# 11889 - Buy a Ruger
1/30/2007
John

Has name of make, model and caliber on left side of barrel. Also name of exporter EXCAM INC.HIELEAH FLA. on left side by trigger and has four emblems plus CAT-885 on right side by trigger. It is nickel with a wood handle. I am looking for the cylinder/cylinders for this pistol. I read that this model TA76 came with two. The 22 LR.AND 22 MAG.I would like to have both, Also wanted to know if the Excam TA22 cylinders would fit the TA76?

Answer:
Sorry but I have never paid much attention to Excam firearms because there is not much collectors interest in them. I can tell you that if you find a replacement cylinder, it should be fitted to the revolver by a gunsmith because it may be dangerous to fire unless this is done. You may find that your revolver is not worth the price of purchasing and fitting the extra cylinder. I would advise you sell it and to purchase a new or used Ruger that already has both cylinders. You will end up with a higher quality revolver that is safer and cheaper in the long run. As always my free advise is offered with a full money back guarantee. Marc

# 11878 - Need Colt Slide and DOM
1/30/2007
Kevin, Katy, Texas

No special markings, just an after market slide. 1. Would like to know the date that my handgun was produced? 2. Have searched on internet and local gun shows to find a Colt slide for my handgun. Any other suggestions?

Answer:
Kevin, my records indicate that your pistol was manufactured in 1971. You should have checked OldGuns.net first, I just sold a really nice Colt series 70 slide, I don't remember how much that it went for. I would advise you to keep an eye on our parts and accessories catalog, we list slides there when we get them. You can also try posting a want in our free wanted list. Good Luck. Marc

# 12423 - Rifle With Mystery Markings
1/30/2007

I have no knowledge of weapons, so I really can't explain certain parts of the rifle correctly. I inherited a rifle that I believe is a Model 1903 Springfield. It has a bayonet (about a 10-inch blade with a wood handle and a cover). There are NO markings in English or with Arabic numerals. ALL the markings are in a very strange script. It does not look like any language I have ever seen: Cyrillic, Arabic, Chinese, etc. It looks more like Egyptian hieroglyphs than anything else. The bayonet has five markings on the base of the blade. There are four markings just in front of the bolt (on the top). There are characters on what I'll call the back sight, which raises up and has a sliding piece. When raised, the characters are on the part of the sight opposite the shooter's eye. I can't photograph the characters as my camera can't focus close enough to make them out (they're about one-eighth of an inch high). I can't even copy them as some are very complex. Thank you.

Answer:
Sir- Your rifle is probably a Siamese Mauser, made in Japan around the time of WW1 for the old Kingdom of Siam, now known as Thailand. Check the foreign number translation table on our other site at http://armscollectors.com/numbers.htm and your marks should match the Thai markings. These rifles use a very scarce obsolete cartridge so they are about worthless for shooting. In the 1960s or 70s a large number were imported into the US and sold at very low prices mainly for use as decorators. The stocks are made of a very weak oriental wood and are easily damaged. I once bought a large trash barrel full of these rifles (admittedly in deplorable condition with many missing parts and mostly broken stocks) that came from a defunct junior military school for $40.00 for the barrel full. Some people have used the actions to make up .45-70 caliber rifles. John Spangler

# 12412 - Whitney Percussion Revolver
1/27/2007
Forrest Barber

I have been told that H&R did not make these guns. Does anyone know who made these single shot .22 target rifles?

Answer:
John- Whitney made a number of different models that might match your description, but I cannot pin it down to a specific match. You really need to invest in a copy of Flayderman’s guide to Antique American Firearms and their Values and study that carefully to figure out what you have. John Spangler

# 12254 - Wife Questions Husband’s Gun Purchases
1/27/2007
Lauren, Auburn , NY,

My husband bought a Snider - Enfield rifle 1870 and a Enfield rifle flintlock 1856 and a 1842 flintlock pistol, Just being a women and wanted to know if there are worth as much as he spent on them. Can you give me a quote for what they are worth?

