# 13047 - Model 1842 Springfield Marked G
6/28/2008
Henry, Mobile, Alabama

V P with Eagle 1854 and Large ''G'' located center near tang I have a M1842 Springfield which was rifled and had long range sites added, I was looking for information on what the large ''G'' mark would mean. Thanks Henry

Answer:
Henry- My best guess is that the “G” is some sort of unit or individual mark. Perhaps it belonged to George Grover, or was assigned to Company G of the local militia before, during or after the Civil War. Perhaps it was bought by the Georgia Railroad and steamship company to guard against robbers, or shoot pigs for construction crews. In most cases the exact meaning of “unit” or :rack” marks will remain forever unknown. However, it is fun to speculate about what they might mean. John Spangler

# 13046 - Pistol With Four Barrels On Top Of Each Other
6/28/2008
Danny, Pickering, LA

Do you have any information concerning a four vertical barrel handgun? It was found in France during WWII. Barrels are one piece and pulls out to load.

Answer:
Danny- There is probably no possible variation of pistol design that has not been tried at least once. While I do not know of any French made pistols with four vertically stacked barrels, there are two possible matches made in Suhl, Germany. One looks very much like a semi-auto pistol with no exposed hammer, and the barrels are hinged and tip down and forward for loading. This is the “Regnum” made by August Menz. I think you probably have the “Reform” pistol made by August Schueler. The barrel block moves vertically upward with each discharge, and the residual gas pressure automatically ejects the fired case for all but the last (bottom) barrel. In case you are uncomfortable with the idea of your pistol flinging fired cased straight back towards your sighting eye, the exposed hammer on this one also acts as a brass deflector kicking them off to the side. These are very seldom seen guns, and fit in the category of “curiosa.” That is a fancy word used by people to describe really weird stuff so people will not laugh at them when told that they collect such things. John Spangler

# 12452 - Stainless Steel Colt 1908?
6/28/2008
Dee Jonesborough, TN

nothing remarkable I would like to know the manufacture date and approximate value of this handgun. It belonged to my Uncle Harold who was a NYC Police Officer and passed away in 1954.

Answer:
Dee, my records indicate that your pistol was manufactured in 1920, Colt did not start making stainless steel hand guns until the 1970s so it's a good bet that your pistol is nickel or chrome plated.

Because of the time frame you mention, it sounds like you have a Colt Vest Pocket Model 1908 Hammerless. The 1908 Hammerless model was manufactured from 1908 to 1946 and it came with a 2 inch barrel, fixed sights and checkered hard rubber grips on early models. Later models had walnut grips and a magazine disconnect was added on guns made after 1916.

It has been my experience that there is not a lot of collector interest in most .25 caliber pistols so they seem to usually be slow sellers. VEST POCKET MODEL 1908 values in the blue book for pistols with nickel finish, are a little higher than they are for pistols with regular blue finish, they range from around $200 to over $800. The book adds 15% for original factory pearl grips. Marc

# 12450 - Gerstenberger & Eberwein Value
6/24/2008
Kevin, Defiance, Ohio

Barrel - Cal.32 S&W lg. Left front side of frame - 63 and then a marking similar to an antler (?) I am curious to see if this is still an active company and what the approximate value and/or ''history'' of this gun might be. It belonged to my grandfather and will certainly hold more sentimental value than monetary, so this inquiry is merely to satisfy my curiosity. I would deeply appreciate any information you could provide. Thank you very much in advance.

Answer:
Kevin, Gerstenberger & Eberwein was founded in West Germany in the early 1950s. Since their founding, the company has produced a line of cheap starter pistols, .22 rimfire revolvers and .32 center-fire revolvers under various names including Em.Ge, G&E, Omega and PIC.

