order sights installed at the factory. If so, that would be a big plus, and if not, a big negative since Bubba likes to mess with sights. Until you figure out who put the sights on the value question cannot be answered. Glad to see a good old gun still in a family being used. John Spangler

# 14593 - Western Fields Info
12/18/2012
Mike--- Minnesota

none Date of mfr? Value? Fires perfectly but its a bit beat up in appearance

Answer:
Mike, my references indicate that Western Field Model 41 is a house brand name that was used for the Mossberg Model 45.

The Mossberg Model 45 was manufactured from 1935 to about 1937. It was a take-down design that had a tubular magazine beneath the barrel that could hold 15 22LR rounds. The plain half- stock had a pistol grip and a slender rounded forend. The rear sight was a Mossberg aperture type and the front was a hooded ramped blade. Mossberg Model 45 rifles were 42.5 inches long, had 24 inch barrels and weighed 6.7 pounds.

There is little or no collector interest in this model, a quick Internet search resulted in several that were selling in the $30 range. Marc

# 14436 - Ketland Flintlock Pistol Value
12/18/2012
Ron, Palmdale

I have a t. ketland pistol (like a pirate pistol), brass barrel, brass trim, has proof marks, missing ram rod. in very good condition. iron frizen pan, lock plates, think its 1794 by the markings. It still works !! has a weak spring though. it is completely original (no replacement parts at all). How much is it worth??

Answer:
Ron- Without knowing more about the exact model and condition, it is hard to say if it is a few hundred dollars or a even a few thousand. If you think it is one of the desirable U.S. military guns, I would start by comparing it with the information in Robert M. Reilly’s “U.S. Martial Flintlocks.” If it not identical to the guns shown there, then you will have to dig deeper. Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values may have some info as well. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14592 - 511 Scoremaster
12/15/2012
Mike

It is over 70 years old and has a stamp on barrel $47 Would like to know date of mfr and good condition value

Answer:
Mike, the Remington Scoremaster 511 was a .22 caliber, bolt action design with a detachable magazine, 25 inch barrel, one piece hardwood stock, and a blued metal finish. It was manufactured by Remington Arms between 1939 and 1963 and then again in 1965 and 1967. Rifles manufactured before 1968 do not have serial numbers.

Remington firearms 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 and the other letter(s) identify the year. You can use the Remington link on our menu to look up when your rifle was made.

Values for Scoremaster rifles in the bluebook top out at around $250. Marc

# 14435 - Lefaucheux Pinfire Revolver
12/15/2012
Bob, Suisun, CA

A friend asked me to get the info on this revolver that he inherited from his Dad. It is a single and double action pinfire. No rust and very nicely engraved. I assume that it has a nickel finish as there is no bluing. The dark wood grips are finely checkered and appear to be walnut. I would rate this firearm at a NRA 90% or more due to it's age. Any idea what such a piece might be worth? I can send you a digital photo of this revolver.

Answer:
Bob- Pinfires were an early form of self contained metallic cartridge, and became very popular in Europe, but never really caught on here in the United States. Casmir Lefaucheux was the name of the inventor of the first successful pinfire revolvers, and his name has become the generic term for most pinfire revolvers, much as Henry Deringer’s name was applied (misspelled as DeRRinger) to many small pocket pistols. Some Lefaucheux revolvers (12mm or about .44 caliber) were purchased in France and used by the Union Cavalry during the Civil War.

