# 11095 - Robbin & Lawrence Windsor Vermont Rifle
5/31/2005
BILL Culpeper Va.

It has WINDSOR VT. 1848 stamp behind hammer. On the other side from hammer on barrel it has JPC stamp. Also brass trigger housing, brass hinge plate on stock inside one extra nipple and brass rings holding barrel to fore arm. On brass butt plate on top stamp US 24 What can you tell me about?

Answer:
Bill- Your rifle was made in Windsor, Vermont by Robbins and Lawrence in 1848. (But, you already knew that from reading the markings.) The Robbins & l Lawrence factory is still there, and home of the American Precision Museum. This is one of the places where the American system of fully interchangeable parts and precision machine tool industry got started. Robbins & Lawrence went on to produce many of the famous Sharps breech loading rifles and a number of other weapons and then after the Civil War diversified into other products. Your rifle is Model 1841 "Mississippi" rifle, made in .54 caliber, but many were later rebored to .58 caliber for use during the Civil War. JPC would have been the inspector, James C. Chapman. Your home town of Culpeper was in the midst of many Civil War campaigns, and thousands of Mississippi rifles were used by both sides in battles in the vicinity. John Spangler

# 11088 - Japanese Rifle Stocks
5/31/2005
Al Holt MO

One flower and three Japanese letters on top of the receiver. Where all of these rifles made with a 2 piece dovetailed stock? And are these rifles worth anything?

Answer:
Al- Most Japanese rifles were made using stocks made from skinny trees, which required them to join two pieces together to get enough width for the butt. This also made for efficient use of materials, and later in the war they were forced to make the stocks that only went to the lower band with a separate piece for the forend. Japanese rifles are becoming more popular among collectors and values are rising, but still very affordable. Check our catalog pages to see some current values. John Spangler

# 10766 - Collectable Bernadelli Pistol?
5/31/2005
Ward, Alderson WV USA

engraved Benet or Genet Arms, Afton Va Has oversized walnut target grips with thumb rest. Appears unfired-Is there any collector value because of the grips and low serial number, or is it OK for me to go bust some caps?? I bought it for CCW but if it has collector value I do not want to ruin it by carrying/firing. Thanks for any help!

Answer:
Ward, I don't know anyone who collects Bernadelli handguns. Even if you have some rare variation, I don't think that value would be lowered much if you fire your pistol as long as you take care to keep it in good condition. Marc

# 11076 - Mauser Rifle .22 Conversion Kit
5/28/2005
Jim

Weirmacht eagle and 1939 Hi; I have a conversion kit for an 8mm Mauser rifle that my father brought back from his tour in WWII. The kit consists of a .22 cal barrel (stainless steel?) and bolt assembly that replaces the standard bolt and slides inside the 8 mm barrel. This allows firing of .22 cal ammo in the Mauser rifle (for training purposes, I guess). The kit is complete with magazines, assembly tools, and is in a wooden case approximately 4''x 2''x 30'' long with is routed out to accept the kit components. The bolt and accessories have ''Weirmacht'' eagle markings and a date of 1939 on the bolt. My father said he took it from a supply truck they had stopped and it was one of ''eight or ten'' they found. He believes this was new and shows no signs of ever being fired through. It is in excellent condition. Can you give me any information on this item? I am also curious as to its approximate value. Thank you for your time. Jim

Answer:
Jim- You are correct that the Germans did make a conversion kit that was used in their 8mm K98k Mauser rifles for training purposes. These are very collectible and value depends on completeness and condition. Based on your description, I would think that it would retail for about as much as a nice K98k rifle, probably over $500. John Spangler

# 11072 - Colt Single Action
5/28/2005
Rod, Jackson, NJ

Pat. # Sept,19 1871 July 2, 72 Jan 9, 75 (PTFA MFG Co. Hartford Conn. USA) Dear Sirs, I received this handgun from my father. I don't know much about it and was hoping you could help me out. He received it from an older woman who's husband had used it on himself. therefor I know it has been shot at least once. Other than that it is in excellent condition. the handgrip is also different than most, it is made out of some sort of bone or animal horn. Can you tell me if this is an original grip or not, and can you give me a little insight on this handgun? also can you give me a ballpark value?

