# 12157 - Dakota 30 M1 Carbine Revolver
2/26/2008
Jim Tucso, AZ

Hello...I have acquired from my Father a Dakota Model 1873 single action revolver, 7 1/'' barrel, 30 M1 caliber.....He purchased this in Apr. 1980 any info on this revolver would be helpful..pro/cons..collector's or sell value...any info at all...Thanks for your time...

Answer:
Jim, Dakota is a sales name that has been used by European Military Firearms (EMF) Company of Santa Ana, California, on Western style revolvers that they market. Most Dakota revolvers were manufactured by Pietta and Uberti of Italy. The Dakota Single Action was based on the Colt Single Action Army Model. I have been impressed with the quality of the Dakota revolvers that I have seen.

Values for Dakota revolvers in the blue book average between about $200 and about $400 depending on condition. It has been my experience that most people are looking for revolvers chambered in the old "cowboy" type calibers with .45 Long Colt being the most in demand. I am not sure how the .30 carbine chambering of your revolver will affect desirability. Marc

# 12148 - High Standard Sentinel Value
2/26/2008
Ed, Irmo, SC

Slight rub at the left side of the muzzle from the holster it was carried in while hunting over a period of about six years. It remains in a safe today. I cannot get a value for this handgun. I bought it new while stationed in England in 1968/1969. It is unmarked except for s fine wear line around the cylinder where the cylinder lock rubbed. I have the original box but no owners manual. Can you help in setting a value for insurance purposes?

Answer:
Ed, High Standard introduced the Sentinel design with the R-100 series in about 1955 and continued through the R-109 series. Your revolver is a R-107 series and it was manufactured sometime between 1965 when the R-107 series was introduced and 1968/69 when it was purchased by you. Collector interest in High Standard revolvers has never been quite as high as it is for their semi-automatic pistols, values in the blue book range from $75 to about $175 depending on condition. Marc

# 12694 - Scarcity Of Confederate Guns.
2/26/2008
tes, Doylestown (Bucks County) Pennsylvania

Is it true that there is a scarcity of Civil War firearms from the South because southerners destroyed their weapons at the end of the war?

Answer:
Tes- As the defeated Confederate armies surrendered in 1865, their arms were turned over to the victorious Union armies. The exception was that officers were usually allowed to retain their sidearms (pistols and swords). These were the terms spelled out during the negotiations between Generals Grant and Lee at Appomattox, and set the pattern for later surrenders. There was no effort to systematically destroy arms to keep them from falling into Yankee hands, as far as I know.

The surrendered arms eliminated the possibility of the "South rising again" but quickly filled U.S. Army storage facilities with a huge variety of different makes and models, in varying condition, and nearly all incompatible with the current issue U.S. arms. Worse, the demands for a "peace dividend" resulted in the slashing of military funding to near nothing, and reducing the army's strength in a single year from over a million men to about 50,000 men. Just to further complicate the ordnance problems facing the army, it was clear that muzzle loaders were obsolete and that a change to breechloaders was essential. Fortuitously, the Franco Prussian War in 1870 provided an opportunity to dump lots of the surplus arms into the European market, cleaning out federal arsenals, and pumping some cash into the Ordnance Department. Many of the least serviceable arms were then sold (by the commercial buyers) on to the African market. Probably many of the residual Confederate arms accumulations ended up being scrapped at some point up through WW2 in various scrap drives.

Regardless of the causes of the scarcity of Confederate arms, this has created a demand for them leading to rampant fakery. In my opinion, probably 90% of all the "CS" or "CSA" markings are fraudulent. John Spangler

# 12693 - 1908 Mauser For Brazil
2/23/2008
Dan, Mission Viejo, Ca

Deutsche Waffen-und Munitichseabriken-Berlin B7840 Mod 1908 I received this rifle after an uncle passed away. Any ideas on what it is? I understand the Deutsche Waffen-und, however cannot find info on the Munetechseabriken-berlin. A push in the right direction would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Dan- For those who have difficulty spelling or pronouncing Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken it is usually just called DWM, but it would translate as (roughly) German Weapon and Ammunition Making Company. The Model 1908 designation seems to have been used almost exclusively for the rifles sold to Brazil. These feature a large crest on the receiver ring shaped like a star. John Spangler