Answer:
Lauren- We really cannot put an accurate value on them without actually seeing the guns and knowing all the details of condition, any special history or special features. We assume that you have good judgment and excellent taste in men, and did not marry a dummy, so he probably did not do too badly. His gun investments are certainly a lot less expensive than the doo-dads some guys “need” for their cars, or the latest electronic gizmos, or even what some women invest in exactly the right shoes to go with some new outfit. On the bright side, his guns will probably be worth more in a couple of years, while all the other spending options will be worth less, or completely worthless. He could have spent his money at the local saloon, or chasing women, or going to professional sports events or something else totally worthless. Now, having spent all his gun money, he will probably have to hang around the house and work on that list of projects you have for him. Maybe he still has enough to take you out to dinner. In fact, maybe you would both enjoy a romantic weekend away, where you would not have to cook or make a bed, and you could hold hands while you stroll the aisles of a good gun show. He could show off his knowledge of the wonderful historic treasures available (perhaps highlighting future gift selections….) and you could keep an eye on his spending, and verify that he is making good investments. Maybe a little dab of Hoppes or WD-40 in lieu of flowery perfume will inspire him to share romantic evenings with you. He sure sounds like a keeper, so take good care of him! John Spangler

# 11876 - Mossberg Brownie
1/27/2007
George, Cecilia, KY

This 4 - shot pistol has a Patent date of July 27, 1920. New Haven, Conn. USA Do you have any history or value ? Thank you for your time.

Answer:
George, Mossberg patented the original Brownie design in 1906. The original design had four-barrels and a revolving firing pin that was actuated by squeezing the grip. The pistol was intended to be used as a palm-squeezer which was held in the hand with the barrels protruding between the fingers. When first patented, there was limited demand for this type of pistol and as a result development was soon discontinued. The revolving firing pin principle was revived in the 1930s as the Mossberg Brownie but this model had a conventional butt and trigger guard added to the four-barrel block. The Brownie was only manufactured in .22 Short rimfire and production ceased in 1942.

# 11855 - Military Issue PPK
1/23/2007
David

The right side has two birds of some type with wings outstretched and head looking to the left. There is an N under the birds. The left side has the Walther banner and Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis (Thur.) Mod. PPK and Walther's Patent cal 7.65 M/M. It also has two symbols that look like an oncoming forker triplane (three bars on each side that look like wings). Under each of these symbols are letters and numbers. One is W8A358 and the other is W8A359. What is the significance of the markings? Are they military markings? Do the markings and caliber mean is worth more than a regular gun? Does it mean it belonged to a Nazi? What is the value of the gun? Where could I sell it?

Answer:

David, You have a WWII German military issue Walther PPK. The W8A358/9 markings that you are asking about are German WW-II Heerswaffenamt inspector's marks. W8A358/9 is not a marking that was used on PPK pistols, if you look closely, you will find that both marks are a stylized eagle over WaA359. The eagle over "N" marking that you mentioned is a German commercial test proof that was set forth in the German National Proof Law of 7 June 1939, which became effective 1 April 1940. The "N" was the abbreviation for Nitro, meaning smokeless Powder.

Your PPK should have the following markings:

Serial number:

• Right side of the frame to the rear of the trigger.
• Some pistols also have the serial number on the right side of the slide. Those slides without external number will have the last three digits scribed internally inside opposite ejection port.

WALTHER WAFFENFABRIK WALTHER, ZELLA-MEHLIS(THUR) WALTHER'S PATENT CAL.7.65m/m MOD. PPK

• Slide-left side

WALTHER (or) WALTHER PPK 7.65 m/m

• Magazine-left side

Military acceptance stamp eagle over "359" or eagle over "WaA359"

• Left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger
• Left side of the slide just forward of the slide grip.

Commercial test proof eagle over "N"

• Right side of the slide below the ejection port
• Right side of the chamber (barrel)
• Right side of the barrel near the muzzle.

Values for these pistols range from $250 to about $750 depending on condition and accessories. If you want to sell, we would be interested in purchase. Marc

# 11849 - Sauer/Hawes Trophy
1/23/2007
Joe

Ribbed 6'' pinned barrel, adj. sights, blue finish/Three cartouche markings on left side -one on frame followed by two on barrel then initials HB. Original wood grips with insignia of JP Sauer. Importer shows as Hawes Firearms Co/Los Angeles, Calif I'm interested in any history of this piece, any websites that I can utilize for research. How long was this pistol produced, collector value and parts availability, if any. I paid $250 for it-it shoots great, workmanship is beautiful and looks similar to Smith/Wesson k-22 only better.

