# 13134 - Model 1861 Special .58 Caliber Musket By L G & Y
8/30/2008
Dan.Zephyrhills,Fl.

1862 left of hammer, eagle with US under it right of hammer also LG&Windsor all stamped on lock. It may have been cut down because no front sight mount. Two bands hold barrel on stock. Strap loop on trigger guard non on muzzle end Any thing you can tell me would be great.

Answer:
Dan-  I am sure your musket was cut down from a full length three band musket with a 40 inch barrel.  Lamson, Goodnow & Yale made about 50,000 of these 1862-1864 at their factory in Windsor, Vermont.  The factory is still standing, and home of the American Precision Museum, and at one time made Sharps rifles, among other guns and non-gun products.  It is an excellent museum, so anyone with any interest in manufacturing should try to get there- only open in the summer months, as I recall.  John Spangler

# 13133 - Collecting The Winchester Model 1873
8/30/2008
Patrick, Cedar Rapids,Iowa

I would like to buy a Winchester 73 partly as a collectible, part love of the old west. Which calibers and year of manufacturer is most desirable, and is the octagon barrel preferred over round? I would appreciate a brief rely. Thanks!!!

Answer:
Patrick-  Part of the fun of being a collector is that you get to pick and choose what YOU want to collect, not what some guys on the internet think you ought to buy.  However, I would first recommend that you invest in a copy of Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and their Values.  This covers all the basic models, and variations, and gives you an expert opinion as to values.  The opening chapters on general collecting and tips for collector are ESSENTIAL reading for any potential collector.  Buy this book for about $35-40 and read it and get an education that way, or you can make the mistake of just buying a gun for $$$$ and paying for an education the hard and expensive way.   You will find there are 3 basic models of the Model 1873, and you can elect to specialize in one of each, or just one.  You may decide you like only carbines or only rifles, or maybe both, with maybe a few musket length guns as well.  Maybe a specific caliber will appeal to you.  Do you want a single representative example, or do you want to chase those with exotic special features?  Do you want a mechanically sound shooter with no finish, or a pristine gun you really should not shoot.  (Or maybe get a reproduction for your shooter?)  Do you want a beat up one with some sort of documented old west history (not just the story the dealer tells you, but one that has some documentation to support it)?   It’s your money, and your choice!  John Spangler

# 12778 - Gecado Rifle
8/30/2008
South Africa

Made In Germany (this is pre WW2) PV in a circle with a crown on top Do you have any information on this . Who made it, view on quality etc

Answer:
References indicate that Mauser type sporting rifles were marketed under the Gecado brand name by Dornheim of Suhl, Germany between WWI and WWII. Dornheim was one of Germany's principal wholesalers of guns and hunting goods during that time period. The business purchased by Albrecht Kind in 1940. The Gecado rifles were invariably made elsewhere but I have not been able to find any information on who the original manufacturer was or the quality of the rifles. Marc

# 12762 - Zodiac Serial Killer Gun
8/26/2008
John, Ohio

I have recently been researching the Zodiac Serial Killer Case; in two early shootings a .22 cal LR pistol was apparently used. Zodiac later described the pistol as a Luger. Were Stoger or Erma 22LR's available prior to December of 1968? If so when were they first produced

Answer:
John, Stoger introduced their .22LR chambered Luger look-alike in 1976 so the Stoger Luger is out of the running. The Erma Luger look-alike was their Model LA. The Model LA was manufactured between 1964 and 1967 so this could have been the type of pistol that was used. Another possibility is that a pistol was mistakenly referred to as a Luger. I can't count the times that I have been told that a pistol was a Luger only to find that it is a Ruger when I get more information or when I am able to examine it person. Hope that this helps. Marc

# 12761 - P.38 History In Question
8/26/2008
Michael Cannon Strongsville Ohio

byf 43 135 I believe the weapon was manufactured in 1943, however, the 83 year old woman who owns the weapons stated it was taken from a German pilot in 1941, Adolpf Gallant when he was shot down over France. She was a member of the FFI and treated Gallant. She is an honest person, however, is she confused, he was shot down in 41. I also am not sure of the manufacturer of the weapon. Thank you

Answer:
Michael, this P.38 was manufactured by Mauser, byf is the WW-II German ordnance code that was assigned to Mauser- Werke, Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany. The number 135 is a German WW-II Heerswaffenamt inspector's mark that was used on arms produced at Mauser Werke. The original finish would have been blue so at some time the finish was altered.