Answer:
Rod- Your pistol was made in 1922. Special order grips were available, and maybe a Colt specialist can tell if they are original. Otherwise, a factory letter from Colt may tell you, but their obscene fees for letters may be more than your curiosity will tolerate. Your pistol is what collectors call the "first generation" Single Action, and they a re very desirable collector items. As a rough ballpark value, based on your description it is probably worth at least $1,000 and perhaps double that based on condition and originality of the grips, and maybe even more than that if the grips are real ivory. John Spangler

# 10743 - RG Firearms
5/28/2005
Robert, Key West, FL

Over & under derringer style top braking with a German eagle like bird logo with a ''n'' and ''+ccc61'' underneath the logo. Any collector value and estimated approximate worth?

Answer:
Robert, RG firearms were manufactured in the 1960's in West Germany for export to the United States, they were cheaply made and of poor quality. Import of his type of firearm was banned by the gun control act of 1968. There is no collector demand for RG firearms, values fall in the $25 to $50 range. Marc

# 10742 - Policia Federal Colt
5/24/2005
Robert, Fayetteville, WV

R-Slide: Policia Federal COLT Automatic Calibre.45 Government Model C172450 L-Slide: Colt's Pt.F.A.MFG.CO.Hartford CT TOP Slide: front of rear sight No 647, barrel No: 6478 Under fire pin retainer: SN:172XXX All SNs match What is the value of this gun,and and othe info you may have on it would be helpful.

Answer:
Robert, the C in front of the serial number and the words "Policia Federal" likely identify your pistol as having been originally manufactured for the Mexican Federal Police. I do not have a lot of information about these pistols and so I'm not sure what numbers should match. The fact that the serial number under the lock plate matches the frame is a real plus. The current blue book lists values for this model from $575 up to $2650 depending on the amount of finish remaining. Marc

# 10741 - Spanish S&W Copy
5/24/2005
Mark

The number (looks to be hand-stamped) '921' on the underside of the barrel and on the cylinder assembly (under the ejector). On the left side, just above the grip, it has ''MADE IN SPAIN'', and on the left side of the barrel it contains the line of text ''FOR 38 SPECIAL AND U. S. SERVICE CTG.''. Just to the right of this, where the barrel meets the frame, it contains stamped letters ''PN''. On the cylinder, the barrel, and the frame, there is a small mark that looks like a 4-legged animal of some kind. Under the cylinder release lever, there is a round stylized marking that has ''TRADE'' above it, and ''MARK'' below it. The mark itself is hard to tell just what exactly it is... at my closest guess, it looks like an 'IA' or 'IH' stamped over a football-shaped 'E' or 'C'. On the right-hand side of the frame, near the front there is a marking that is partially worn off, written vertically... it looks like part of an 'E', and ends with an 'R'... to the left of the '! R' there is a diagonal line that may have been part of an 'A' (I'm guessing it may be 'EIBAR'), with the number '1925' stamped clearly below it. The serial number I provided (I'm assuming that's what it is) is stamped at the bottom of the grip, and is pretty crudely stamped. I inherited this piece from my father... As far as I know, it was his duty weapon when he was a forestry / game warden years ago. The finish was pretty worn when he had it, but it looked to be either chromed or nickel-plated... I remember it being a silvery color... he later had it refinished and blued. I'm trying to identify just what it is, and I've never been able to find out anything about the trade/makers' marks, who made it, when it was made, possibly some general history on it, and if it is a common piece or a collectors' item... It's got a lot of family history and sentimental value to us (I'm not planning on selling it, but if it's worth something, I'd like to insure it at the correct value), and I'd like to know more about it. I have found ''RUBY'' pistols that look similar to it, but none were exact to what I have. It is complete and in good working (firable) condition. I'd appreciate any information you can provide... feel free to contact me if I can! get you any more detail that may be needed to identify it.