Answer:
Joe, I no luck finding any reference to a Trophy revolver like you describe until I looked in the Hawes section of my reference books. Technically, your revolver is a Hawes Trophy Model. Hawes Firearms of Los Angeles, California, distributed revolvers and automatic pistols here in the USA under the Hawes brand name. If my memory serves me correctly, they operated in the late 1970s and during the 1980s but I was unable to find any references to verify that. Hawes automatics included a .25 manufactured by Rino Galesi and a .380 external-hammer model of unknown origin. Hawes revolvers were manufactured by J.P. Sauer & Sohn and were almost all western style models that looked sort'a like the Colt Single Action Army of 1873, with differing barrel lengths and calibers.

The Trophy Model was a little different in that it was a modern style revolver that had a solid frame, double-action lockwork, and a swing-out cylinder with hand ejection. Hawes Trophy Models were available chambered for .22 Long Rifle or .38 Special, they came with six-inch barrels and adjustable rear sights.

The Blue Book of Gun Values lists the following values for Hawes firearms:

• Centerfire single actions $150.00 - $275.00
• Centerfire double actions $175.00 - $295.00
• Rimfire .22 models $60.00 - 140.00

Hope this helps. Marc

# 12249 - Trapdoor Carbine History
1/23/2007
Dave, Minneapolis MN

SWP 1882 Cartouche I am wondering if there is any way to trace the military history of my Springfield model 1873 Carbine. I am lead to believe the carbine was produced in 1877 or after by the Springfield armory (Serial number 186984*)

Answer:
Dave- Sorry, the only source for such information is the Springfield Research Service, and they have not found any info on that number. Your carbine would be correctly called a Model 1877, but actual date of manufacture is probably about 1882, when Springfield was busy using parts from early narrow receiver M1873 trapdoors to assemble guns with a mix of new and salvaged parts. These were intended to be lower cost “second class” arms for issue to the various state militias, as indicated by the use of the star in the serial number. John Spangler

# 12247 - Colt Double Action .38 Model 1889
1/20/2007
David, Collierville, TN

Colt's PT FA MFG Co//Hartford CT USA//Pat. Aug 5 84 Nov 6 1888 Colt D.A. 38 on side of barrel, 249 (Serial Number?) Underside of barrel, on cylinder release, and on inside of cylinder. Grip has Colt in oval and prancing colt above it. It has 17 and 788 on butt strap. I can pretty well guess that I have a 1889 Colt but the markings don't seem to be that of either Army or Navy (no inspection markings) The very low serial number also makes me wonder if this was from a different 'batch'. It doesn't appear to have the upgrade to the cylinder. Is there a civilian version that have these markings?

Answer:
David- Without having the gun in hand to examine details we really cannot answer your question. It sounds like you are a serious collector and I would recommend that you invest in a copy of Robert Best’s excellent book “A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern Double Action Revolvers 1889 to 1908.” The answer will be found there for sure. This is a long overdue study of an important group of Colts that have been overlooked (and underpriced) by collectors. John Spangler

# 12244 - Old John P. Lovell Catalogs
1/20/2007
Tom, Williamsville, NY

This is a firearm related question. I have inherited two old catalogs published by the John P. Lovell Arms Co. One is dated 1896/97 with a black and white cover while the other is undated (older?)with a faded red cover. Both are in reasonably good condition for their age and complete. They are fascinating to read and contain page after page of detailed information on firearms of the 1890-1896 era. Do they have any value to collectors or researchers? If so, approximately how much?. I am not a collector or dealer. I am an NRA member and have had a NYS concealed carry permit since 1966. Thank you for your consideration. Tom, Williamsville, NY

Answer:
Tom- I am sure these have value to someone either as collectors items, or more importantly as research material for historians. Unless you need a few bucks from selling them on eBay, I would suggest you donate them to the NRA reference library. Contact the National Firearms Museum by email at nfmstaff@nrahq.org Tell them what you have and see if they can use them. If not, then try the Cody Firearms Museum at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody, WY. John Spangler

# 11842 - Model 336RC Value
1/20/2007
Steven

Unmodified and in excellent+ condition. Request date of manufacture and approximate value.

Answer:
Steven, the 336RC was Marlin's standard model carbine, 'RC' stands for regular carbine. The RC differed from the regular Model 336 rifle in that it came with a shorter 20 inch barrel and a two thirds length magazine tube. The 336RC was manufactured in .30-30, .32 Special, and .35 Remington calibers from 1948 to 1968, my references indicate that your carbine was manufactured in 1950. Blue book values for 336RC carbines range form $120 to about $300, if your carbine is in excellent + condition it may bring a little more. Marc

# 11838 - Cobra Year Of Manufacture
1/16/2007
Owen

None. First Issue. Ejector is unshrouded. In what year was my Cobra manufactured?