The ''43'' marking on the slide indicates that the pistol was manufactured in 1943. Since it was manufactured in 1943, it would not have been possible for it to have been taken from a pilot when he was shot down in 1941. Possibly your friend mixed this pistol up with another, or if it was sent out to be plated after it was surrendered, the wrong pistol was may have been returned. Marc

# 13132 - A. Waters Milbury Model 1836 Flintlock Pistol
8/26/2008
Paul, Parkville, MD

Top of Barrel: On Right Side Under Hammer: U S A. WATERS JCS MILBURY, MS P 1838 I am 76 years old. This pistol was given to me at age 10 by my grandfather and I know nothing more about it other than it is in wonderful condition. My question is: Is this a rare piece or are there many in circulation? Thank you for your time.

Answer:
Paul-  About 41,000 of the Model 1836 pistols were made by Asa Waters in Milbury, Massachusetts, and Robert Johnson in Middletown, Connecticut between 1836 and 1844.  In addition, Waters made a fair number as percussion pistols for non-federal orders.  These are not too hard to find on the collector market.  It is hard to fine really nice flintlock examples, as many were converted to percussion, and many more were heavily used or poorly cared for over the years.  While well used examples tend to bring several hundred dollars, ones in exceptional condition may bring several thousand dollars.  Take good care of it, or pass it on to your kids to enjoy.  John Spangler

# 13131 - Sharps 4 Barrel Derringer With Left Side Release
8/23/2008
Burton

C Sharps Patent 1859 (Left side) C Sharps & Co Philada Pa (Right Side) The Left Side has a button that when pressed down allows the barrel to slide forward but does not break down the barrel. Found several similar guns on Web but most have a button under the barrel to break down. This gun does not. Was this a different model? Who is recommended to repair these types of guns?

Answer:
Burton-  About 91,000 of the cute little four barrel Sharps .22 caliber derringers were made between 1859 and 1874.  About 60,000 were the variety known to collectors as Type 1A, and 26,000 more were Type 1C, and another 1,150 were Types 1D or 1E.  All of those had the button to release the barrels to slide forward for extraction or reloading located on the bottom of the frame at the front.  However, about 3,200 of the Type 1B had the barrel release button on the left side of the frame.  Values on these seem to run a bit higher than the more common 1A and 1C, but are still in the several hundred dollar range.  I do not know who to recommend to work on these, but someone in the Sharps Collectors Association (http://www.sharpscollector.com) may know.  John Spangler

# 13130 - Spanish LaCoruna Mauser
8/23/2008
Tim, Erie, PA

Wondering if this gun is worth the money to get it shooting? My brother has our Dad's '42 German Mauser, and it's an awesome rifle. The gun I have is down to a sporterized stock I know my Dad cut down and refinished probably 40 years ago, and the barrel w/sights and attached trigger/receiver. Nothing else. My two brothers each have one of our Father's hunting rifles, and I'd like to get this one shooting without breaking the bank. Or, should I look into buying a similar complete gun surplus? Thanks.

Answer:
Tim-  Sounds like one that would be fine to chop up as  sporter.  Not a whole lot of collector value to these, but they are well made to standard K98k specifications, and easy to get “sporter” style parts for. It should be checked by a gunsmith to be sure it is safe to shoot before you waste a lot of money on it.  John Spangler

# 12759 - High Standard Parts And DOM
8/23/2008
Alan, Freeport, NY

Approx what year was this handgun made? Are the Open Sight Rib still available, somewhere? As the one on this piece is missing. Thanks.

Answer:
Alan, records indicate that your pistol was manufactured in 1978. High Standard went out of business in 1984 so parts may be difficult to come by. Try checking with Gun Parts Corp. we have a link to them on our links page. If Gun Parts can not help, try contacting the High Standard collectors, they have a web site at: http://www.highstandard.org/. Marc

# 12756 - Iver Johnson Information.
8/19/2008
Kara, Kansas City, MO

The only markings I can find are the numbers 39258 on the butt of the pistol grip. The side grips of the handle are done in bakelite with fancy carvings and an owl within a circle. Can you possibly assist me in identifying this pistol. I can tell you that it belonged to my Great - Grandfather, possibly registered in Platte County, Missouri. He was referred to as a ''night watchman'' for possibly Weston, Missouri in the late 1800's. If you would need, I can take pictures for you to view. Thank you for any information you might be able to provide to me or perhaps to steer me in the right direction for more information!