Answer:
Mark, it sounds like you have one of the many Spanish Smith and Wesson copies which were imported into the United States in the first half of the 20th century. There were several companies in Eibar Spain manufacturing this type of revolver during that time. Information about individual makers is often hard to find, without a brand or model name it is almost impossible. Spanish Smith and Wesson copies often had a logo that was similar to the one used by Smith and Wesson. One theory is that the similarity in logos was intentional, designed to deceive the unwary potential buyer into thinking that they were actually purchasing a real Smith and Wesson. It is very doubtful that this firearm was issued as a service revolver, it is more likely that it was purchased privately. The 921 stamping is probably an assembly or match number and the animal stamping you describe is probably a proof mark.

Spanish Smith and Wesson copies have a reputation in general for making use of low quality, steel which may not be strong enough to handle modern day high- pressure loads. My advise would be to retire this weapon and not fire it. There is no collectors in the Spanish S&W copies, I often see revolvers in perfect condition being offered in the $50.00 range. Marc

# 11071 - Springfield Trapdoor Carbine Markings
5/24/2005
Ira, Hubert NC 28539

issue trap door can not match the cartouche to the known inspectors the cartouche is SWP over the date of 1891 and I feel that the first letter is a S in calligraphy but can not match it?? can send a picture regards Rick Jones GY Sgt USMC retired

Answer:
Ira- SWP is the correct inspector marking on trapdoors made after about 1878. When Erskine S. Allin (ESA) dies, Samuel W. Porter (SWP) assumed duty as the Master Armorer, and responsibility for inspection of newly made arms. He continued up until about 1895 (plus or minus a little) when J. Sumner Adams (JSA) took over. John Spangler

# 11528 - Luger History
5/21/2005
Gene Silverton, Oregon

I have come into possession of this firearm and know that it came from Hitler's Eagles Nest in Bertchesgarten, Germany when it was liberated by the 101st Airborne 506 PIR Easy Company. I am looking for a web site or someone who can help me track this serial number to see if I can determine what German officer this weapon was issued to. I also have a Sup. IV Bayonet (Weyersberg, Herschbaum & Co., Solingen) Serial number 638M306 that I would like the same information about.

Answer:
Gene, sometimes I get a little jaded, it seems that just about every liberated German pistol comes with the story that it was taken from a German officer, usually a dead one. In the past 3 months I have been offered at least 5 items that came with undocumented Berchtesgaden connections. If you try to market the pistol with the undocumented Berchtesgaden story, you will need to find an unusually gullible individual who has not been separated from his cash yet.

I do not know of a source that would allow you to document the history of individual German WWII small arms, I have been told that all records were destroyed during the war. If the vet who liberated the pistol is still living you should try to get a written account of its capture. If you are successful, make sure to get the story signed and notarized. Marc

# 11069 - Stevens Rifle Used In Civil War?
5/21/2005
Milton, Menard, TX

Marked:Manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Co New Haven Conn USA. On the bottom in a very small oval is what looks like the initials VP and then a very small NS. Has 2 dove tails on the bottom of the barrel (on the first 7 inches) on the chamber end. What model Winchester does this barrel fit?

Answer:
Patti- Although some of Stevens patents were issued in 1864, your father's rifle was not made until the 1886s or later. Stevens early production was limited to small single shot pistols. From 1864 to 1886 Stevens markings were J. Stevens & Company. From 1886 to 1916 they used J. Stevens A[rms] & T[ool] Company. While the previous owner may have been with Sherman's Army, he did not carry this gun with him in that campaign. John Spangler

# 11037 - Colt 1860 Army Revolver
5/21/2005
James Schwenksville PA.

ON the cylinder it says PAT. sept10th 1850. ON the barrel it says ADRESS COL. SAM L COLT NEW YORK U.S AMERICA Can you tell me anything about this gun. It was handed down through my family, and not much is known about it. Ive read allot of info on the 1850 navy ,but there is so many different models. Is this gun rare or valuable, I want to clean and oil it, or should leave it be.