# 12691 - Sharps M1859 Rifle With 36 Inch Barrel
2/23/2008
Glen, Troy Michigan

I have a New Model Sharps 1859 with the 36'' barrel. I have been told the gun is in excellent condition. I haven't been able to find out much information about it except that only 600 were made with the longer barrel. Overall the gun is 52 3/4'' long. The weight is 9 lb.12 oz. Also has some R.S. Lawrence stamps on the rear lift up sight and right side of hammer along with pat. dates. What caliber would it be? Any idea as to the value? Would this be considered a rare Civil War piece? Thanks

Answer:
Glen- Sharps did indeed make 600 of the model 1859 rifles with 36 inch barrels, fitted with a bayonet lug on the barrel near the muzzle. While fairly scarce, they seem to bring a premium of about 10% over the value of a Sharps rifle with the normal 30 inch barrel in comparable condition. These were undoubtedly used during the Civil War, but I cannot tell by whom. I think maybe John D. McAulay's recent book on U.S. military rifles has that information, but I did not check. John Spangler

# 12147 - Post War P.38
2/23/2008
Marty, Raleigh, NC

Very few markings aside from ''Walther'' in a banner type style, the serial number, a four pointed ''star'', and an eagle with an ''N'' underneath. It also says ''Made in West Germany'' on the right-hand side. This was my father's gun and am just trying to understand some of the history of this particular pistol. Can you tell me anything concerning date of manufacture, who made it, issued to whom, etc...based on this information. The pistol is in pristine condition and to my knowledge has not been fired more than 50 times.

Answer:
Marty, your pistol was made by Walther. There is not much more that I can tell you except that the eagle over 'N' marking is a West German definitive nitro proof for all guns that was first introduced in 1952. The proof mark and the 'Made in West Germany' marking indicate that this is a post-war pistol. Values for post war P.38 pistols is about 1/2 what it is for wartime models. I would expect to see a nice post war P.38 sell at a gunshow in the $350 range. Marc

# 12146 - Spanish FR-8 (Destroyer)
2/19/2008
La Coruna, Spain

Crest with 1955 below it. Brief history and value

Answer:
It sounds like you have a FR-8 "Destroyer". The FR-8 was a conversion of the earlier Spanish Model 1943 short rifle re-chambered for the standard NATO cartridge with shortened stock at the barrel band and a grenade launcher added to the muzzle. A bayonet was attached to a tubular extension bar beneath the muzzle. I have been told by respected colleges in the gun business that the FR-8 rifles are unsafe to shoot. There is no collector interest in these rifles and those who are foolish or uninformed enough to fire them, are usually not willing to pay much more than $50. Marc

# 12141 - 9422/ 22 Magnum Value
2/19/2008
Lisa, Hot Springs, VA

My friend purchased a new Winchester 22 magnum model 9422 about 23 years ago. He is interested in selling it and wants to know what the gun is worth. He took it to several gun dealerships and no one was willing to tell him what the gun is worth. Could you possibly let me know if you know. Thank you

Answer:
Lisa, values for this model range from about $150 to over $350 depending on condition. Marc

# 12690 - No. 5 MK 1 ROF (F) Enfield
2/19/2008
TJ , Acworth, GA

On the left side near the breach is the word ''England'' On the left side of the barrel is : No.5 MK1 ROF(F) with 9/45 R5519 below it. On the top side of the barrel is: BNP .303 18 X 5 tons per sq '' 2.222'' My father and his brother purchased this gun close to 35 years ago from a family friend, and neither of them really know anything about it. It looks like a 'Jungle Carbine' with the flash suppressor, hollowed out bolt handle and short barrel and stock, but it is missing the rubber recoil pad. It is in remarkably good shape, the barrel is bright and shiny and the wood, while old, is still pretty nice. My father and I have put several hundred rounds through it directed at various targets and a few whitetails. Can you tell me who/when/where this was manufactured and if it is a true Jungle Carbine or one of the cut down fakes? Also, just for kicks, do you know where I could find the correct bayonet for this gun, either a reproduction or original? If you need any more info about this gun email me at tgray6@mail.gatech.edu Thanks very much, I love the site.

Answer:
TJ- You have a genuine "Jungle Carbine" which was manufactured at the Royal Ordnance Factory in Fazakerly, England in September, 1945. The other markings are typical proof marks applied when the guns were exported from England in commercial trade channels, probably in the 1960s.

