# 14717 - Page-Lewis Serial Numbers?
12/28/2013
Ronald Ft Myers, FL

Has Model B SHARPSHOOTER on one side and PAT`D.APR.25.1923 and a serial number of 5428 on bottom of the falling block action. Has V with a P in it along with 22 L.R. and address of company: PAGE-LEWIS ARMS COMPANY CHICOPEE FALLS MASS.U.S.A. What is the significance of the serial number. Everything I have been able to find about Page-Lewis Rifles does not mention a serial number.

Answer:
Ronald- Prior to 1968 there was no requirement for manufacturers to put serial numbers on their guns, so some did, and some did not. However, many who did not apply “serial numbers” did mark guns with other numbers. These are usually called assembly number or batch numbers, and were mainly used to allow the various hand fitted parts to be matched back up after final polishing and metal finishing (blue, etc). Sometimes the numbers were sort of for piecework accounting for the workers involved, or quality control purposes. Other times numbers were applied to guns AFTER manufacture, more or less “local” serial numbers, so an employer could keep track of guns checked out to employees (maybe on a farm or ranch, or a carnival shooting gallery). Or, they might be a number applied by some bureaucratic idiots who mistakenly believe that registering guns by some sort of serial number will reduce crime, or an owner hopeful that applying their social security or driver license number will help cops get stolen property back to them. John Spangler

# 14814 - Model 88 Info and Value
12/28/2013
ann, thorp, wi

I think its 1956 could you give me a value

Answer:
ann, The Winchester model 88 was manufactured from 1955 to 1973, and was offered in several calibers including .243, .308, 284 and .358. The Model 88 differed from other Winchester lever action rifles in that it made use of a box magazine instead of the customary Winchester tubular type. Because of it's box magazine, the Model 88 could fire pointed-nose cartridges which are dangerous to load in tubular magazines for obvious reasons.

My records indicate that you are correct, the year of manufacture for your Model 88, is 1956, just as you indicted. Model 88 rifles manufactured prior to 1964 have diamond cut (rather than pressed basket weave pattern) checkering, no barrel band and a 22 inch barrel. Total production for all varieties of Model 88 rifles (both pre and post 1964) is about 284,000. I have found that Model 88 rifles are usually easy to sell because of their popularity with collectors. Values in the blue book for 308 Model 88 Winchester rifles that were made prior to 1964 range from $350 to over $1000 depending on condition. I often see hunting rifles that have been modified, adding custom sights or a recoil pad are two things that seem to have been popular. If your rifle has had any modifications, value will be in the lower part of the range. Marc

# 14827 - Merry Christmas From John And Marc.
12/24/2013

Answer:

It's Christmas Eve, John and Marc hope you are spending time with family and friends, laughing, enjoying each other's company, and eating good food.

Please remember our troops who are still overseas in this weekend. Let's not forget their sacrifice as they're away from their families. If you know someone who is serving, please give them a big thank you and a Merry Christmas.

We would like to thank all of our visitors, customers, old friends and new friends that we have made this year for helping us have a great 2013. We appreciate your support, business, the questions that you send us and your friendship. We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. 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.

# 14710 - Colt Percussion Revolver- Real Or Repro?
12/21/2013
Stephen

On the cylinder you can see the letters PN and what appears to be a makers mark. There are no serial numbers anywhere on this gun. On the butt of the grip there is a number '' E03578 ''. Is my gun a Colt or a reproduction?

Answer:
Stephen- I am certain yours is one of the Italian made replicas, because their proof mark includes the letters “PN”. The original Colts were serial numbered on the barrel, frame and trigger guard, with the three numbers more or less stacked on top of each other. The cylinders, grip strap and usually the cylinder pin and barrel wedge were also numbered, but in less convenient places. John Spangler

# 14811 - 444P Outfitter
12/21/2013
Jim Netters Rusk Texas

none barrel twist and year of production. thanks

Answer:
Jim, references indicate that the 444P is also known as the 444P Outfitter. The Outfitter was manufactured from 1999 to 2002, it was available in .444 Marlin only and came with a 5 shot tubular magazine and 18½ in. ported barrel. with deep cut Ballard-type 6 grove rifling. The sights were an adjustable semi-buckhorn folding rear with ramp front. The rifle had a checkered straight grip walnut stock and forearm and was tapped for scope mount. Approximate weight was seven pounds. Hope this helps, Marc

# 14807 - Winchester 94 With Scope
12/17/2013
Johnny, Louisville, KY

Was wondering how much it is worth. It's in Mint condition and also has a wide angle scope attached to it.