Answer:
James- The 8 inch barrel and .44 caliber identify this as the Model 1860 Army model. There is no documented history on this specific pistol, but many with nearby numbers were in use by Union cavalry regiments by the end of the Civil War. These included units from New York, California, Illinois, Vermont, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, so it may have been used by almost anyone. If you know the name of the family member who used it, you can get their service record from the National Archives. As far as cleaning it, the best plan is to do nothing except prevent any further deterioration. A light coat of WD-40 or good gun oil should take care of most everything. Maybe a little light work with 0000 extra fine steel wool ONLY ON THE STEEL PARTS, to remove any really light surface rust, but be careful not to get carried away and destroy the collector value and finish. Value depends on the condition, but a rough guess is in the $1,000 range or higher for a really nice one. John Spangler

# 10730 - Iver Johnson 44 Magnum
5/17/2005
Jacob Portland, Maine

S.A. Cal. 44 mag Iver Johnson's Fitchburg, Mass. This is actually gun that my father owns and I would like to find out when it was manufactured.

Answer:
Jacob, Iver Johnson marketed a single action revolver in the late 1970s and early 1980s that was made by Uberti of Italy. The revolver was called the Cattleman Magnum, it was a 'Frontier' type single action, 6-shot, Colt replica that was based on the Colt 1873. The Cattleman Magnum was available in .357 Magnum, .44 Magnum, or .45 Long Colt calibers with 4_, 5«, or 7« inch barrels. The model was discontinued in 1984. Marc

# 10704 - Rossi 44
5/17/2005
Fran

Amadeo Rossi SA stamp, Made in Brazil, Interarms, Alexandria Virginia What is the approx. age and value of this revolver. Also another revolver w/ same markings that is a .357 mag. w/4 inch barrel.

Answer:
Fran, the Rossi 720 was imported from 1992 to 1998. The model was a small double action, 5 shot revolver with 3 inch ribbed barrel, adjustable rear sight, full length ejector rod shroud and rubber combat grips. The 720 was available with fluted or unfluted cylinder and in 1994 a hammerless design became available. Although Rossi firearms are usually well made, their resale values are low. I would expect to see a Model 720 sell in the $100 to $175 range. Marc

# 11036 - M1903 Rifle Barrels
5/17/2005
Dick, Beavercreek, Ohio

RA, Flaming Bomb Symbol, 1143 I have 5 rifle barrels still in the cosmoline wrap. I have no idea what caliber or rifle they fit. The Barrels have a mark on the with the initials: ''RA'' inscribed into the barrel. Below the ''RA'' is a ''Flaming Bomb'' symbol, and below that is the number ''1143''. Does anyone know what gun these barrels were made for and if they have any value?

Answer:
Dick- Your barrels were made by Remington Arms Company in November 1943. They may be for the M1903A3 and if so would have the front sight on the end of the barrel just missing the narrow blade on the top. They might be for the M1903 rifles, in which case the would have a front sight base on the barrel that has a wide dovetail slot. Value depends on which model and if they have two or four groove rifling, but I would expect to see them retail in the $75-150 each range. John Spangler

# 11032 - Lt Etienne Rifle (French Model 1874 Gras)
5/14/2005
Todd Morral, Ohio

FC carved on left side of stock. 81865 stamped in left side of butt stock. M80 on receiver. Flip sight. Bayonet mount. Any info out there on this Gun? My Grandfather bought it at an auction ,but that's all we know. Thanks

Answer:
Todd- your rifle is a French Gras Model 1874 with the 1880 modifications made at the French arsenal at St. Etienne.. These were widely used in the French colonial wars and up as late as WW1. Collector demand is modest and values tend to be in the $150-450 range depending on condition. Most French military arms are found in lousy shape (lovers, not fighters, remember?) so value will usually be at the lower end of the scale unless you get a really nice one. John Spangler