The bayonets are very hard to find and pretty expensive. They have a "Bowie" type blade which was subsequently used on several other British bayonets up through the FN-FAL, and the scabbards were recycled from one model to the next, so it is quite common to find Jungle Carbine bayonets missing the scabbard. Be warned that the Jungle carbine bayonets have been reproduced (or faked), often using the blade of the later models with the same shape. The Jungle carbine bayonets are easy to spot with the Bowie blade shape, wooden grips with two screws, and a crosspiece with a very large muzzle ring. John Spangler

# 12683 - Relic E.A. Armstrong Sword
2/16/2008
Chris , Chicago, Il, (Burbs)

Markings below in question and description. Thanks. I was wondering if anyone can tell me about a sword/Saber I recently un-earthed on my property. I will try to explain and identify it as best I can. I am not up on the ''lingo''. The Sword, looks military. Next to the handle it says. ''E.A. Armstrong MFG. CO.434-440 S. Walbash, Chicago Ill.'' It is decorated on both sides with the centers having ''US'' on one side and on the opposite side ''E Pluribus Unum'' I have seen similar images on the internet of a 1920 officers sword. Which looks allot like it. I did how ever see that on your site you explained that E.A. Armstrong MFG. CO. Moved from Michigan to Chicago. Any help would be appreciated. I could also send pictures of it if needed. Thanks email: uncle_ct@hotmail.com

Answer:
Chris- We can narrow down the dates to 1912-1923 as that is the period when E.A. Armstrong operated from the 434-440 A. Wabash address. The blade markings are consistent with a U.S. military sword, and unlikely to be found on a fraternal or lodge sword. It is almost certainly a U.S. Model 1902 Saber for All Officers, which as the name suggests, was the type worn by all Army officers from 1902 until today. How it ended up on your property could be anything from a really neat story about the WW1 vet who was buried in an unmarked grave on your land with his sword, to something washed away in a flood, or something stolen by a local crook and hidden away, or some kid lost grandpa’s old sword when he took it out with a trick or treat costume. John Spangler

# 12681 - P.S. Justice Musket
2/16/2008
Kenneth Hope Mills, NC

on side of lock...PS JUSTICE PHILA I would like to get any kind of info on this musket and the gun maker. I am just interested in the history of the gun and the maker. It has been altered from it's original condition so I have been told. Someone checkered some of the stock, stamped their name in the patch box on the stock and also engraved some designs on the lock. Any info you could give would be greatly appreciated. I acquired the gun in the early 1970's. Thank you very much.

Answer:
Kenneth- P.S. Justice was a gun maker in Philadelphia who provided a large number of somewhat inferior quality muskets to meet the extremely urgent needs of the rapidly expanded Federal army in the early days of the Civil War. Most of these were cobbled together from various bits and pieces of earlier official model muskets, mainly Model 1816 .69 caliber smoothbores. Although soundly condemned by some, Justice delivered muskets when other makers were still just starting to figure out how they were going to make muskets. Given the varied patterns and origins of the Justice muskets, it may be hard to figure what irregularities were originally there, and what might have been done later. These are good collector items, and popular with more advanced Civil War collectors. John Spangler

# 12139 - Refinish Tired Luger?
2/16/2008
Jennifer, Nacogdoches, Texas

Year: 1936, S/42 (Mauser marking), Import Mark?: E.C.C.S.A., all tiny markings have been rubbed out -- those found on right side of receiver, and right side base of the barrel. I have a Pistole .08 that has two different sets of numbers. The frame has the number 1854, while all other parts of the gun that have numbers are designated 9201 or simply 01. The bluing is worn and probably at 80% or less, the barrel is in good shape (no pits or bulges, and the rifling is still good), and the original grips have a small crack (I have new grips but kept the old ones). The question I have concerns the value of the Luger. If this P. 08 is not worth much, since it is mismatched, then I would very much like to have the gun reblued and made serviceable again. However, if the gun should be considered worth more in its current state, then I'd keep it unmodified. With the information given, is this gun considered a valuable collectable or will the loss be nil if I were to restore it?

Answer:
Jennifer, if I owned this Luger, given the condition and the mismatched numbers, I would have it restored. Nothing looks worse to me than an old Luger with buffed out markings, rounded edges and funneled holes, due to a quick and dirty machine buff job and then a shiny coat of modern hot dip blue applied. Make sure to take your Luger to someone for restoration who is familiar with Lugers and who will use the proper buffing techniques and the right type of bluing to turn it back to close to original condition. Marc

# 12127 - What Model Is It?
2/12/2008
James McLeansboro, IL

Gun has a sling and a 3x9 Bushenll Scope What is blue book price of the gun?

Answer:
James, without some trivial details like condition and most importantly WHAT MODEL IS IT? There is no way that I can determine value. I can tell you that the scope is probably worth in the $35.00 range. Too bad that you used up your only free answer. Marc

# 12132 - Universal Carbine Question
2/12/2008
Frank, San Bruno, Ca.

When was this weapon made? What is it's reputation for safety and reliability?

