# 12039 - M1 Carbine By Hale Ord Inc
9/30/2006
Mike, Sterling, Alaska

HALE ORD INC on the receiver under the rear site I acquired this carbine not long ago and I can't seem to find any info on a 30 cal M1 carbine with that name of mfg company. This gun looks well used. Any idea who made it?

Answer:
Mike- I have no information on Hale Ord Inc. There were at least a dozen makers of copies of the M1 Carbine over the years who essentially made the guns from a mix of commercially made and surplus parts. I suspect that Hale may have been one of the early firms that salvaged torch cut receivers and welded them up and made them work again, and applied their own name after removing the original GI maker name. That is strictly a guess on my part, so don't think you will win bets by claiming that. You might want to ask on the M1 carbine forum over on the Culver Shooting Page http://Jouster.com John Spangler

# 12038 - British Or French Use Of M1 Carbine In WW2
9/30/2006
Kenneth, Birmingham, Alabama

This is a history question. Were the French or British ever issued the M1 Carbine during WW2? If they were do you have any TO&E's available and dates issued?

Answer:
Kenneth- I know for a fact that the French received some M1 carbines. In the U.S. Army in World War II "green book" series "Rearming the French" by Marcel Vigneras discusses small arms for the North African campaigns on pages 247-249. Beginning in March 1944 some 13,000 M1 carbines were diverted to the French instead of being issued to U.S. service forces. Prior to this the French had been recipients of large quantities of M1917 rifles and then M1903 rifles. As U.S. combat troops in the theater received more M1 Garands and M1 carbines, their M1903 rifles were transferred to the French. This accounts for the later presence of M1903 rifles in French colonies such as Vietnam. By July of 1944 the French had received some 167,000 M1917s, 47,000 M1903s, 740 Garands and 13,400 M1 Carbines. The Americans then approved the issue of 8,000 M1 carbines per month for the last five months of 1944, which would have added an additional 40,000 carbines in French hands.

Other volumes in that series mentioned shipment of small arms to various other allies, but I do not recall exactly where that info was, and do no have time to dig around to find it. I am sure that the British received some M1 carbines as well, but in relatively small numbers, and perhaps only as intermediaries for delivery to resistance fighters in occupied Europe. I have no info on Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E) for allied forces. John Spangler

# 11739 - Rare Beretta Navy Pistol
9/30/2006
Justin

RM marked on Grip. Look like a large S mark on rear of frame. How rare are the Beretta 1931 Navy RM marked, and worth in about 95% Condition. Thank you.

Answer:
Justin, references indicate that there were two variations of the 1931 Beretta pistol. One variation had a straight rear grip strap and the other had a curved rear grip strap. The grips were smooth walnut and had a medallion set in each that was marked with the letters RM with an anchor between the R and M. This was the symbol for the Italian Navy. Jan C Still in his Axis Pistols Price Guide sets rarity of this model at 9 on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most rare. Only 8,000 were manufactured, serial numbers are in the 400,000-408,000 range. Blue book values for the 1931 Beretta range between 300 and about $1700 depending on condition. Marc

# 12032 - Tower Barnett London Musket
9/26/2006
Bill

Some other marks...but can't make them out. Can't find SN. Rifle belonged to great great grandfather who fought for CSA from South Carolina. It has a crown then under that is Tower then Barnett London. Can you tell me where I can find information as to the age and value of this civil war musket? Thank you.

Answer:
Bill- I think the barrel length you listed is actually the overall length. This is probably a standard Pattern 1853 .577 caliber "Enfield" rifle musket. These were imported in large numbers by both the north and the Confederacy during the Civil War, and thousands more were captured by each side. These were excellent arms, and very popular with the troops. It was undoubtedly made circa 1860-1864, if it arrived in the south in time to be used in the War. As far as value, you are looking at three different levels. Just as an "old gun" representative example of the P1853 musket it probably would bring about $600-1,000. If you can document its use by Confederate forces in the Civil War, especially if it is down to the unit and individual level, then the value would probably be at least double that. As an heirloom item carried by an ancestor with a known history, I would not sell it at any price. I would encourage you to get a dopy of the service record information on your ancestor from the National Archives and to have the oldest living family member sign a notarized statement, complete with pictures of the gun, stating who used it, their relationship to that person, and how they came to own it. Then you can keep those papers and the service record information together. If you decide that everyone in the family rather have money to spend than an old gun, then let me buy the gun and give it a good home. (I am partial to South Carolina arms, having done a lot of research on Arming the South Carolina Militia 1808-1903). John Spangler