# 11027 - 1903 "Air Service" Springfield Rifle
5/14/2005
Shawn ,Maryland

The barrel has SA, flaming bomb, and 4-18. Stock has the correct stamps on it. Non split band with screw. 29''stock.5-3/4'' handguard. Not sure on serial number because not in my possession. Is it possible to have this rifle was built with this RIA receiver and SA barrel? I understand the receiver to be built in 1907 and the barrel in 1918. I don't believe it to be assembled from parts because the rifle is owned by my uncle and he can account for its whereabouts for many years. I understand that these are highly collectible and that most collectors will never encounter one of these. Exactly how rare is and can a value be put on one?

Answer:
Shawn- I think it was Alice in Wonderland where they did three impossible things each morning, but that is a long way from Springfield Armory. All four of the Air Service rifles at Springfield Armory are in the 860,000-863,000 range, and Flayderman lists them all as being in the 857-863,000 range. Your barrel date is about right, and the non-split band sounds correct. The stock is unique to this model with NO inletting for the butt swivel or the bandspring. I seriously doubt that your rifle with a 82,xxx Rock Island receiver is a real air service rifle. For those wondering, the Air Service rifles were modified to greatly reduce weight and are believed to have been intended for use in observation balloons, or as survival weapons for aircraft or something similar. In any case, they are exceedingly rare, and a rough value for a real one would be in the $5,000-20,000 range. For a parts gun, most of the value would be from the correct parts if you can find someone who needs them and is willing to pay handsomely, but most people will not need them or pay much. For all practical purposes this sounds like a $400 wallhanger. Brophy's book probably has the most info on these if you want to learn more, but like with most guns, Flayderman's Guide had most of the info needed to identify them and put a value on them. John Spangler

# 10698 - Sears/Ranger Smoothbore
5/14/2005
Bill, High Ridge, MO

I was wondering if my Ranger 22 Smoothbore Model 103-8 was a valuable firearm. I would also love to know who made it and when. Thanks Bill

Answer:
Bill, Ranger is a tradename that was used by Sears, Roebuck & Company on various arms, starting around 1925. References indicate that the Sears Model 103.8 was the Marlin Model 100. Marlin manufactured the Model 100 from 1935 to 1939, it was a simple take-down design with a split-bridge receiver and a manually cocked action. Model 100 rifles, originally had a plain hardwood straight-comb half-stock and recurved stamped steel trigger guard. Sights were spring-leaf and elevator type, total length was 40.5 inches and weight was 4.5 pounds empty. After 1940 the stamped steel trigger guard was replaced with one that was made of plastic. A walnut stock was substituted for the plain hardwood stock in 1957.

There is little or no collector interest Marlin Model 100 rifles, even in the smooth bore configuration. There will be even less interest in a Model 100 marketed under the Sears/Ranger name. I would expect to see a rifle like yours offered for sale in the $50.00 range. Marc

# 10695 - 1902 30-03?
5/10/2005
Mike Williamsport, PA.

I have a photograph of a Pennsylvania hunting scene dated 1926. The person who gave me this photo said his father is pictured with a 1902 Springfield 30.06. Is 1902 the model number and year the gun was made? Someone else told me that the 30.06 cartridge wasn't made until 1906, that's how it got the designation .06. Any help is certainly appreciated so I can accurately describe the photo. Thanking you in advance. Mike

Answer:
Mike, your friend is correct the 30-06 cartridge was the U. S. cartridge, caliber 30, adopted in 1906. It replaced the U. S. cartridge, caliber 30, 1903 cartridge. The U. S. Model 1903 rifle was adopted in the year 1903 so there is some confusion about the model number you mention. There were some experimental rifles made in 1902 as the U. S. investigated various designs before adopting the Model 1903, but I've only seen them at the Springfield Armory National Historic Site Museum, and doubt your grandfather would be hunting with a Model 1902. The Model 1903 was originally chambered for the cartridge 30 caliber, 1903, but this was soon changed due to the acceptance of spitzer bullets, and the new cartridge was designated the cartridge caliber 30, 1906. Almost all the rifles chambered for the 30-03 cartridges were converted to 30-06. I think your grandfather was carrying a U. S. Model 1903 chambered for the U. S. cartridge 30-06. Marc