Answer:
Frank, we have answered many questions about Universal M1 Carbines in the past. If you would have followed instructions and searched the previous answers before submitting your question, you may have found that Universal Sporting Goods, Inc., of Hialeah and Miami, manufactured a variety of M1 Carbine types and derivatives from the early 1960s until the company was purchased by lver Johnson in January 1983. The quality of Universal carbines for the most part was not bad, but was defiantly not up to the standards of U.S. government issue carbines. Initially the bulk of the components Universal used in their carbines were U.S. government surplus except for the forged receivers which were made by Repp Steel Company of Buffalo. Surplus slides and trigger housings were used as long as possible but toward the end of the Korean Conflict, when the surplus part market dried up, Universal started manufacturing all of their own parts including barrels, die cast trigger housings, recoil plates, recoil plate screw, and springs. Marc

# 12680 - Springfield Armory Bayonet For M1903 Or Garand
2/12/2008
William

US 356909 and SA 1908 and HS and AFH. The sheath is plastic or fiber glass and has a hinge. It is either Blued or Parkerized. The blade is 10 inches long. The bob is on the sheath and the blade. It has an old wood handle in good shape. Is 1908 the date of use. Was it world war 1 or 2 or both. What's the difference between Blued or Parkerized. It this bayonet run of the mill or special. Thank you

Answer:
William- The evidence on the bayonet shows that it was made at Springfield Armory (SA) in 1908, and at that time they were only making the "Bayonet, Model of 1905" with the 16 inch blade, intended for use on M1903 rifles. After the "Bayonet, M1" with a 10 inch blade was adopted in 1943, the earlier M1905 bayonets were altered to the new configuration. The AFH mark indicates that your bayonet was shortened by the American Fork and Hoe Company, probably in 1943-44. Two different styles of points exist, one a "spear point" like used on the M1905 and M1 bayonets, and a "Bowie" point, with the latter much less common.

The shortened bayonets were issued with the plastic scabbard, either those made for 10 inch blades (designated "Scabbard, M7") or the long 16 inch plastic scabbards (M3) which were shortened to the M7 configuration. It was not practical to shorten the earlier M1910 scabbards made with the rawhide covered wood core and outer web cover.

In 1908 the bayonets were finished with a brightly polished blade, and just the handle (and about 1/8 inch of the blade adjacent to the handle) was finished with a rust blue finish. During WW1, the bayonet finish was changed to a dark finish, either a blue or a dull, slate gray parkerized finish. During WW2 when they were shortened, the bayonets would have been sandblasted and finished with a medium gray parkerized finish.

A fanatical collector might chase examples of the different types of points, modifications by the different outfits that did the work, and from different original makers. But, to most collectors yours would just be a WW2 alteration of a WW1 bayonet, and often these are deemed less desirable than either the unaltered WW1 version, or those made with 10 inch blades instead of being shortened. John Spangler

# 12678 - Modelo Chileno 1895 Mauser Rifle
2/9/2008
Frank, Lincoln, NE

Mauser Chileo Modelo 1895 Loewe Berlin D 9983 Sir: I purchased the described rifle in February 2000. Would appreciate any information you may provide as to history of this Model/weapon. It is Mint condition and I was told, fired less then ten rounds. any estimate as to the value of this particular rifle? My sincere thanks for any help you may give. Frank

Answer:
Frank- These are great rifles, and many are still found in superb condition. We often have them listed on our antique longarms catalog page. You can check there to compare values and learn some history. John Spangler

# 12676 - Sedgley Mark IV 37mm Flare Gun
2/9/2008
Jacob Wabash, Ind. U.S.

USN on handle with a circle around it Any info about this gun and if you can obtain flares for it. This may sound dumb but is it possible to say, shoot a 44 mag. shell out of it safely?