All of the Gerstenberger & Eberwein revolvers were double action, six-shot with solid frames and barrels measuring 2.25 to 6 inches in length. There were two basic patterns, a gate-loaded design with ejection performed by removing the cylinder arbor pin to punch out spent cases, and a design with a spring-loaded ejector rod on the bottom right side of the barrel. Gerstenberger & Eberwein revolvers were widely sold in the USA before the gun control laws of 1968 banned the importation of this type of firearm. Values are modest, they top out at around $100. Marc

# 12446 - Frankenstein Beretta - Special?
6/24/2008
James, Hillsborough, NC

The gun has two different serial numbers. One on the receiver and a different one on the body of the gun. My father got this gun in WWII, After he died it was passed down to me. A) what can you tell me about the gun? B) Why does it have two different serial numbers C) How special does it make this gun in the terms of value?

Answer:
James, it sounds like you have a model 1935 Beretta. The 1934, in .380 and the 1935, in .32 were Italy's main military issue pistols during WWII.

The two different sets of serial numbers that are on your Beretta indicate that it is made up from the parts of two different pistols. Collectors call guns in this condition "parts" or "Frankenstein" guns. Rather than making it special, the mis-matched numbers will lower value by as much as 50 or 60 percent. I would expect to see a pistol like the one you are describing sell for under $200. Marc

# 13034 - Herters XK3 .243 Rifle
6/24/2008
Josh, Lincoln, NE

Barrel is stamped Made in Yugoslavia on one side and Herters Inc. Model XK3 on the other. The bolt is stamped with 783 and another sideways 3. I recently acquired this rifle from an auction for a VERY cheap price. I was impressed by the definition of the wood grain and thought that for the price it would be a nice addition to my collection. However, I have tried to find specific information on this rifle, but have had limited success. Could you point me in the right direction and give some indication of its possible value. Thank you.

Answer:
Josh- Herters operated out of Waseca, Minnesota circa 1960-1979 offering a n incredible variety of guns, reloading gear, hunting and fishing stuff. Most was pretty good quality, and sold are pretty reasonable prices, accompanied by hyperbolic advertising touting everything as “World’s best, new and improved, ancient secret formulas”, and the like. Their rifles seem to have been made in England or Yugoslavia, and are reportedly good, reliable guns. They just have no collector interest (although I think that Herters stuff would be a great collecting niche). So, it is probably worth about what you paid for it and it should be a good serviceable gun for a long time. There is probably a brand name cousin out there that may be easier to use if you ever need parts. Herters seems to have some remote connection as a predecessor of Cabela’s although I don’t know that for sure. John Spangler

# 13015 - Whitney Kennedy Rifle Values
6/21/2008
George, Longview, Texas

I have 2 Whitney Kennedy Rifles. Wondering roughly what they are worth. They are in good condition. Can get more details as I am currently at work. Thank you

Answer:
Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and their Values- and offer this on our books for arms collectors page at a very good price.) You can also take advantage of the Blue Book of gun values service which offers appraisals for a fee. Or, you can take the guns to a gun show and ask people there what they will give you for them, or if they will do an appraisal. My rough guess without seeing them is something in the $800-1500 range as retail values. John Spangler

# 13001 - Remington .32 Rimfire Rifle
6/21/2008
Mike, Waterville, Maine

Has 2 hammer, turn a lever and rifle comes apart. I have not found any info on this rifle, anything you have. Date made, cost at that date, why it was made, etc. Thank you very much and have a good day.

Answer:
Mike- I suspect you have one of the Remington Rolling block rifles, probably the model 4. The “hammer-like” closest to the breech of the barrel is actually called a “rolling block” and that closes the breech. The hammer at the rear is the true hammer that strikes the firing pin in the rolling block. As the hammer goes forward, part of it slips under the rolling block, locking it in position for firing.