Answer:
Johnny, since your rifle was manufactured after 1964, there will not be much collector interest in it, value will be mainly as a shooter. The scope may or may not help, it has been my experience that Model 94s sell better without a scope. I would expect to see a rifle like the one you are describing sell at a gunshow in the $300 range. If you are trying to sell, I would advise you to take the scope off, fill the mounting holes with plug screws, and sell the scope separately. Marc

# 14709 - German Ammo Container?
12/17/2013

I just found a round metal container with a red label that I think is German ammo. It is 2 1/4 inches across and has the following markings. "dinamit nobel aktiengesellschaft" in all capitals and rounded at the top of the can, then "noenberg" in all capitals rounded at the bottom,"Flobert Platz-Patronen" is under the top words and can't read the first letter but could be a Z which would make it "Zagefjaltet" as close as I can tell that is above the bottom words. In the center is a gold circls with an acorn in the middle and on the left side of it is the number 50 and on the right side is a 6. Then around the outside of the can is a red label that has "sinoxid" written several times and a logo that is a circle (black line) with the letters "RWS" inside. I would be happy to send a picture if you like. Can you please tell me what it is, how old it is, and if it is worth anything or dangerous? My dad invaded Omaha Beach in WWII and I don't know if this could be something of his or not. Thanks so much for you help !

Answer:
Sir- You have a container for "Flobert" ammunition, probably .22 caliber, and probably made sometime since about 1930. Flobert ammunition is similar to .22 rimfire ammo, but made without the powder charge, so just the primer charge pushes the bullet out. These were popular in Germany for indoor target shooting, and made in a few different calibers and variations. I think these are still available, and I cannot help date things other than the "sinoxid" is the term for non-corrosive priming which was used since about 1929. It may be pre-WW2, or may be 1960s vintage.

Value is probably modest, $10 or less in my opinion, maybe only a dollar or two. As long as there is no ammo in it, it is perfectly safe, and you could sell on GunBroker.com or eBay. John Spangler

# 14708 - Browning Commemorative Set Value
12/14/2013
Tom Glendale Arizona USA

41 of 50 engraved in gold on both barrels Approximate value ? cannot find any reference to this set, even on the Browning website

Answer:
Tom- I regret we cannot help with that one. We just do not get into any of the commemorative type guns, and have no feel for their values. I suspect this would be of interest mainly to a serious Browning collector, so I would suggest you check with the Browning Collectors Association http://www.browningcollectors.com. John Spangler

# 14806 - Marlin 22 Value
12/14/2013
Reggie, Warrior, Al.

Gold trigger, What is the value of my 22 rifle?

Answer:
Reggie, value depends on condition, it can range anywhere from $75 for a real beater to over $400 for A really nice example. Marc

# 14707 - Springfield Model 1873 Rifle
12/10/2013
Doris, York, NE

Has a metal covering on the butt end, one screw missing. What can you tell me about it?

Answer:
Doris- Your rifle is a standard Model 1884 .45-70 infantry rifle as used by many volunteer units during the Spanish American War. There is no usage history on that specific number. That is about all I can tell you. These are fairly common guns, and values vary depending on condition. A great site for further information, and also parts, is http://TrapdoorCollector.com. John Spangler

# 14803 - Argentine Police HP
12/10/2013
Tim Edwards Imlay City, Mi. USA

It has a crest on the top if the slide by the rear sight and the same on the barrel. It has an ''E'' on the trigger guard and it has a tiger looking symbol standing up with the initials PW under it. I do not believe this is an FN from what I have read. Its in good excellent condition. What year is it? and I'm looking to sell it. Approx. whet price range do they sell for? Pic`s can be sent.

Answer:
Tim, the Argentines contracted with FN to make the High Power under license. A number of Argentine made pistols have been imported for sale in the U.S. I would guess that this is one. It sounds as if this one was purchased by the Buenos Aires police authority.

I do not have any experience with Argentine High Power pistols but my guess is that value will be in the $350 to $450 range. Marc

# 14705 - Mind Reading Detective Work Again
12/7/2013
Wendy

It says ''Nickel steel barrel especially for smokeless powder'' on barrel. I'm trying to find out what model make my gun. All I have is a serial number. It's a repeater center fire with an octagon barrel. It's has non brass receiver. There's no make listed. Can you help me identify this rifle I inherited ???

Answer:
Wendy- This is a tough one, but I will polish up my crystal ball, have a couple of drinks and see what I can figure out.