# 12317 - Machine Gun Value
9/26/2006
Iris

Sub-Machine gun stamped on, Auto-Ordinance Corporation West Hurley, New York, USA Model of 1927 A1, No 1384,Thompson Semi-Automatic Carbine,Caliber.45 Automatic cartridge, Trade Mark Thompson Reg.US Pat.off I would like to know the value of this gun, if any.

Answer:
Iris - value will depend upon whether your machine gun has been registered or not and if you can prove it. When machine guns were registered, the owners were given papers to prove the registration and copies were kept on file with the BATF in Washington. Theoretically, if you lost your papers, they could provide a replacement copy. However, people familiar with the situation report that the BATF files are a disaster and they are very often unable to tell if your gun is registered or not. Therefore you should assume that if you do not have papers, the odds of having BATF find copies for you are not very good. Thus, the BATF will decide it is NOT registered unless you can prove that it is. Possession of an unregistered machine gun or sawed off rifle/shotgun is a federal felony with big hard time sentences and hefty fines (something like 10 years and/or $10,000 fine). Marc

# 12320 - Information On A Previous Posting
9/26/2006
Robert, Leesville, SC, USA

None # 6023 - Quattlebaum Rifle 6/14/03 Mike This is in reference to a previous post on this page. I am doing some research on a particular family history in South Carolina and came across the above post. I would like to shed light on what information I have regarding the ''Quattlebaum Rife''. The rifle was invented by Confederate General Paul Quattlebaum of South Carolina. The actual operation was run by John Quattlebaum and Elija Hall of or near Leesville, South Carolina. They manufactured firearms during the civil war. One of the rifle can be found in the Confederate Relic Room in Columbia SC. As the rifles were never well documented, there are few examples which can be documented. Most of the records were lost to Shermans buring of many historic homes and the Columbia SC area during war. The Quattleabum family history can be found in the archives located at Clemson University.

Answer:
Thanks Robert - Marc

# 12028 - Bullard Rifle Ammo Dies And Sights
9/23/2006
Tim, New Prague, MN

I would like to know if reloading dies are available for this old black powder rifle. Are there replacement sights and would it best be left a wall hanger?

Answer:
Tim- Let's review what a Bullard rifle is before people go nuts trying to figure out if that is a type for the better known Ballard rifles. James H. Bullard was a clever mechanis at Smith & Wesson who designed an innovative lever action rifle. He formed the Bullard Repeating Rifle Company in Springfield, Massachusetts, and began production about 1883, and also a single shot target model. While it was a good design, it was not a wise business move to be competing against the better know, better equipped and better financed Winchester and Marlin companies. Bullard went out of business about 1890. Undoubtedly one of the die makers has made (or can make) dies for even as obscure a caliber as the .38 Bullard, but it will be a custom order and not cheap. As far as sights, you probably will need to find a dealer who specializes in sights (such as Garry Fellers on our links page) to see what they have. Since this is such an obscure model, it may be that they had some oddball size peculiar to their rifles that will be hard to find, or they may have used one of the industry standard size dovetails which will fit many sights. Good luck. John Spangler

# 12024 - Hamilton No. 27 .22 Rifle
9/23/2006
Jerry, Nashville, TN

The Hamilton rifle No. 27 22 Cal Patented Oct. 30 1900-Aug.13 1907 Mfd. By C.J. Hamilton & Son Plymouth Mich, USA Stamped on left side of receiver. No other markings or serial This is a single shot rifle about 30 inches long; could be a boy's rifle. What can you tell me about it and does it have any value? It is in fair to good shape, no rust, wood stock & forearm are very good, everything works. Has steel buttplate. I have learned that it was made in the same factory that eventually made the Red Ryder BB guns for many decades.