# 10689 - Mauser Sportmodell
5/10/2005
Ed

I have had this rifle since the mid-60's, it looks a lot like a 98 Mauser except smaller. Barrel is 26" and .607"at the muzzle. The receiver ring is 1.157" and the bolt diameter is .550". left side barrel "kal. 22 lang fur Buchsen". Left side receiver "Mauser-Werke A. G. OBERNDORF WK" Serial # 15168 on barrel and receiver. Right side receiver between bolt and loading port "DEUTf? es Sportmodell". Would like to know year of manf. and was it originally a hunting rifle.

Answer:
Ed, the Mauser .22 cal Deutsches Sportmodell Rifle was a military style .22 trainer that was used by the German youth groups. They had full length stock and military type sling attachment and bolt disassembly washers in the butt. The Mauser banner is often on receiver ring in and Mauser Werke A.G. Oberndorf A.N on left side in earlier production models. These are well made and accurate rifles, suitable for a WW2 German collection, or a Mauser collection. Nice examples are tough to find and values can go higher than $800.00. Sorry but we can't help with dating the riffle. It is generally accepted that all serial number records that would enable one to date Mauser firearms, were destroyed in the war. Marc

# 11025 - Cartridge Boards Showing Manufacture Steps
5/10/2005
TEXASRADIO, Midland, TX

I recently found 2 cartridge boards, labeled respectively, ''.303 MARK VII AMMUNITION ENGLISH FA 1919 '' & ''8 mm CARTRIDGE CASE AND BULLET OPERATIONS FRENCH FA 1919''. These both show the process of forming cases and bullets, with sectioned cases/bullets attached to the boards and small metal labels (engraved/stamped in 1/16 inch high letters) under each process.ie; ''first cup'', ''first draw'', etc. The boards themselves are 17 X 21'' & 15.5 X 19.5'' respectively and are single, 1 piece boards (not glue-up), and appear to be pine, stained or painted a dark green. I was wondering if anyone else had run across any of these and if there is any information available regarding them. I bought them for display in my gunsmith shop, and any information would be greatly appreciated. Regards, TEXASRADIO

Answer:
Sir- Your cartridge boards were apparently made for comparison purposes at Frankford Arsenal in 1919. They do not show manufacture of British or French ammo at Frankford Arsenal, but rather are examples of the steps used by foreign makers, brought home and mounted for reference purposes. Although not especially valuable, they are still pretty neat items. John Spangler

# 11002 - OALW Marked Krag Carbine
5/7/2005
John Mascoutah IL

Small blued plate (oval to rectangular shape) approximately 1/4 '' long and 1/8'' wide. Plate professionally stamped or rollmarked ''OALW''. Plate at bottom rear of buttstock. Carbine purchased in St Louis MO in approximately 1994. Reference question # 3776 from 2001: Could this plate be an arsenal rebuild plate such as ''Overhaul At LW'' (Leavenworth ??).

Answer:
John- Your Krag is want collectors refer to as a "Red Rider" carbine due to the reddish tint of the stock. These are almost certainly cut down rifles, peddled by some unscrupulous soul, or perhaps a legitimate person who described them accurately when he sold them, but they have often been misrepresented by others later on as minty Krag carbines. Your translation of the OALW is just as possible as one claiming they were made for brothel guards for the Organization of American Loose Women. John Spangler

# 10986 - Whiskey Arms Company Rifle
5/7/2005
Tim[ Wagga Wagga]n.s.w. Australia

whiskey arms co new haven and some other letters have been marked with xxxxx to cover them up I would like to know the origins age and approx. value of the rifle thank you

Answer:
Tim- Sorry, we have never heard of this company. Winchester Arms Company was located in New Haven, Connecticut, and that is as close as we can come. I have a suspicion that your rifle was marked to deceive the buyer into thinking it was a Winchester, or perhaps it used an old Winchester barrel. John Spangler