However, Americans have shown little interest in collecting pinfires of any type, with demand and value very weak, unless you can get both of the people who care about them into a bidding war over one. The best feel for values would be to check some of the big auction houses which have sold large numbers of them. I believe that Rock Island Auction has sold a number and their website has old catalog listings and also the actual prices they sold for. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14432 - Percussion Rifle By Jacob Harder
12/11/2012
Glenn Martin, Lititz Pa

On the inlayed plate that the hammer is mounted to,( G. Goulcher ) Has brass trigger guard, buttplate an patchbox, but has some kind of silver colored decorative piece at end of stock Wondering how rare this gun is and what the value is? Thanks for your time, Glenn

Answer:
Glenn- Jacob Harder was a maker who operated in Lock Haven, Pa, and reportedly also in Waverly, NY and Athens, PA. In addition to making common single barrel rifles, he is also known to have made double barrel rifles, both with fixed breeches, and also swivel breeches, and even a three barrel swivel rifle. Waverly, NY, and Athens, PA, are about 60 miles northeast of Lock Haven, and the Harder family was involved in the retail store business in that region. Therefore, I do not consider your rifle rare, but rather a typical example of the common sporting or utility rifle of the mid to late 19th century. Many makers of that period used locks made by specialist lock makers, so Goulcher locks will be found on rifles from dozens of makers. As far as value, my guess would be a few hundred dollars for an average example. John Spangler

# 14589 - 1954 Mod 94 Info.
12/11/2012
Thomas, Waterford, MI.,

Great condition Age and Value. Please. Thanks

Answer:
Thomas, your rifle was manufactured in 1954. The 32 special rifles are a little harder to sell than the more common 30-30s. We usually sell similar rifles to the one that you are describing in the $650 range. Marc

# 14586 - Young America Value
12/8/2012
Dale Hildebran, N.C. USA

I bought this small handgun at a real good price and told it was very old and it has an 1''/2 Octagon Barrel and the trigger and guard is blued and the hammer looks like it may have been blued also. The Hand Grips look fancy and seem to have the markings of like a crown at the bottom and at the top. I'm just curious as to how old this little weapon is and it's worth to a collector. It also fires in great shape.

Answer:
Dale, H&R manufactured the Young American from 1887 to about 1941, it was an inexpensive revolver chambered in .22 Long, or .32 S&W. with fixed sights and blue or nickel finish. The Young America was one of H&R's first double action designs.

Sorry to give you bad news but there is just about no collector interest in H&R firearms. In my experience, those collectors who have an interest in H&R firearms like them because they are inexpensive. I would expect to see a revolver like the one you are describing sell at a gunshow in the $50 to $75 range. Marc

# 14423 - German HWZ 29 .22 Rifle
12/8/2012
Bob, Port Huron, MI,

HWZ MOD.29 CAL 6/22 LONG RIFLE I have a rolling block single shot that my father `liberated` from a German gun club during WWII. Where can I find out more information about this fine weapon?

Answer:
Bob- I regret that I cannot help with that one. Sounds like a nice one. John Spangler

# 14581 - Mod 12 Value
12/4/2012
Jeremy, Tucson, AZ

How much would this shotgun be appraised for?

Answer:
Jeremy, the Model 1912 (shortened to Model 12 in 1919) was Winchester's first slide-action hammerless shotgun. It was in production for over 50 years and in that time over 1,900,000 were manufactured. My references indicate that your shotgun was manufactured in 1948. The Model 12 was dropped from regular product line in 1963, but a special model was produced in the Custom Shop until 1979. In 1972 Winchester resurrected the Model 12 in its regular production line in 12 gauge with ventilated rib only. The reintroduced Model 12 was dropped in 1980.

The Model 12 shotgun can be found in many different combinations of gauges, barrel lengths, ribs, and stocks, all of which determine value. The more rare a particular combination, the higher the price.

As I have said before, our main focus at FineOldGuns.com is military firearms. We sometimes list sporting shotguns for sale in our catalogs but we do not have a lot of interest in collecting them and are by no means experts in this field, this is why we request visitors to NOT submit questions about shotguns. Since I do not pay allot of attention to shotgun pricing and values, and since you did not tell me anything about the condition that your shotgun is in, the best that I can tell you is that value will probably be in the $100 to $1500 range. Marc

# 14427 - Deutsches Sportmodell .22 Training Rifle
12/4/2012
Bob, Shady Cove, OR

ABTL Waffenfabrik Berlin-Treptow This rifle came back from Germany at the end of WWII. It was identified as a German military training rifle. It's in very good condition. (80%)? What can you tell me about it.