About 50,000 of these were made circa 1890-1933 in various .22, .25 and .32 rimfire calibers. Value today is usually in the few hundred dollar range, and original cost was probably about $15 or so. Full details are in a great new book: REMINGTON .22 RIMFIRE RIFLES- by John Gyde & Roy Marcot - 376 pages 9.25” x 12.25” hardcover. The definitive study on every model .22 rimfire rifle made by Remington from 1866 to 2006, opening a great new collecting specialty for the first time with detailed histories, and accurate production figures and details on variations. Lavishly illustrated with over a thousand photos of the guns and related items, nearly all in color and large scale to show the details. This is based on over 16 years archival research, and exhaustive study of the rifles themselves. The book has been endorsed by the Remington Society of America and the American Society of Arms Collectors. A fantastic new book, brand new condition. Check our books for arms collectors catalog page for current availability and price. John Spangler

# 12441 - Unusual H&R Pistol
6/21/2008
Alan

No special markings. On the left side of the slide is stamped H.& R. SELF-LOADING, CALIBER 32; and the serial number. On the right side of the slide is stamped HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO. WORCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, U.S.A. PAT.AUG 20,1907, APR.13, NOV.9,1909. I cannot find any information at all about this on the Internet. During what years did H & R produce semi-auto handguns? What year was this gun made? What range of value would it have today? (Condition is fair. Lots of bluing worn off, but still shoots.) Are parts available anywhere? What was the main reason for its' manufacture?

Answer:
Alan, H&R made about 34,500 of their "Self-Loading" .32ACP Semi-Auto pistols between 1916 and 1924. The model was manufactured as a small concealable personal defense type weapon under license from Webley & Scott (q.v.) and they are a close copy of the Webley & Scott Metropolitan Police model. Examples of the model are scarce but even though H&R arms are a potentially interesting field of specialization for collectors, with a variety of rifles, pistols and shotguns included, demand for H&R firearms is low in general. We sold an H&R "Self-Loading" .32ACP Semi- Auto pistol in excellent condition about 3 years ago. If I remember correctly, it went in the $300 to $350 range, but it took us almost 2 years to find an a buyer.

Since this model is so scarce, parts will probably be difficult to locate, try checking with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting on our free "Wanted" page and at the new forum at WWW.ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 12422 - Mossberg 46B Information
6/17/2008
James TN

Has a set of competition sights that I have never seen before. Would like to know how old it is and if it is worth any history

Answer:
James, the Mossberg Model 46B was manufactured from 1938 to 1940 and then again in 1945 and 1946. 46B rifles came equipped with a plain stock that had a cheek piece, and Mossberg micrometer rear sight with open ramped blade front sight.

Your rifle could be a 46BT (target) rifle. The 46BT was manufactured in 1938 and 1939 and came equipped with a heavy target barrel, special target sights and deep target style forend.

The 46BT is much rarer than the regular 46B but collector demand for Mossberg .22 rifles in general is low. I would expect to see a rusty 46B or 46BT sell in a pawn shop or at a gunshow for less than $100. Marc

# 12421 - American Arms Co Revolver
6/17/2008
Robert OR

Patd Dec 5 82 Mar 27 83 reis Dec 5 82 What caliber is it? What is it worth? I have two rimed loads that say 380 2z fn and when was it made.

Answer:
American Arms Company started business in 1882, their offices were located in Boston, but manufacturing took place at a factory in Chicopee Falls. In 1897 operations were moved to Milwaukee and the company was out of business by 1904.

American Arms Company did not give the revolvers that they manufactured a model name or number, their designs were mostly ribbed-barrel, hinged-frame types with a removable cylinder. Early revolvers had a sheathed trigger instead of the usual kind that was used on later models. Late production models used a unique lock mechanism which was patented by Henry F. Wheeler in 1890. The Wheeler lock mechanism allowed the hammer to be cocked by pressing the trigger and released when a second pressure was applied to fire the cartridge. A selector switch on the frame allowed the revolver to operate in normal double-action mode.