Answer:
Kara, the owl's head motif on your grips suggests that you have an Iver Johnson. The company was founded in 1871 as Johnson Bye & Co. and they produced fairly good quality but inexpensive firearms under several different names and owners until they went out of business in 1993. There is not much collector interest in this type of firearm and as a result, values for them are generally low. Marc

# 12633 - Victory Mod.
8/19/2008
Carl Fort Wayne IN.

W stamped on bottom of grip strap. Trade mark S&W on right side, made in USA Smith and Wesson on left side of barrel, Smith and Wesson Springfield Mass USA patented Feb 6,06 Sept 14, 09 Dec 29.14 Top of barrel.V654483 under barrel when cyl is open 11549 located two times inside open cyl on frame and swing out for cyl. small letters.V654483 also a W stamped on bottom by lanyard on bottom of grip frame with wooden grips. Appears to have never been fired, been in storage at least since 1950. Year made and worth, came with a very unusual holster also that may be China as person who owned the weapon served there. Holster was cut to allow the 38 to fit no name on holster.

Answer:
Carl, it sounds like you have a Smith and Wesson Victory Model. This model was actually just a S&W Military and Police revolver with a plain military type finish. Victory Model revolvers were manufactured between 1942 and 1944 and all of their serial numbers had a letter ''V'' prefix.

Values for Victory Model revolvers range from around $100 to about $550 depending on condition, markings and caliber. Revolvers chambered for .38 Special are more popular with collectors and shooters than those chambered for .38 S&W.

It is hard to say what the holster is without seeing it, but if it has been cut down, there will not be much collector interest in it.

# 13126 - A. Haetge, Berlin
8/19/2008
Jack, Muncie, Indiana

A. Haetge Berlin in gold, intricate scroll work, Pin Fire, Octagonal barrel. I have been trying to find information on the maker of this fine rifle and so far have come up with very little. One reference I found has Haetge as the court gun maker for the King of Prussia in the 1880's. I would assume the gun to be very rare and would like some idea of the value for insurance purposes. Thanks for your help

Answer:
Jack-  I regret we really cannot add anything to what you already know.  My information only lists him as working in the 19th Century, so that is less than what you have.  Since it is a pinfire, that dates it to sometime between about 1840 and 1875 when that system was popular.  High quality decoration was almost standard on well made German arms of that period, and is not necessarily indicative of any Royal court connection, just a wealthy buyer with good taste.  I suspect it was a souvenir brought back to the U.S. after the end of WW2.  It is hard to guess at value without actually handling it, but based on your description, I think insured value should be about $1,000-$2,000.  John Spangler

# 13118 - Winchester Model 1905 Or 1907?
8/16/2008
Tim in Olympia Wa.

On the tang of the receiver at the grip, It is marked mod 1905 but the barrel is marked model 07 351 Is this a carryover from the prev. model or has it been rebarreled? Is the 1905 receiver strong enough for the 351 cartridge?

Answer:
Tim-  The Model 1907 was serialized from number 1 up, and should be marked on the tang MODEL 1907.  I suspect you have a very similar Model 1905 that someone changed the barrel to a Model 1907 taking advantage of the more powerful .351 self loading cartridge over the Model 1905’s less powerful .35 Winchester Self loading cartridge.  Personally I don’t think that is a safe alteration, or Winchester would not have bothered to introduce the new model, but just added the new caliber to the existing Model 1905.  However, I really don’t know enough to comment on the relative safety of either model.  In any case, such a mismatched gun would have much less collector value.  John Spangler

# 13115 - Numrich .22 Conversion Kit For M1903 Springfields
8/16/2008
Doug, Nixa, Mo.

none I have a conversion unit (and packaging) to convert the Springfield 1903 rifle to .22 lr. The unit consists of a bbl insert, bolt, floorplate, magazine, and brass headspace adjusting screw. Were these units some type of surplus item or did George Numrich have them custom built?