Answer:
Owen, records indicate that your Colt was manufactured in 1969. Marc

# 11833 - Webley Mark 1
1/16/2007
Karl, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

There are marking on just about every part of this gun including some of the screws How can I tell the age of weapon and what is it worth? Two questions, sorry.

Answer:
Karl, the British military had adopted a revolver that was manufactured by Enfield in 1880, but it was found to be unsatisfactory. By 1886 the search for a new revolver to replace the Enfield had been narrowed to two competitors, a hinged-frame model manufactured by Smith & Wesson and a new Webley design. After extensive trials, the Webley MKI was approved in July of 1887.

The MKI was a six-shot revolver with a four-inch barrel and a bird's head butt. To improve reliability, Webley had refined the lock mechanism to only five components, dispensing with at least five minor parts. The grips were made from black Vulcanite, a new thing at the time, instead of wood.

The MKII Webley was introduced in 1894 so we can place your MKI's age at around 115 or so years, give or take a few. Value will depend on condition. I would expect to see a really clean MKI in original condition go for up to $1000. A beat up doggy example would probably sell in the $200 - $300 range. Marc

# 12241 - Guns That Shoot Around Corners
1/16/2007
Ken- Australia

Many years ago, I saw a photo in a book, of a German (WW11 experimental?) rifle that had a curved barrel for shooting around corners. The rifle had a mirror mounted on the fore-end and fired a ball projectile. I'm sure I wasn't dreaming so any information ?? .

Answer:
Ken- You may not have been dreaming, but you have been napping. We have answered questions on that topic twice. Use the “search Q&A” tool at the top of the menu strip on our main page to look for questions number 2470 in the year 2000, and question 12099 in 2006. John Spangler

# 12236 - Whitney Percussion Revolver
1/13/2007
John Osawatomie ,KS . USA

The only mark is on the top of the barrel. E. WHITNEY N.HAVEN I am having a hard time finding consistent information on this pistol .I have a rough idea of its value but would like some input on what it is and it's value .My father bought this gun 40 years ago in a pawn shop. He has recently passed away and I am trying to price some of his weapons for my mother, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
John- Whitney made a number of different models that might match your description, but I cannot pin it down to a specific match. You really need to invest in a copy of Flayderman’s guide to Antique American Firearms and their Values and study that carefully to figure out what you have. John Spangler

# 12209 - Faultless Pen Gun
1/13/2007
Stephanie, Seattle WA, USA

Gun shaped like a Pen. It says Faultless USA Pat No 1772656 My Grampa had this pen shaped gun in his stuff when he died. My Dad has it now. We are interested in its history, dates, value etc. Does anyone collect this sort of thing?

Answer:
Stephanie- It is my understanding that the BATF considers many types of tear gas pen guns to be prohibited items if they can chamber a conventional cartridge, regardless of how foolish or unsafe it would be to attempt to fire a ball round instead of a gas round. They are treated much the same as sawed off shotguns and require special registration and licensing. If not properly registered, mere possession is a serious offense and no reputable collector would want to have anything to do with one.

If yours falls into that category, you should contact the nearest BATFE office and turn it in for destruction. Some people who think the BATFE should spend their time taking guns away from violent drug dealers instead of wasting it on pen guns, would suggest you might just quietly destroy it yourself and dispose of the remains. John Spangler

# 11841 - S&W 539
1/13/2007
Joseph

Original S&W wood grips. In unusually good condition - no noticable dings or scatches. Works perfectly. Have been told that when first introduced, it was official/standard issue to Iowa State Troopers. What is the fair market value of this pistol? It is long out of production. I've never seen another one like it. I bought it from a friend about 15 years ago and paid something like $350 - $450, I think - not sure and can't find records of purchase.

Answer:
Joseph, the S&W model 539 was a steel frame version of the Model 39, it had an 8 shot magazine, 4 inch barrel and was available with either blue or nickel finish. The 39/539 was based on earlier Browning designs and used a shaped cam beneath the chamber to tip the breech down until the single locking lug was disengaged from the slide. The safety catch locked the firing pin and lowered the hammer when applied. The design was accurate and reliable, the 39 was purchased by the US Navy and Special Forces. Approx 10,000 Model 539 pistols were manufactured before it was discontinued in 1983.