# 10661 - Refinish Saint Hubert Co. Waseka, Minn Rifle?
5/7/2005

Made in England, Saint Hubert Co., Waseka, Minn These are on th right side on the left hand side there is what looks like a little crown and it says BNP under it and it has a p p 22 on the bottom below the chamber, In pen someone wrote inside the stock the sereial # and Ruhr This is was my Fathers rifle and it is in rough shape I would like to have it re-blued and the stock re-done. Before I do I wanted to make sure if there any value, or if it is better left alone. I ma not sure if I am measureing the barrel length correctly. The end of the barrel to the reciever measures 22 1/2 inches. Its a right handed mauser style rifle

Answer:
Eric, refinishing a firearm is usually a bad idea because it will lower value to a collectors by 50% or more. If the rifle is already in poor condition, there may not be a lot of value left for a re-finish to take away. I would advise you to base your decision on how bad the condition of your dad's old rifle is. If you decide to refinish take care to find a good gunsmith who will do the job properly. Ask to examine firearms that he has already refinished and check the quality if his work. Rounded corners that should be sharp, wavy areas that should be flat, buggered screw heads, buffed out markings and dished out screw holes are all signs of a low quality refinish job.

# 10652 - Springfield .22 Identification
5/3/2005
Jim CT

The rifle is a single shot you must pull back a round knob at rear of bolt to cock. On the barrel there is a number 14 inside a circle and a 5 inside a circle on the receiver. The rifle is 38 inches overall all metal and wood. No plastic even butt plate is metal a gunsmith referred to it as a parlor gun. How old is it? Its value any collector value? Its condition is very good. No rust or pits. Shoots very well etc.

Answer:
Jim, I know the rifle that you are asking about, my dad had one when I was small and he still has it now. I remember my dad showing the rifle to me when I was too little to pull back the cocking knob, and I remember being proud when I got bigger and I could cock the rifle. Dad's rifle is a Springfield Model 15 and I'll bet that is what you have.

"Springfield" is a name used by Savage-Stevens on some of their inexpensive .22 caliber rifles. The Model 15 was introduced in early 1938. When first introduced, it was advertised in the spring 1938 Sears and Roebuck catalog priced at $3.19. Stevens designed the Model 15 primarily for the boys' rifle market, it was a simple single shot design which was locked by turning the bolt-handle base down ahead of the receiver.

Typical Model 15 rifles had a 22 inch round barrel and weighed about 3.75 pounds. Over-all length was about 37 inches. The plain stock was made of birch stained to dark walnut, the metal was finished blue. Sights were blade front with open adjustable rear.

References indicate that Model 15 production was temporarily suspended due to WWII. After the war, the Model l5 "New Pattern" was manufactured form 1948 to 1965, it was a modification of the original model 15 that was sold under the Stevens name. Your description sounds like you have a pre-WWII rifle.

There is not much collectors interest in this type of rifle, values are usually in the $50 or less range. Marc

# 10651 - Colt DA .41?
5/3/2005
Mark Vancouver WA

The number 277 is stamped onto the cylinder release, the crane and on the frame under the crane. There is a small letter U stamped just above the 277 on the frame. Patent dates are Aug 5,1884.... Nov 6, 88 and Mar 5, 93. The Colt logo is stamped into the frame above the grips. I also have several old cartridges with ''Colt DA .41'' stamped on the rim. This looks very similar to a New Army but I've never heard of the model and haven't seen any references to it. Can you tell me any history of this model and an approximate value? Robert- Glad to help. Better check those gun shops and see how much they really know. ("Can you spell SKS? How many rounds does a single shot shotgun hold? etc.) They should invest in a copy of Flaydersman's Guide. That would make it easy for them to tell you that it is either a Model 1889 Navy Double Action revolver, or the nearly identical New Army & Navy Revolver. Both were made in .38 Colt and .41 Colt calibers, both with 3 inch (rare), 4.5 inch or 6 inch barrels, and both had the 1884 and 1888 patent date markings. If the 1889 Navy model, yours was made in 1893, and if the New Army & Navy model, it was made in 1895(before they added the 1895 or 1901 patent dates. These were the first swingout cylinder double action revolvers in the Colt line, and quite a jump forward from the old Single Action Army and its cousins. All that is the good news. The bad news is that collector interest is pretty small (except for the military marked examples) and in very good condition runs about $275 or $150 for the older and newer models respectively in NRA antique very good condition, and $700 or $350 in Excellent. I think these are a seriously undervalued collector arm, and one that would be fun to collect. Hope this helps... John