Answer:
Bob- I cannot do much better than to quote from the excellent site http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Mauser_training_rifle.htm Which explains:

“The German MAUSER "Deutsche Sportmodell" TRAINING RIFLE The Mauser bolt-action .22 LR rimfire rifle shown as an example on this page was manufactured by the " Geco" company (Gustav Genschow & Co.), one of many companies sub-contracting for the production of these allegedly sporting rifles (the German Government - post the First World War - were officially restricted to the production of only sporting arms; military weapon manufacture was more or less forbidden by the Allies . Some years on, the sporting rifles came to bear more than a passing resemblance to the old German service rifle). This new miniature calibre Mauser rifle became known as the DSM-34, by virtue of the "Deutsche Sportmodell" designation and the 1934 year of introduction. The DSM became one of the most common of the German "training" rifles and, as was the 1939 following design KKW rifle ( Klein Kaliber - Wehrsportgewehr ), was modelled loosely upon the Gewehr 98 rifle genre. The DSM could not be fixed with a bayonet, but the immediately pre-W.W.II design KKW was so enabled….

For the most comprehensive record of small-bore Mauser training and sporting rifles, you should read the superb Collector Grade Publications book by Jon Speed, unsurprisingly entitled

" MAUSER SMALLBORES - Sporting target and Training Rifles".

There you go! John Spangler

# 14575 - MatchMakers Rifle?
12/1/2012
Dennis Kaysville, Utah

Is there a parts book for the MatchMakers 513-T, if so were can I find it?

Answer:
Dennis, according to Webster's dictionary a matchmaker is "one that arranges a match; especially : one who tries to bring two unmarried individuals together in an attempt to promote a marriage". I think that you have the name of your rifle a little mixed up and that could be why you are having problems finding a parts drawing. The name that you are looking for is Matchmaster.

The Remington Model 513 Matchmaster bolt action rifle was manufactured from 1940 to 1968, total production reached about 137,302. The Matchmaster came equipped with a sturdy target type half stock with sling swivels, a beavertail fore end, and a straight comb which rose at the heel. Matchmaster barrels were a 27 inch heavy target semi-floating type. The Matchmaster trigger mechanism had an adjustable stop. Matchmaster Model 513T rifles came equipped with Redfield aperture sights. The "T" suffix designates the target sight model.

The U.S. government contracted with Remington in 1940 to manufacture 10,000 Model 513 target rifles to be used by the U.S. Army for training purposes. This included issue to DCM affiliated clubs for training juniors, and to ROTC units. Rifles that were purchased by the Army were stamped "U.S. PROPERTY" on the barrel and the receiver. Civilian versions of the Matchmaster have a blued finish, while those made for U.S. Army and ROTC may have either a blued or a Parkerized finish.

For a parts drawing, try Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

I checked an old Gun Parts Corp paper catalog that I have in my shop and they have a section on Remington 500 series rifles. Hope this helps, Marc

# 14425 - Early (?) Winchester Model 1894
12/1/2012
Craig Billings Montana

IV on bottom in front of trigger By all appearances, this rifle is pre-64/ but the serial no. indicates manufactured in 1894 no crescent butt plate_ No tang markings Could this have been a special order do you think the serial no. is legitimate???

Answer:
Craig- Good question. First, it is illegal to possess or sell a firearm with a serial number that has altered, but that does not deter some fakers. There are minor manufacturing differences between very early Model 1894s and later ones, and a serious Winchester collector scan detect those and tell you for sure. Without actually handling the gun in person, we cannot tell you for sure. I do not know what the IV might mean. However, my gut feeling is that this may indeed be one of the very early rifles, and probably has great collector interest. As far as value, the market will determine that. There are a lot of smart Winchester Collectors in Montana, so seek a few out for their advice. You might want to try showing it to several people and asking what they would offer before making any decisions about selling. It could also turn out to be an unauthorized copy or a refinished gun not worth very much, so don’t make any bets on value. Good luck! John Spangler