Answer:
Jacob- Your gun is a World War 2 vintage piece made for use by the U.S. Navy. It is not 40mm, but rather 37mm. These are found with USN on the grips like yours, which indicates Navy use, and also with the U and N removed so it just has the “S” remaining which probably was a cheap way to indicate Sedgley on guns intended for commercial sales or surplus guns left in inventory at the end of the war. While it may be possible to make an adapter to fire different types of ammunition out of it, be sure you find out all the complicated laws regarding such things before you try anything. While flare guns are legal, they can become illegal if converted to fire conventional ammunition. That only addresses the legal aspects, as we are not qualified to evaluate the safety of a .44 magnum conversion. However, please make me the beneficiary in your will, I can use the money. John Spangler

# 12125 - 1920 Commercial Luger
2/9/2008
Tom

ON the barrel: Crown over letter N; Serial # 6804; Letter q, it looks like a q. On top of toggle DMW in script. On reciver just before the barrel it has Germany and just above Germany on the slide is another crown over N, left side only. There is also the crown and N on the side of the toggle, first part. All serial numbers match on parts that were proofed, e.g. 04. Magazines (2) have different serial numbers than the luger. The finger pulls are made of wood. When was gun make, and any other history that can be found on this luger. Any idea of value?

Answer:
Tom, your description sounds like a typical 1920 commercial Luger manufactured by DWM (Deutsche Waffen u. Munitionswerke, Berlin-Borsigwalde, Germany). The crown over "N" stampings are commercial proof marks. The design for this proof marking was set forth in the German National Proof Law of 19 May 1891, which became effective 1 April 1893 and it was discontinued on 1 April 1940. The "N" was the abbreviation for Nitro, meaning smokeless powder. The letter "q" is part of your serial number. The Germans limited many military small arms serial numbers to 4 digits. Numbers started out at the beginning of each year with 1, when the number 9999 was reached a letter suffix was added starting with "a". The serial number q suffix may be an indication that this Luger is a re-worked military model.

The 1920 Commercial Model is called by the Blue Book of Gun Values "The most common Luger", following WWI many thousands were assembled for commercial sales. Some were manufactured new and others were built from stockpiles of parts or re-worked from Lugers that were left over from the war. In this model, just about anything is possible, new and used military Lugers were reworked and /or renumbered, dates and markings were sometimes removed and sometimes not. In some cases military proofing and unit markings will appear with commercial proofs.

Demand is lower for commercial Lugers than it is for their military counterparts. Values for 1920 commercial Lugers that are all matching and in very good or better condition are usually in the $650 - $750 range. Marc

# 12863 - Beretta With Brazilian Markings.
2/5/2008
Doug Santa Ana Ca.

Made in Brazil clearly stamped on slide. I thought they were made in Italy or Maryland?

Answer:
Doug, in 1974, Beretta agreed to local production of the pistols to win a small arms contract for the army of Brazil. Beretta was to construct a Brazilian factory and use Brazilian labor. When the Beretta contract ran out in 1980, they sold the plant including drawings, tooling and machinery to Taurus. It is my understanding that some of the debt incurred by Taurus when they purchased the Beretta factory was paid of in pistols that they manufactured for Beretta to sell. This would account for the markings on your pistol. Marc

# 12124 - Walther PP Identification
2/5/2008
Gerald Pa

There are two proofmarks, eagles with the letter n stamped below on the receiver What era was this weapon used and what does the eagle/n represent?

Answer:
Gerald, the Walther PP was introduced in 1929 for commercial sales and approximately 200,000 were procured for the Military, Police, and NSDAP between 1935 and April, 1945, when the U.S. Army overran the Walther factory. PP serial numbers started at 750000 and went up from there. When the numbers reached one million, a new series was initiated with a letter "P" suffix which began with 100000. Jan C. Still reports in his book "Axis Pistols" that the highest PP serial number observed is 390653P, so I would estimate that your pistol was manufactured sometime after 1943 and before April, 1945. The eagle over "N" stamps that you describe are WWII vintage German commercial proof marks, their design was set forth in the National Proof Law of 7 June 1939, which became effective 1 April 1940. WWII vintage PP pistols procured by the German military are marked with a eagle over WaA359 military acceptance stamp on the left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger and on the left side of the slide just forward of the slide grip. Pistols procured by the German police bare an eagle over x in a circle acceptance stamp with letter "L" or letter "C" to the right. Police acceptance stamps are located on the left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger. You did not mention any special police or military markings so your pistol is probably one that was sold on the commercial market. Marc

# 12646 - M1 Garand Newbie Questions
2/5/2008
Bill, Anchorage AK

Circle P on stock on pistol grip I purchased an SA M-1 from a friend after his WWII/Kor vet father passed away. Not to sure of it's history other than what I've been able to piece together from various web site. I believe it might be a rack grade from CMP. What I do know manufactured in 1943 between Jan-Dec depending on the source. The muzzle does not pass the bullet test (don't have gauges wouldn't know how to use them). I've taken it to several gun shops but none were versed in the M-1. My question is how can I tell if the receiver has been welded? I found what appears to be pitting on the side under the Parkerizing. If it's an ''import'' etc.? I'm new to Garand's although I've wanted one ever since I was a kid. I would like to eventually restore it but know this can be pricey for a '43 M-1 and don't want to waste time/$ if this specimen is nothing more than a parts gun. What reference material would you recommend so I can at least know what experts are talking about? Thanks in advance for your assistance