Answer:
Mark you have a Colt New Army and Navy Revolver. Colt manufactured approximately 291,000 of this model from 1892 through 1907 in 38 Colt, 38 S&W (very few), and 41 Colt calibers, your revolver was manufactured in 1901. New Army and Navy barrels are marked on the right side with the Colt company name, Hartford address, and 1884, 1888, 1895 patent dates, later models also had a 1901 date (is it possible that you misread the 1893 date that you sent me?) The left side of New Army and Navy barrels is marked with a caliber designation (in your case ".41") and "DA". Serial numbers are stamped on the butt, and assembly numbers (two or three digits only) are usually stamped in the cylinder area. The rampant colt within a circle is marked on the left side of frame, above grips.

Blued finish with some with case-hardened hammers was standard but nickel plating could also be ordered. Gold and silver plating was available on special order and was usually applied to engraved firearms. Other finishes were nickel and gold plating combination; blued, with gold cylinder; blued with gold cylinder, hammer, and trigger; nickel with blued cylinder.

Standard grips were checkered two-piece hard-rubber. Navy revolvers had the oval COLT motif at top of their grips, while the Army revolvers had the rampant colt within a circle, with the COLT marking and sometimes a date. Plain walnut grips were standard for military contract revolvers. Ivory and pearl grips were available on special order, usually plain, but pearl also was provided in carved American eagle, tiger head, steer head, Mexican eagle, and monogrammed (a few gold inlaid). Ivory was made in nude women, steer head, and American eagle designs. Also produced were checkered sycamore, checkered walnut, and relief carved walnut. Deluxe pearl outnumbered all other types; but all decorated grips are rarities.

Theodore Roosevelt carried an Army model revolver when he charged up San Juan Hill. Roosevelt later had the frame and side plates inscribed to commemorate this experience.

Western artist Frederic Remington was shipped Serial # 14101 of the Army model in March, 1895.

Notable domestic and foreign purchasers of this model included U.S. Army and Navy personnel, the Argentine government, Wells Fargo & Company Express, various police departments, and a few western marshals, sheriffs, and rangers.

Army and Navy blue book values range from $500 to over $1300 depending on condition and variation with military and Wells Fargo examples being the most desirable. Marc

# 11026 - Japanese .30-06 Rifles With US Markings
5/3/2005
Joe, St. Paul, MN

US Property marked. Hi, What can you tell me about Korean War Arisaka rifles that were rechambered in 30.06 and reissued to ROK troops. Do these rifles actually exist or are they fakes? Thank you. Regards Joe

Answer:
Joe- During the Korean war a (large?) number of Japanese Type 99 rifles were indeed converted to .30-06 caliber for use by ROK troops. This involved rechambering them and modifying the magazine slightly to accommodate the longer cartridge. They were marked "U.S. .30" on the left side of the barrel/receiver. The 7.7mm bore was a bit oversize for .30-06 bullets, so accuracy was probably not great, but at least they were available for issue and used the same ammo as their U.S. allies. There is actually a U.S. tech manual prepared for these which has been reprinted. As a collector of U.S. military arms, I would sort of like to have one for my collection, even though they were not used by U.S. forces. They also modified Type 30 bayonet scabbards with a web frog and M1910 style belt hooks so they could be used with U.S. pattern web gear. John Spangler