Answer:
Doug-  Numrich made these up from spare, altered and newly made parts, to come up with something like 2,200 units (if I recall correctly).  We have handled about 5 of the kits over the years, in varying degrees of completeness, but the box and instructions are the scarcest part of the kit.  Reportedly they are good shooters, although I have never tried one.  The used a newly made sleeve insert for the barrel (made by Marlin, I think) and a Springfield M2 .22 caliber bolt with a tiny blop of brazing material on the bottom to help feeding.  The magazine was from the Model 65 (and other) models made by Harrington and Richardson.  The trigger guard was a stamped M1903A3 altered to take the H&R magazine.  There was also a “L” shaped wrench/tool for twisting the barrel insert into position.  William S. Brophy’s Springfield Model 1903 Rifles seems to be about the only source of information on these.  John Spangler

# 12596 - Ithaca 1911A1
8/16/2008
Ricardo

First of all, I would like to compliment you on your page. Very nicely done. My grandpa' gave me this pistol, he told me he used in WWII. It's an Ithaca, serial # 865960 an according my investigations it was manufactured in 1943 Any information you can provide and a rough idea of it's value would be appreciated.

Answer:
Ricardo, Ithaca and Colt were the only established firearms companies to produce 1911A1 pistols during WWII. Ithaca began manufacturing 1911A1 pistols in December of 1942. When Ithaca 1911A1 production first started, they did not have all of the equipment that they needed to manufacture the components so they received some of the parts from other contractors including 6,200 WWI receivers that the Springfield armory had in storage. Ithaca-made receivers were intermixed with Colt and surplus World War I receivers beginning at roughly serial number 865000. Your pistol falls into this range so it may have a Colt or a surplus WWI receiver. Early Ithaca receivers can be identified by their crude appearance with obvious machine marks and some mis-shaped trigger guards. Early Colt receivers can be quickly identified by the hart shaped cut-outs under the stocks. Ithaca reached full production in July of 1943 but they were still having problems with quality. To correct the problems engineering changes modeled after Remington Rand procedures were mandated by the Ordnance Department and the number of factory final inspectors was increased from three to six men. Exterior appearances slowly improved but Ithaca pistols have a reputation for being the coarsest finished of all 1911A1 pistols. This is unusual since Ithaca was an established manufacturer of some very high quaily sporting shotguns before the war.

Values for all military surplus 1911A1 pistols have been going up and there is a good demand for pistols made by Ithaca. I would not be surprised to see an all original example in very good or better condition sell for over $2000. Marc

# 12595 - Mauser Pocket Pistol
8/12/2008
Bruce

This pistol was brought over from Europe after WWII by my father. I would like to determine its current value. Condition of this firearm could be considered as mid-range.

Answer:
Bruce, the Model 1914 was a 9 shot pistol that had a 3 inch barrel, blue finish, fixed sights, and checkered walnut or hard rubber grips. Mauser manufactured the Model 1914 from 1914 to 1934. Model 1914 pistols were used by the German army in WWI, many were also exported to foreign commercial, police and military markets and still others were sold in Germany on the domestic civilian market. If your pistol is a military issue model, it should have military proofs, these are usually located near the rear sight and on the front of the trigger guard. Pistols exported for sale in the Untied States should be stamped "GERMANY".

The Model 1934 was similar to Model 1914, except that it had a re shaped one piece wrap-around grip. The 1934 was manufactured from 1934 to 1941 and they were procured by the German military in 1940 and 1941. Model 1934 manufacture production ceased in 1941 when the double action HSc was introduced.

I would expect to see a pistol like you are describing sell in the $250 - $300 range if it were a commercial version. Any military markings will add at least $100 to the value and possibly more depending upon rarity. Marc

# 12578 - 71/84 In 32 Winchester?
8/12/2008
Stephen, Lake County, MT

When I bought this gun it was chambered for the 32 Winchester Special cartridge. It has all the original parts as far as I can tell including the rear sight on the barrel. I understand that this is not the right caliber for this gun -- yet it appears that everything is as it should be and looks just like the pictures I have seen. Was this gun ever produced in this caliber from the factory? Or did someone do a very good conversion job?