There is little or no collectors interest in American Arms Company revolvers. I would expect to see one sell at a pawn shop or at a gunshow in the $100 range. Due to liability concerns we do not answer questions about what ammunition is safe to fire. I suggest that you take the revolver to a competent gunsmith to determine the caliber and whether or not it is safe. Marc

# 12984 - Winchester M1885 .22 Caliber “ Winder Muskets ”
6/17/2008
Pete, Lompoc, CA

Was the Musket version of the model 1885 SS Winchester developed to satisfy the requests of Gen G W Wingate & Col C B Winder (both civilians at the time), or was the ''Winder'' version a modification of an already developed and marketed musket? In other words, are all model 1885 muskets, ''Winders''? I've searched the internet, and read Herbert Houze ''Winchester .22 Caliber Single Shot Rifle'' and R L Wilson ''Winchester, An American Legend'' on the subject without result. I have always understood that if the breech closed to half-cock it was a ''Winder'', to full cock it was not a ''Winder''. In Houze, if I understand him, that was simply a change that accompanied the 1908 change from a leaf to a coil main spring in all M-1885 muskets, perhaps all model 1885s.

Answer:
Pete- Excellent questions, but we just flat don’t know the answers. The guy who would know is Bert Hartmann, a researcher writing a book on the Browning Winchester single shot rifles. John Spangler

# 12976 - Hopkins & Allen Underhammer Muzzle Loader
6/14/2008
Erik, Douglasville,, GA

It has ''Hammer'' on the bottom of it instead of the top. Its a musket from Numrich Arms in West Hurley, NY. Is this musket worth $800?

Answer:
Erik- Please do not buy any lottery tickets, or bridges or oceanfront property in Arizona. This gun was made in the late 1900s (1960-1980?) strictly as an inexpensive shooter. They have no collector value as far as I can tell, and shooter value is probably closer to $150, or maybe less, in my opinion. John Spangler

# 12974 - Oddball .90 Caliber Belgian Made Flintlock.
6/14/2008
Bill, Kalama, WA

Has an unusual butt plate with a lever or horn on the bottom that sticks out under your arm when held. It is a flintlock and must weigh 12 to 15 pounds. I would like to know approximate date of manufacture, how used and what for. Any info appreciated.

Answer:
Bill- The Belgian proofmark ELG tell us it was made there. I suspect it is a late 19th century or early 20th century piece made for the African trade, possibly for hunting elephants or other dangerous game. I think that some of these were still being sold via Stoegers in the 1960s or 1970s at modest prices. I would try to find some old Gun Digests or Shooters Bibles and check those to see if you can find a match. Probably not a great collector prize, but certainly an interesting piece. John Spangler

# 13197 - 1908 Colt Restoration
6/14/2008
Christian/Tallahassee/Florida

Has mother of pearl grips. It is fully functional, it has a picture of a rearing horse at the back and an arrow pointing towards the back of gun on side of the barrel. I inherited this gun from my grandfather, who gave it to his wife for protection when they married in 1925. I want to know how much it is worth (roughly, no need to beat me up) I would also like to know if I should have it fully restored, or keep it as is. I believe I have sufficiently followed all rules of english, with sentences fully flowing, and capitolization duely noted.

Answer:
Christian, it is usually better to not restore collectable firearms. Having a firearm restored can reduce the value by as much as 50 to 75 percent. You did not tell me the condition of your pistol so I can only give you a range for the value which is between $275 and $1200. The blue book says to add 20 percent for pistols that have factory nickel plating with mother of pearl grips. Of course, if the nickel plating is not a factory finish, deduct up to 75 percent.

BTW:
Your word "english" should be capitalized, and you misspelled "capitolization" and "duely". Marc

# 12416 - Arminius Parts
6/10/2008
Dan , Spring Creek NV.

Right side of frame above trigger guard has ARM 357 . On the left side of the barrel is stamped '' Arminius-by. H.Weihrauch'' made in germany followed by the serial # S2934. On the right side of the barrel it is stamped F.I.E corp. Miami/FLA.cal.357/magnum . Thank you for taking the time to consider my inquiry to this firearm . I am considering trying to find parts for this single six which is modeled after a Peacemaker . My problem so far is that F.I.E has no parts list available for this weapon and the few smiths I have taken it to have told me it would not be cost effective to have someone work on it .My question to you is if there are any parts at all available for this gun or if possibly second generation Colt parts would suffice for the repairs that need to be done . The shell ejection slide needs to be replaced as well as screw and spring assembly that keeps the cylinder spindle in the frame . I do hope that you can provide me with some advice on this matter. Thank you .