# 11827 - Fake Mosin Nagant?
1/9/2007
Matt, Arvada, Colorado

Date on receiver 1943, serial number on stock and bolt At first I was sure my Nagant was the real deal but lately through my friends criticisms I am now unsure. I bought it at a small sporting store for $90 it came with a worn sling, an ammo pouch, and an oil can with two lids in a zip lock bag with the tools. The main reasons I believe this rifle to be authentic is the fact that the serial number is not stamped on but etched in and the date on the receiver is 1943, an odd year in the rifles production which leads me to believe that it was not an attempt to make the rifles seem collectable. What is your opinion?

Answer:
Matt, I am not sure what you mean by real, there were no commercial suppliers of Mosin Nagant rifles in 1943. There were only Russian government owned arsenals, so your rifle was made by the Russian Government for use in World War II. Given the great wastage of rifles (and soldiers) in Russia, the rifle was likely made with in haste. The Russians usually put the serial number on the barrel, not the receiver. If the barrel was changed the arsenal making the change had to number the rifle, and may have done so with an electric pencil. Marc

# 11826 - Mauser 2000
1/9/2007
Dosie

Made In Germany. I got this from my father after he passed away and know nothing about it. I tried looking it up on the internet and have done numerous gun searches but have yet to find anything mentioned about this model. Any info you have, price, year manufactured, place to find info on it, anything. Thanks. Oh, it has a Redfield 3x9 on it and gun is in excellent condition. It is currently in my gun safe with 2 golden rods in the safe. Thanks again

Answer:
Dosie, The Model 2000 was manufactured for Mauser by F.W. Heym from 1969 to 1971. Rifles were avaliable chambered in .270 Winchester, .308 Winchester, or .30- 06 and came with a 5 shot magazine, checkered walnut stock amd 24 inch barrel with leaf type rear sight. Values for this model in the blue book range from $300 to about $500 depending on condition. Marc

# 12206 - Muzzle Loading Rifle By Horn
1/9/2007
Georgianna, Lancaster, PA

Wooden stock has rope finish. Family heirloom handed down generations said to have been made by the Horn family of Hazleton, PA during the Civil War and sold to the Confederates. My husband's grandmother was a Horn and the gun is one of the originals made by her relatives and handed down. We have been unable to find any information on it, however, my father-in-law said his mother used to have newspaper articles circa 1860's about the muskets and their makers.

Answer:
Georgianna- The only info I have on gunsmiths named Horn is found in Frank Sellers’ American Gunsmiths. Conrad Horn (1820-1880) worked in Hazleton and made flintlock and percussion swivel breech rifles, sometimes with his brothers William and Thomas. William seems to have worked 1837-1839, and Thomas lived until 1921. Sellers got most of his information from an article in Gun Report magazine which seems to have appeared in August, 1962. As far as selling guns to the Confederates, I doubt very much that anything like that happened. It is delightful to see an old gun like this remain in the family which made it! John Spangler

# 12205 - Colt Paterson No. 5
1/6/2007
John, Randleman, NC

Rear of cylinder between cap nipples is rounded. Finish appears to be rough as if from forging during manufacture and may have remnants of bluing in the lower areas but no visible markings. Fully functional with no rust or signs of abnormal usage or abuse. The barrel section has the number 31 stamped in the rear surface which faces the cylinder. Is this the serial number and if not where should I look? Was any record kept of who these revolvers were sold/issued to? I have heard that Capt. Jack Hays (Texas Rangers)had some of these modified with the cylinders rounded at the rear edge Please verify if you can. Thank you.

Answer:
John- Colt Patersons are a very specialized field that requires great expertise, or a lot of money and hopefully not a lot of gullibility. These are high dollar toys for the extremely advanced collectors, with prices near that of a decent house in many cases. Better have a very sympathetic spouse too. Unfortunately the fakers have noted the prices paid for these and there are a number of fake guns out there, some recognized, some not. On matters related to Patersons, we would defer to the expertise of the Colt specialists. If one comes with any pedigree from R.L. Wilson, it would be good to remember that he is serving time for a fraud conviction, with other charges pending, so you better get a second opinion from someone less ethically challenged. John Spangler

# 12201 - U. S. 1907 Bayonet
1/6/2007
Fritz, San Francisco, CA

I've recently got this bayonet. I would like to find out what rifle it is for, and since I got it without a handle. Where can I get a replacement handle for it. Overall length is 20 1/2 inches. the blade itself is 16 inches long and about 1 inch wide. on one side there is the letter US on top and 208416 on the bottom. on the other side with the letter SA on top, a kind of circle symbol with tassel on top, and the number 1907 on the bottom.