Answer:
Steve, the Model 1871/84 Rifle (Infanterie-Gewehr M1871/84) was manufactured by the arms factories in Danzig, Erfurt and Spandau from 1885 to 1889, by the Konlgllch bayerlsches Gewehrfabrik, Amberg from 1886 to 1890, and by Waffenfabrik Mauser AG, Oberndorf, 1885 to 1887. Total production was around 950,000. Original chambering was 11x60R, the model was never originally chambered in 32 Winchester Special. Marc

# 13110 - Krag With Star Gauged Barrel
8/12/2008
Gordon, Fairbanks, AK

None that I can find I received my father's 30-40 Krag just recently and he told me that my grandfather had ''sporterized'' it in the 1930's in order to make money like he did w/many other guns. My grandfather held on to this one because he said the barrel was a ''Star Gauge'' barrel. I have been looking for a way to tell if this barrel is actually what I have been told it is. The only thing I have found so far is that a star should be on the muzzle crown to identify this. I find no star there but the site where I found this, was talking about model 1903 30-06. Can you help?

Answer:
Gordon-  While most people would scoff at your father’s claim, I think it is very plausible.  The star gauge marking on the crown of the muzzle was not adopted until the mid 1920s, so lack of that does not prove or disprove anything.  Frank Mallory’s research, in the Krag Rifle Story (2nd edition) page 99 notes that specially selected and star gauged Krag rifles and carbines were issued for use in the 1905, 1906 and 1907 National Matches, so we know some Krags were in fact star gauged.  The rifles selected at that time probably would have been from among the very last assembled, or possibly even assembled from parts using left over receivers on hand then, and 482,000 receiver numbers are well above the normal range of regularly assembled and issued rifles.  It would be very useful to know what cartouche is on the rifle.  If dated 1905, 06 or 07, then I would think it is indeed one of these extremely early National Match rifles or carbines.  If an earlier date, then I would be somewhat skeptical, but not knowing for sure exactly what marks were added (if any) I would not automatically discount the possibility.
It is also possible that it is a star gauged barrel or at least one made by Stevens-pope in that period which used 8 groove rifling instead of the standard armory 4 groove style.  That would be of interest to collectors as well, but not in the same value range as a Krag NM rifle.   John Spangler

# 13103 - Pancho Villa .303 Enfield
8/9/2008
Thomas, Texas

Various (about 10) British Military inspection stamps I recently bought an Enfield .303 and the gentleman that I bought it from said it was one of the weapons that Poncho Villa stole when he attacked Columbus, New Mexico. Is there any way to verify this claim? Thanks

Answer:
Thomas-  I cannot think of any logical explanation for an Enfield .303 rifle being in Columbus, NM prior to about 1940.  I have heard rumors for years that Mrs. Villa made quite a fortune selling off "the General's guns" to various gullible parties.
    Most Enfields have a date on the butt socket and that should be well before the raid in 1914 if there is even a remote chance that somehow they got some (not yet surplus) British military rifles to use.  Otherwise the story falls apart at that point.  John Spangler

# 13102 - J M B Marked Pennsylvania – Kentucky Rifle
8/9/2008
Emily, Martinsville, Indiana

Ashmore percussion lock, J M B on octagon barrel Hi, I am not really sure what this gun is? I know that is has a 42'' octagon barrel and it is rifled the same or hexagon inside. Also on the top of the barrel is stamped J M B. I know it is a percussion rifle, possible called a Pennsylvania/Kentucky Percussion rifle. I was wondering if this is the type of Gun that it is and what it was originally called. What year did they make them and who manufactured them. On this type of gun is there another way to tell where hidden makes or serial numbers might be? I did find out that is was not made by Ashmore, just the trigger lock was. I am very stumped on this one and please could use some advice. Thanks, Emily

Answer:
Emily-  I regret we cannot help much with that.  Ashmore made the lock only, as you already knew.  However, replica locks marked Ashmore have been available for about 50 years, so there is no guarantee that it is terribly old.  The general Pennsylvania or Kentucky style rifles were made from about 1780 until the 1840s and many replicas have been made in the 20th century, and some traditionalists made them in the intervening period as well.  They were made from the mid- Atlantic region well into southern Appalachia, and west to the Mississippi river.  These were not mass produced, but the result of one gunsmith, sometimes with a few associates or apprentices, working in a small shop, building to a style that he (or his customers) wanted for a rifle.  Sometimes an expert can narrow down the place and or date of original by minor stylistic features.  Hope that helps.  John Spangler