Answer:
Jerry- I know we have answered questions about several models of the Hamilton boys' rifles in the past. Please use the "search Q&A" tool at the top left of our page to get your answer. John Spangler

# 12293 - Nickel CZ 27
9/23/2006
David

fnh Pistol Modell 27 Kal. 7,65 Has eagle over ''WaA76 stamped on the upper right side of the frame above the grip and beneath the barrel just forward of the locking lugs. Eagle over swastika in a circle (Nazi Waffenamt) is stamped on the right side of the chamber and on the top of the slide just forward of the serial number.This gun has a nickel finish; I have read no information on this gun being produced with a nickel finish. Was the CZ-27 manufactured with a nickel finish or was the part of a refurbishment. what could this gun be worth?

Answer:
David, the nickel finish is not origional and it pretty much destroys any collector interest that the pistol had. I would expect to see a pistol like this sell at a gunshow in the $100 range. Marc

# 12300 - Spanish Revolver
9/19/2006
Mike Ranlo NC

On the side P.N -Crest- and Lion. Made in Spain On top of the Barrel ''Use U.S. Standard Ammunition'' On the bottom of handle it says 7324 B.G. The gun is silver with the handle ins some type of dark wood with x groves My Grandpa said it is at least 60 years old. I would like to know the manufacturer? Maybe what year it was made and Value in Good Condition

Answer:
Mike it sounds like you have one of the 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 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 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 interest in the Spanish S&W copies, I often see revolvers in perfect condition being offered in the $50.00 range. Marc

# 12304 - Smith & Wesson Victor?
9/19/2006
David, Temple, TX

The chrome finish is not in good condition. I would like to know the age and availability of this gun before doing a refinish. Thank you. David

Answer:
David, I have never heard of a Smith & Wesson Victor and I was unable to find the model in any of my reference books. Smith & Wesson manufactured a Victory Model during WWII but all Victory Model serial numbers all started with a "V". I suspect that the "38 S&W CTGF" markings on your revolver indite the caliber that the revolver is chambered for, not the manufacturer. Without seeing some pictures I can not say for sure, but I doubt that the revolver is a Smith & Wesson. Marc

# 12023 - Air Force Survival Rifle - Shotgun
9/19/2006
Carlos, Louisville, KY

It supposedly a rifle designed for the airforce that stacks a 22cal and a small shotgun cal both single shot ????? who makes it and how to obtain one .

Answer:
Carlos- Sometime around the early 1950s, the Air Force survival rifle-shotgun was adopted as the "M6" which was all metal construction and folded in half for compact storage. This had a .22 Hornet rifle barrel over a .410 shotgun barrel. These are considered to be "sawed off shotguns" under federal law, and had a "squeeze bar" type trigger without a trigger guard which created some safety concerns. The folks at Springfield Armory (the commercial outfit in Geneseo, IL) made a nearly identical copy but with legal length barrels and a trigger guard and these are still seen at gun shows. Prior to adoption of the M6 rifle-shotgun, the Air Force used a bolt action .22 Hornet rifle, also with short barrel and capable of being broken down into a very short package, which was designated the M4 Survival rifle. Prior to either the M4 or M6, the Air Force used a commercial style over under combination gun made by Savage-Stevens. These had a .22 Long Rifle upper barrel and a .410 shotgun barrel. When first procured (during WW2?) these were being sold under the commercial designation ".22-410". Later these were redesignated as the Model 24, and offered commercially in a wide variety of cartridge combinations. The military models had Tenite (plastic) stocks, and were sometimes marked with an ordnance bomb or USAF and a serial number. These had commercial barrel length, about 20 inches or so. These can be found at gun shows or used gun stores from time to time in either the commercial versions, or more rearely the military marked examples. John Spangler

# 12017 - Remington .32 Rimfire Rifle
9/16/2006
Yvonne, Waynesboro, GA

Dear Sir....my Dad gave me a rifle that has no markings on it except ''Remington Arms Co. Ilion NY'' There is no serial number or any other number on it. Dad says it is a 32 Rimfire Rolling Block Rifle. I wanted to know if you have ever heard of this rifle?.....why doesn't it have a serial number?...when it was made? Are there any bullets to fit it anymore?....What would be the worth of the gun at this time? Thanks for your help. Yvonne