Answer:
Dan, I do not know of a source for parts. I think that the advise that you received was sound. Even if your revolver were in brand new condition, it would still be worth less than $100. I would advise you to not waste your time or money trying to find parts. The best thing to do is to save it for the next time the liberals in your area hold one of their foolish gun buy back programs. Marc

# 12411 - RG Value
6/10/2008
Connie Grover, Mo.

My husband purchased this gun a long time ago. I have someone that would like to buy it .Can you tell me what it worth and anything else about it.

Answer:
Connie, RG manufactured a line of inexpensive, low quality firearms that were mostly Saturday night special types. There is no collector demand for any RG firearms that I know of, you can probably consider yourself lucky to have a buyer. I think that anything over $50 would be a fair price. It may be prudent to take some ID information down from your buyer when you sell and to have the buyer sign a dated receipt and a liability waiver incase the gun blows up and injures someone. Marc

# 12973 - U. S. Rifle Model Of 1917
6/10/2008
Michael Nelsen, Lathrop, MO

Ordinance ball has letter C inside. Purchased Model 1917 rifle, marked as cf 1917. I thought it would be M1917. Made by Winchester, but bolt has an E, which I assume is Eddystone. My understanding is all 1917 rifles were sent through the armory and Parkerized, which this one has instead of bluing. My question is what does the cf stand for? Made April 1918. Thanks for the help.

Answer:
Michael- From about 1900 to the 1920s the official military nomenclature was “Model of [date]”. In the 1920s a different nomenclature system was adopted which must used a “M” for Model and then a number, such as the M1 Rifle. There was a brief overlap in the two terminologies, and later users tended to abbreviate the earlier formal names to be more like what they were used to in later years. Hence the “U.S. Rifle, caliber .30 Model of 1917” became known as the “M1917”. A few ignorant barbarians have learned that the British used the term Pattern instead of Model as in the “Pattern 1914 Rifle”. These illiterates then insist that since the U.S. Rifle Model of 1917 was derived from the British Pattern 1914 rifle, then morons should be allowed to call the American rifle a “P17.” Perhaps from their cranial-rectal inversion perspective this makes sense, but it is wildly incorrect. It certainly makes one ponder the possibility of serious inbreeding problems for those poor folks, or the poor quality of our government skools who taught these people. John Spangler

# 12958 - Mauser Sporting Rifle
6/7/2008
James, Folsom, CA

On base of barrel = ''3,67 gG.B.P. St.M.G.'' ; Double set triggers ; Rifle ; On the bolt's lever base = 2 crowns ; Octagon barrel ; On base of barrel = ''Krupp-Steel'' ; On top of barrel = '' ***V* CHR. SCHILLING. SUHL. PRUSSIA *** '' ; grey metal finish. What type of rifle is it? When was it manufactured & for what purpose? Original caliber estimated? What is its estimated value range in excellent condition? Thx, James

Answer:
James- Sounds like you have one of the many fine sporting rifles built on a Mauser action. I suspect it is one that was made circa 1890-1910 on the Gew 88 Mauser action with a magazine that extends below the stock, or perhaps one made circa 1900-1930 on a Model 98 Mauser action where the bottom of the magazine is flush with the stock. Workmanship on these is often superb, with double set triggers, fancy sights, often with claw mounted scopes, and profuse engraving and inlays and carving. However, the calibers are often a mystery unless a gunsmith makes a chamber casting to measure against a list of obscure European calibers. Since ammo may be hard to find and the beautifully executed work is done to European tasted, the values are often very modest as they simply do not appeal to modern American shooters or collectors. Most of these rifles were souvenirs brought home following WW2. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12954 - GEW 88 Mauser Rifle Amberg
6/7/2008
Sharon

crown, amberq or amberg, 1895 stamped Gew 88 stamped I just bought my husband a pair of guns and these are the markings. I believe these are WWI German Mausers. How can I find out the history and the worth of these? Obviously, I know nothing about such items and would really appreciate some help. Thanks so much, Sharon