# 12515 - Singer .25
8/9/2008
Lou, Tallahassee, FL

Semi auto with made in Italy on one side of barrel and has what looks like yellow Bakelite grips with an inset metal emblem with AG stamped in large letters on each side of the grip. Came with a matching belt loop holster. My brother-in-law passed away last month. This pistol was in his drawer and his wife wanted to know if it was worth anything. I warned her not to load or shoot it, and told her I would try to find out. Lou

Answer:
Lou, references indicate that A&G pistols were also known by the Singer name. They were first produced by Arizmendi & Goenaga and then by Francisco Arizmendi. The A&G / Singer 6.35mm (25 ACP) was based on the Browning 1906 design and it dates from around 1913. There is not much interest in this type of pistol, and in my opinion, the caliber is another drawback. I often see .25 caliber pistols offered for sale at gunshows for less than $100. The rust and manufacturer that most people will not recognize will not help. Marc

# 12508 - Krieghoff Luger
8/5/2008
Jamie

On top of the pistol is the # 1937. I believe this to be the date of manufacture. The number 23 appears beneath the Krieghhoff Suhl seal and above the seal the letters HK appear to the left and right of the anchor. On the left side of the gun the number 7823 appears. If you point the barrel at yourself underneath the barrel the number 7823 also appears. On the opposite side from where the 7823 appears there are four separate marks that appear to be small eagles (they almost look like small Nazi eagles). On the left rear of the pistol where I the safety is the word GESICHERT. On the bottom side of the barrel, directly at the base there are several markings. The number 7823 again appears left to right and above that going up an down the barrel is the number 883 and beneath the 7823 is another of the eagle markings with the number 2 beneath it. Also on the base of the barrel on the left side is another eagle marking. This gun was brought back from Germany after WWII by my grandfather. He was an Intelligence officer employed as a civilian who was responsible for assisting in rounding up SS Officers to go back to Nuremberg. The pistol comes with a pig skin holster and underneath the top of the holster is a tool that I believe to be a take down tool. My question is the value of the weapon for insurance reasons.

Answer:
Jamie, you have a rare pistol. Krieghoff Lugers were manufactured for the Luftwaffe from 1935 to 1945 by Krieghoff Waffenfabrik at Suhl, Germany. They were the only pistol officially inspected, accepted and proofed by the Luftwaffe. Estimated Krieghoff production was only about 12,200 Lugers. Because of their rarity and the high quality of workmanship that went into their manufacture, they are one of the most highly sought after Luger variations by Luger collectors. Krieghoff Lugers dated 1936-1945 are the most commonly encountered, approx. 9000 were manufactured. In this date range, 1936, 1937 and 1940 dates are the most common. Lugers dated 1938 and 1941 through 1944 dates command a 70 to 200% premium, 1945 dated Lugers are extremely rare and they command a 500% premium. The blue book lists value for a 1937 dated Krieghoff Luger in 95% condition at around $2500 but I think that is low, if I were offering one for sale with the holster, I would start asking $3995. Marc

# 12507 - Nickel Model 63
8/5/2008
Michael

I know the rifle was manufactured in 1948 but I have heard that the nickel finish may be a factory finish. If this is true I would like to determine the value of the rifle.

Answer:
Michael, The Winchester Model 63 was an improved version of their earlier Model 1903 that was chambered to fire the popular 22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridge instead of .22 Winchester Auto Rimfire like the 1903. Early models were take-down and came with a plain walnut stock and a 20 inch barrel. In December of 1934 a 23 inch barrel was introduced and the shorter barrel option was discontinued in 1936. The take-down locking catch was eliminated in December 1933 after a few thousand guns had been produced. Model 63 receivers that were manufactured after 1946, were grooved to accept scope mounts. Model 63 production between 1933, when the rifle was first introduced and 1958 when it was discontinued totaled about 174,692.