Answer:
Bill- "The greatest battle implement ever devised" according to General George S. Patton, a M1 Garand rifle belongs in every gun collection. "Reweld" receivers were used to make up some rifles in the 1950s or early 60s before the Army began to release Garands for civilian purchase. It is fairly easy to spot most of these as there will be a noticeable difference in finish color around the middle section due to the variation in metal content and heating where the sections were welded together. Also, the machining marks visible along the side of the receiver and in the groove for the op rod should run the full length, not be three different patterns which would result from two different sections and smoothing up the welded area. Often the weld jobs were very poor, and while perhaps not a safety concern, they are at least just ugly and very easy to spot. Frankly, if everything else is appropriate for 1943, I don't think you have to worry about a welded receiver. If you just want a "representative" M1 Garand, the best deal in town is to get one from the CMP program. It will be well used, and have mixed parts from various vintages, but that is a legitimate part of the gun's history. They made these to arm fighting men, not to sit unused in a crate for some collector's benefit half a century later.

To learn more about Garands, the two books by Scott Duff on WW2 Garands and the Post-WW2 Garands are the definitive references, especially if you want to own a bunch of them and are concerned about every tiny part being "correct." For a more general interest and history Bruce Canfield has a good book on the M1 Garand and Carbine. For a much broader coverage of all types of U.S. small arms, I highly recommend Bruce Canfield's "U.S. Infantry Weapons of WW2." For the serious Garand specialist, membership in the Garand Collectors Association is a necessity, and their Journals are loaded with valuable information. John Spangler

# 12645 - 1863 Norwich .58 Caliber Musket
2/2/2008
Mike, Charleston, SC.

Has ''U.S.'' stamped This gun was found in the rafters of a old tobacco barn in Southern Maryland. I was told the 1863 is a rare Norwich model. It has some rust, but everything works. It is missing the rear sight and the stock was cracked and repaired with wire. Do you know what could be the value?

Answer:
Mike- This is a fairly common Model 1861 musket made under contract by many firms, including Norwich. I would expect to see guns like yours offered at prices in the several hundred dollar range. John Spangler

# 12644 - 1918 Dated M1903 Springfield Bayonet
2/2/2008
Bob, Hackettstown, NJ

I recently acquired a Model 1907 Bayonet dated 1918. It had been arsenal refit during WWII with the replacement of the original wood grips with the brown plastic version. Above and to the right of the serial number, next to the US stampings on the blade, was a marking that appeared to be an eagle with the characters X12 underneath. What is the significance of this marking?

Answer:
Bob- The Eagle over X12 marking is simply an inspector marking in a style used mainly in 1918. There was a systematic assignment of the letter/number codes according to where the inspector worked, but I do not know of any place to find out more details. I think Charles Pate’s “U.S. Handguns of World War II” and Charles Clawson’s superb, but out of print, “Colt .45 Service Pistols” have the best detail son U.S. martial arms inspectors and markings of the 20th century. You will also find the eagle inspector marks on M1917 bayonets, M1911 and M1917 pistols and even as a stock cartouche on a few M1903 Springfields. Sounds like a great collecting theme! John Spangler

# 12122 - Erfurt Luger
2/2/2008
Len, Portland, OR

A crown with the name ''ERFURT'' on top of slide. All parts have matching numbers (the number 18). On the receiver is ''1918''. Matching factory stamps on the receiver and barrel (Ordinance symbol and Eagle. The word ''GERMAN'' stamped on the right side. I picked up this gun from a woman who's husband (may) have brought it home from WWII. I suspect it is a WWI model due to the 1918 marking. It is in good shape except for the need of a good cleaning. Any idea of the value range?

Answer:
Len, you are correct, this is a WWI vintage Luger that was manufactured in 1918. The "GREMAN" stamping probably has a "Y" at the end. It is likely that your Luger is a surplus WWI German military pistol that was exported to the U.S. for commercial sale after the war. The "GREMANY" marking would have been stamped on the pistol in accordance with US import laws that required the country of origin to be marked on all imported goods. Values for WWI Erfurt Lugers range from about $400 to well over $1000 depending on condition and markings. Marc