Answer:
Sharon- Gew 88 identifies the mode, the German Gewehr 1888 which was a bolt action rifle. Amberg is the German arsenal that made it in 1895. In 1898 these were rendered obsolete by the famous Model 1898 Mauser rifle, but the Gew 88 remained in use among second line German units for much of World War I. During WW1 many of them were sent to their ally, Turkey and these generally have Turkish markings added. Value depends on many minor details., but these usually sell for a few hundred dollars, but some of the much abused Turkish rifles have sold for $50 or less. For your next gift, I would recommend a copy of a good gun book such as Jon Walter’s “Rifles of the World” or Robert Ball’s Mauser Military Rifles of the World.” of a membership in the National Rifle Association (NRA). John Spangler

# 12395 - Pistol Stored Loaded For Over 60 Years
6/7/2008
Geoff, Catoosa, OK

FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE on right side of gun. ''F'' overlapping an ''N'' above grip on both sides. Was told it was a Nazi gun used in WWII. Has markings of eagle over Wa-A103. Has two original clips and original holster. FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE on right side of gun. ''F'' overlapping an ''N'' above grip on both sides. Gun is in very good condition and actually has the original bullets still in the clips and the chamber. Has been out of the holster once to write down all of the markings. Could someone give me more specifics regarding this gun? Value? Details on manufacture, etc.? Thank you.

Answer:
Geoff, I think that before answering your question, there is something important that needs to be said. If you performed the kind of close examination of a loaded pistol with "the original bullets still in the clips and the chamber" that you would have had to have done to be able to give a detailed description of the markings, you did an extremely dangerous thing. I would advise you to take the pistol to somewhere away from people and things that could be harmed if an unintentional discharge occurs, point the pistol in a safe direction, remove the magazine, remove the cartridge from the chamber and then remove all of the cartridges from both magazines. Not only is it dangerous to leave a loaded gun lying around for over 60 years, it also can weaken magazine springs to leave them under tension for that long.

I can not determine what model your pistol is from the information that you provided. Both Model 1922 and 1935 FN pistols can be found with WaA103 stampings and "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING PATENT DEPOSE" marked on the left (not the right) side of the slide. I can only tell you that the pistol was manufactured by FABRIQUE NATIONALE (FN) in Belgium, sometime during the German occupation, and that WaA103 is a WWII German military acceptance stamp that was used on Belgian Browning High Power Model 1935 and the Belgian Browning Model 1922 pistols. Marc

# 12393 - Should I Buy A Armi Fratelli Tangfolio Spa
6/3/2008
Rikki

Good Evening, I am writing to ask for some advice. I was perusing some guns in a pawn shop in Frisco TX, where I reside and I am relatively new to the gun arena. I came a cross a nickel colored 9mm armi fratelli tangfolio spa hand gun and I liked it. Is this a good and reliable gun to consider purchasing for a first time gun? If it is, would buying it from the pawn shop $300 be a reasonable price? I appreciate any response and thank you in advance for your help. Kind Regards Rikki

Answer:
Rikki, the TA-90 was a Tanfoglio designed 9mm Parabellum military-style pistol that was copied from the CZ75. It came with a double-action trigger standard, a manual safety on the slide that locked the firing pin, hammer, sear and trigger and a fifteen round magazine. The breech was locked by a conventional Browning cam system. The TA- 90 was imported under license by FIE along with other Tanfoglio designs including the Titan and the Buffalo Scout or Yellow Rose.

Although the CZ75 from which this pistol is copied is an excellent design, there are several reasons that I would not purchase a Tangfolio. The first is that parts will be hard to find. Most gun buyers know about the parts situation so the pistol will be hard to sell if you ever decide that you do not want it any more. To top it all off, the pistol is nickel plated (UGH!!!). If you want to start out with an inexpensive pistol, you can probably get a good Tarus or Ruger in the same price range, or for a little more you could get a Glock S&W or Beretta. Marc

# 12391 - Browning 1910
6/3/2008
Phil

Left side of slide:''FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES da GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE''
''BROWNING PATENT DEPOSE''
Lion symbol followed by horizontal line followed by ''PV'' followed by star? symbol followed by ''AL'' stuck together followed by unknown symbol like a tower.