I checked several references including ``The Winchester Book`` by Madis and Henshaw's ``The History of Winchester Firearms 1866 - 1992``. None of them mentioned Model 63 rifles as being available from the factory with a nickel finish. Madis indicates that all major external metal parts on 63 rifles were blued and the blue book does not list a nickel plated option. Values in the blue book for this model range from about $300 to over $850. I am biased because I do not like nickel firearms, especially nickel rifles. I am sorry to say that in my opinion, the nickel finish will place value at or below the bottom end of that range. Marc

# 13101 - Taking Inherited Guns From Canada To The U. S.
8/5/2008
Larry

More of a difficult situation question. Basically my father died in Canada as a Canadian citizen. He left me 74 guns - 70 of which are us made. How is the best way to transport them from Canada to the US

Answer:
Larry-  I would take them by car. However, you need to get your ducks lined up before you head for the border.  Apparently the Canadian customs people are not too concerned about guns headed OUT of Canada, and they may not hassle you much.  To be sure, I would check with Canadian authorities to be sure you do not need any special permits or registration in order to take possession of them and haul them around in your vehicle.  If so, get that taken care of first.
Then, you need to check with U.S. Customs and find out what you need to prove that you are a U.S. citizen and that these are your personal property, and if there is any special permits or paperwork needed to import these.  If so, you will need to have all that taken care of before you arrive at the border.  It may involve a BATF “Form 6” so ask specifically about that.  It would be best to call by phone and then ask if it is okay to follow up with a written or email inquiry so you will have a written record from each of the offices you talk to, in case you need to convince anyone at the border that everything is okay.  Sometimes petty bureaucrats are overly impressed with their powers, and underinformed about what the regulations actually say (or mean).  If you can show them papers from someone up their chain of command saying you can haul this stuff around, that makes it very difficult for them to just say “no” and leave you at the mercy of their whims. 
My understanding is that there is NO problem hauling antique guns made in 1898 or earlier across the border, so you may want to sort those out and prepare a description of each and the date of manufacture and perhaps haul those in one trip.  Good luck.  John Spangler

# 13099 - ASM Replica Colt Revolver
8/2/2008
Baltimore, MD

cylinder has engravings of ships on it and the date may 19 1843 stamped on it. the barrel is engraved with ASM black powder only cal 44 made in Italy traditions where did it come from and who had it in history and what's it worth

Answer:
Sir-  Your revolver came from Italy, where Armi San Marco is one of the many makers of these replicas.  It was probably made circa 1980-the present, and value is probably around $75-150 depending on condition.  The Engaged May 19, 1843 is the caption for the cylinder scene which show the Republic of Texas navy defeating a Mexican fleet.  Since they had some Colts, Sam Colt used this as an advertising gimmick.  John Spangler

# 13093 - G. W. Vaughn Percussion Rifle
8/2/2008
Robert - Land O Lakes,FL

Old black powder - Been in family forever - May have been flintlock before converted to cap - Barrel marked ''G W Vaughn'' - barrel is browned - some engraving - brass butt plate - set trigger + trigger. Looking for information about aprox. age of gun, who G.W.Vaughn was and any information I can find on the gun and/or the maker.

Answer:
Robert-  According to Frank Sellers’ American Gunsmiths book George W. Vaughn was born in 1834 and worked in Moultrie County, Illinois according to the 1850 census.  An 1888 directory lists him as working in Bryon, Ohio and he is known to have made full stock percussion target rifles, so that seems to check out.  Sellers got the directory info from Daniel Hutslar’s “Gunsmiths of Ohio,” but I don’t know if there is any more detail than that.  John Spangler

# 12494 - Stevens Parts Source
8/2/2008
Terry

I have talked to many people over the years and no one is able to tell me where I can get replacement parts. The Rifle has a pull knob on the rear of the bolt. I have reblued the barrel and refinished the stock. I am looking for a new bolt and butt plate. Thanks in advance, Terry

Answer:
Terry, the Stevens-Springfield Model 82 Sporting Rifle was manufactured from 1935 to 1939. It was a single shot take-down design with a plain hardwood pistol grip stock that had a long finger groove in the forend. Rifles weighed about 4 pounds, had a spring-leaf and elevator rear sight with a gold bead mounted at the muzzle of the 22 inch barrel.

I am afraid that your search for parts is not over. I can not tell you where you can find a bolt. One good place to try is Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL: http://www.gunpartscorp.com/. If that doesn't work, try posting what you need on our free "Wanted" page. It should not be too hard to find a similar butt plate that can be modified to fit your rifle. Try looking at gunshows, dealers often have boxes full of butt plates for sale there. There is not much demand for Stevens butt pates so you should be able to purchase one cheap. Marc