Answer:
Fritz- Thanks to your excellent description we can be sure that you have a U.S. Model 1905 bayonet with a 16 inch blade, made at Springfield Armory in 1907. The design you describe is a flaming bomb, the symbol of the ordnance corps, representing an early hand grenade or cannon shell. Finding original wooded grips will be hard, but you can get nice quality reproductions from S&S Firearms on our links page. John Spangler

# 11824 - Belgian Revolver
1/6/2007
Jason

See Pictures - There are several marks on the gun. On the right side of the barrel is a capitol “R” with a crown on top. The barrel also has a “Y” with a star on top. The frame and cylinder also have the “Y” with the star. The cylinder has a circle with a crown on top, inside the circle is the letters LG. Unfortunately the gun does not have a serial number or company name. The gun is a six shot revolver. It has a wooden checkered handgrip with a lanyard at the bottom. It is a double action revolver. The gun also has a thumb safety on the left side. Who makes this gun? What model is it? What is it worth?

Answer:
Jason, you have a Belgian revolver. Many thousands of these were manufactured in Belgian circa 1878-1900. The markings that you sent me are various Belgian proof marks. Though your revolver looks to be in quite good condition, there is not a lot of collector demand for this type of firearm. I searched around the internet this morning and found several for sale in the $300 to $400 price range. Marc

# 11832 - House Brand Gun
1/2/2007
Gregory

No special markings I have been trying to find information on this firearm and have not been able to find any information what so ever about this gun. On the barrel it says ''revelation western auto supply co model 200-m''. This gun is also a lever action. Any information would be greatly appreciated...thanks

Answer:
Gregory, you have what gun collectors call a house brand gun. House brand guns are firearms that were sold under the brad name of the retailer who marketed them, but were manufactured by other companies, much like Sears would sell Whirlpool or GE appliances under the "Kenmore" label today. Your rifle appears to have been manufactured by Marlin, I looked it up and could not find a model 200-M in my crossover reference, but it is probably a Model 336.

House brand firearms like this are almost always worth less than comparable firearms sold under the original manufactures name. I would expect to see one for sale at a gunshow in the $100 - $200 range. Marc

# 11823 - Winchester 1911
1/2/2007
Michael

pat 1905 through 192? The barrel recoils into the receiver to operate the mechanism. What is the model number?

Answer:
Michael, you have a Winchester 1911, the 1911 was Winchester's first self-loading shotgun and also its first hammerless shotgun. Winchester developed the 1911 to compete with the Remington model 11 which was designed by Browning. Factory records indicate that the first delivery of Model Winchester 1911 shotguns to warehouse stock was made on October 7, 1911. Winchester manufactured 103,246 Model 1911 shotguns between 1911 and 1921 with some production occurring between 1921 and 1928. After introduction of the Model 1911, it was necessary to make design changes to, correct certain weaknesses that had developed. Although the 1911 achieved fairly large sales numbers, it was not considered a particularly satisfactory model. There is not a lot of collector interest in this model, the one that I had took a long time to sell, I think that it went for under $200. Marc

# 12203 - S&W Baby Russian Stainless Revolver
1/2/2007
Jerry, Crystal Lake, IL

Pat'D APR.20.75 Dec.18.1877 4905 Smith & Wesson.Springfield,Mass.USAPat'D.Jan17&24.65,Reissue July 25, 1871 Being in such good condition, I was trying to obtain an appraisal of the pistol for my dad. It belonged to his grandfather and then father and now himself. All metal pieces have a bright shine, the handles having no nicks or scratches and you can easily read every marking on it. The bullets in the gun case were Remington 32 S&W which I assume makes this a 32 Caliber pistol. I'm willing to pay for an appraisal, but I'm not sure where to obtain such a thing.

Answer:
Jerry- I regret we cannot help much with that one. First, I am pretty sure it is actually nickel plated, not stainless steel. The “Baby Russian” name is correctly applied only to the .38 caliber single action models made with a spur trigger (no trigger guard). There was a similar model in .32 caliber. There were also many more models that had trigger guards and were double action. Without some good photos we really cannot be very precise about what you have. In general, all of these seem to have values in the several hundred dollar range if single action, but some are worth more, and refinished examples will bring less. Double action top break models seem to bring less, but again it varies with the exact model and condition. John Spangler