Left upper side of frame: lion symbol over a horizontal line over a ''PV'' over a star? symbol over the letters ''AL'' stuck together over an unknown symbol like a tower?.

Right upper frame: ''121026''

Under rear of slide: ''V'' in a box symbol followed by a ''1'' or upside down ''L'' followed by ''121026''

Forward left of trigger guard: ''V'' inside a circle.

Forward right of trigger guard: letter ''W''.

Aft part of barrel: the lion symbol followed by a horizontal line followed by ''PV'' followed by a penqiun? symbol followed by ''R'' followed by star? symbol followed by
''AL'' stuck together followed by unknown symbol like a tower? followed by a symbol like a pineapple? with the letters ''E'' ''L'' ''G'' inside. Near these symbols is the
serial number stamp again ''121026''.

Aft part of barrel near the threads: ''V'' inside a box.

On the underside of left plastic pistol grip: ''F'' over ''2''

On the underside of right plastic pisol grip: ''F'' over ''8''

''FN'' symbol on upper part of both brown plastic grips.

Both magazines have FN symbol stamped on lower right side of them.

This gun appears to have been electro-plated at some time.
This gun came with a brown leather holster. The holster has a flap cover with a single brass button latch. Inside is an extra mag pouch sewn in vertically. Holster has a
slit in order to slide ones finger into the trigger guard while grabbing the weapon. on the back is a singe belt loop sewn onto the holster.

What is the manufacture date?
Where was this pistol manufactured?
What do these markings and stamps mean?
What exactly are the marks that I tried to describe?
What are the historical significances of these markings?
Who would have carried or been issued this pistol?
What is this worth on today's market?

Thank you very much!

Answer:
Phil, the FN Model 1910 was a popular design which was manufactured from 1912 to 1983, total production was about 701,266 pistols. There are no surviving serial number records available for this model that would allow me to look up the date of manufacture but possibly we can determine something from at least one of the pistols markings. The "tower" that you mention sounds like it could be the "Perron" proof for the pistol passing fitting and functioning acceptance testing. This mark was to represent "the freedom of the city of Liege" and it is found on pistols manufactured between 1903 and 1924. The "E L G" stamping is probably in a circle with a crown on top (not a pineapple) this is a Leige final proof mark. Lion | PV is a smokeless powder test proof that was used on FN pistols manufactured after 1903. The other markings are various factory inspection and proof markings, I am not sure what the penguin is. FN model 1910 pistols issued to the Belgian military will have a crown over the initials of the accepting officer (usually AA or AF) stamped on the left side of the frame. You did not mention any markings of this type or any other police or military markings, so it is probably safe to conclude that your pistol was originally sold on the commercial market and that it was not military issue.

Blue book values for the FN Model 1910 range from about $150 to a little over $300. The electro- plating will hurt, I would expect to see an electro-plated pistol like you are describing sell at a gunshow in the $200 range. Marc

# 12952 - Winchester 94 DEAC AMHERST NH
6/3/2008
Rick,Webb City, Mo.

Deac. Amherst NH. Please Help!!! What does this stamping mean? It is on the underneath just in front of the trigger.

Answer:
Rick - I so not know what the markings mean. I did find a question posted on another forum “Bought a Colt 1903 32 type IV made in 1927. The gun is mint and I just noticed on the bottom of the grip frame there is stamped in very small letters: DEAC AMHERST NH” (without any meaningful responses) so we know there are both rifles and pistols with this markings. The most likely explanations are (a) initials and location of a former owner, or (b) some sort of government (or private) entity markings. Wild guesses would be something like Department of Education and Adult Corrections or Davis Electric Ambulatory Company. Curious, indeed, but in my opinion such markings hurt the value unless they are positively identified and the meanings are a lot more exciting than my guesses. John Spangler