The “non-brass receiver” narrows it down somewhat. Center fire with octagon barrel helps as octagon barrels were seldom used except on lever action rifles, so that narrows it down a lot more, with most of them being made by Winchester or Marlin. The barrel length of 25 ¼ inches to the receiver would be about 26 inch barrel length when correctly measured in the bore, so this would probably be a “rifle” and not a “carbine.” The barrel marking “Nickel steel barrel especially for smokeless powder” is a major clue, because that was one of the selling gimmicks that Winchester used starting in the late 1890s. I think this pretty well narrows it down to Winchester, probably a Model 1892, 1894, 1895 lever action repeater, or the Model 1885 single shot. All of these usually had the Winchester name on the barrel as well, and usually the caliber on the left side or the barrel near the receiver. The Winchester name and model was almost always marked on the upper receiver tang, behind the hammer. All of these models were in production in the late 1890s and could have had the Nickel Steel marked barrels. However, the Models 1886 and 1892 had already been made in large numbers, so a nickel steel barrel on one with a 142,000 serial number would rule them out unless it was a later replacement. I don’t think that Model 1885 serial numbers ever got to 140,000, so let’s drop that one. The Model 1895 did not reach 140,000 until 1915, so I think that is not very likely. Based on the total numbers made, I think you probably have a Model 1894 rifle. Since you did not find the model markings, which was usually on the receiver tang, I am pretty sure that your rifle has had a tang sight installed, which was very popular, but it covers up the markings.

So, I will declare your rifle to be Model 1894 Winchester. Most likely in .30-30 (.30 WCF or Winchester Center Fire) caliber, but possibly in .32-40 or .38-55 caliber which were available with nickel steel barrels as a special order option (adding $5.00 to the $19.50 price of the rifle.)

Was I right? John Spangler

# 14802 - Need Parts
12/7/2013
Mark, Anderson, SC, USA

Model 720 with US and Flaming Ball engraved. Cannot find any cartouches but stock appears to be original The butt plate is cracked and the rear swivel point is missing (appears to screw into stock). How can I get these parts?

Answer:
Mark, no we do not have the parts that you need. Recommend you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting the parts that you are looking for on our free "Wanted" page at the following URL:

http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm

Hope this helps. Marc

# 14698 - M1816 Springfield- Real Or Repro?
12/3/2013
John, New Hope, Pa

DP on the trigger guard and under the barrel, S, LM H on the backside of the lockplate Flintlock along with numbers on the tumbler 1,2,3,4,5, V, P in a circle and eagles head on barrel My main question is, some of the parts seem to be too clean to be original. The parts are shinny clean. No maker on the lockplate but on the reverse side H and LM are clear. The DP on the trigger guard and Barrel are real clear also. Can I feel comfortable that these parts are original or reporo. I purchased this musket from a very old reputable dealer in NJ. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have pictures also that I can send if you would like. Thanks John

Answer:
John- Without seeing the gun, or photos, I cannot tell you much about it. However, since you purchased it from “a very old reputable dealer” I think that it is probably exactly what he sold it as. If you don’t know your diamonds, you better know your jeweler. The lack of a maker on the lockplate seems a bit odd, but it may have been removed or never marked, especially if it were one of the guns made on a state contract, or one cobbled together by P.S. Justice or another surplus dealer way back when. Usually the difference between fit and finish of reproduction parts and an original is pretty obvious if you pull the lock out of the gun. As for the details of the markings, I suggest you take good look at any reproductions you see to see how their construction and markings might resemble or differ from yours. John Spangler

# 14801 - Another German Officers Pistol
12/3/2013
A.G. IN PRAG

Pistole Modell 27 I was told that is a 32mm but would like to know for sure so I can purchase the correct ammo, and the appx. value of the pistol, it is in good shape. I was told that this was a WW2 German officers pistol?

Answer:
Ah yes, the old "German officers pistol" story, it seems like I have heard it a million times, it is told to me along with just abut every German military pistol that I look at or buy. It is easy for a seller to make that sort of claim, but without documentation to back it up, it adds no value.

The CZ 27 was adopted by the Czechoslovakian armed forces in 1927 and was due to be replaced by the Model 1938 in October of 1938. On October 1, 1938 the Germans entered the Sudetenland of Czechoslovakia and most of the remaining Czech territory was occupied in March of 1939. The CZ factory was taken over and Model 27 production was continued under German supervision for German armed forces. Approximately 475,000 CZ Model 27 pistols were produced under German supervision before hostilities in Europe ceased in May of 1945. Often uninformed or unscrupulous people will try to tell you that every one of those pistols went to an officer in the German military, but I don't believe it. The German name for the CZ factory was Boehmische Waffenfabrik A.G. (Bohemian Weapons Factory Inc.) Early CZ 27's were marked "Bohmische Waffenfabrik A.G. in Prag" this marking was dropped on later models.

Over the past few years, OldGuns.net has sold quite a few of the CZ 27 pistols, if you check our catalog, you will probably see one or more listed there. They don't go fast, but they seem to be steady sellers in the $550 range. Marc