Answer:
Yvonne- Prior to 1968 there was no requirement that guns have serial numbers, so we know that it was made before 1968. While it is not totally impossible to find .32 rimfire ammunition for shooting today, it is extremely difficult to locate and expensive. That caliber was popular from the earliest days of metallic cartridges in the U.S. (circa 1860) up until about the 1920s. Remington made many different models that used this ammunition, and the value varies greatly depending on the exact model, and especially the condition. It may be a well abused "boys rifle" worth less than $100, or it may be an exceptionally fine target rifle worth $1,000. John Spangler

# 12009 - Navy Sword
9/16/2006
Chris

Engraved USN, Eagle, Anchor, and various decorative markings. I recently aquired a sword and am in need of help in identifying it. On the guard are the letters ''USN'' in amongst what appear to be acorns. The blade is only slightly upswept. There are a great many engravings on the sword including an eagle, the letters ''USN'' appear again along with a good deal of scroll work. There are two proofmarkings on the base of the blade near the guard. One is the letter ''S'' and the other ''B''. The letter ''B'' is on the inside of a shield. The blade also has a name engraved on the top that I am still trying to identify. Any resources to help me identify this would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Chris- Your description matches the standard Model 1851 U.S. Navy officers sword. These have changed little since their adoption except for the width of the blade , the scabbards becoming steel lined instead of floppy leather, and overall quality. Perhaps your best chance of dating it would be to try to identify the name on the blade and track that down. Since these were privately purchased items, they were made by various makers, in varying quality and price levels. Originally the traditional German makers were the main suppliers, but in the post Vietnam era Spanish makers became jmajor players. Those made overseas since 1898 have been marked "made in [wherever]" but blades made in Germany and finished and mounted in the U.S. may only bear the American dealer/maker name. John Spangler

# 11738 - Sauer Proof Mark
9/16/2006
Kenneth David

On 12/28/2004 you answered question number 10176 about an old J. P. Sauer & Sohn Suhl pistol. You said it was worth about $125.00 unless it has military markings. Mine has a pair of wings with a ''N'' underneath. Does this make a difference?

Answer:
Sorry Kenneth, but the marking that you describe is a German commercial proof mark that was introduced in the National Proof Law of 7 June 1939, which became effective 1 April 1940. The "N" was the abbreviation for Nitro, meaning smokeless Powder. The military acceptance stamp for this pistol would be a stylized eagle over "37" located on the upper left side of the trigger guard. Marc

# 11737 - Deutsche Werke Pistol
9/12/2006
Rick, LaGrange, Ohio

It has ''Germany'' by serial number. Also it has a big D in gold on hand grips. Basically any information on gun. Like where it was made? How many was made? If it was used in WW1?

Answer:
Rick, your pistol was not used in WWI. Deutsche Werke AG of Erfurt Germany, was founded immediately after the end of the First World War, they acquired the rights to guns designed by Heinrich Ortgies and put three versions into production under the Deutsche Werke banner in 1922.

Markings on Deutsche Werke pistols vary, early models carry the slide inscription "DEUTSCHE-WERKE AKTIEN-GESELLSCHAFT WERKE ERFURT" and have the monogram 'HO' (for Heinrich Ortgies) let into the butt grips. Later models are inscribed "DEUTSCHE WERKE" (monogram) "WERKE ERFURT", the ornate monogram-'D' formed by a stylized lion-being repeated on the grips.

There is not much collector demand for Deutsche Werke pistols, values tend to be in the $100 or less range. Marc

# 11731 - Frankenstein 1911
9/12/2006
Lewis, Tall, Fla, USA

I recently purchased a 1911 style 45ACP auto pistol with markings on the left side of the slide (Remington Rand, Syracuse, N.Y.).The markings are type 3 with smallest text. The frame is marked (Essex Arms Corp, Island Pound VT) There are no other markings. The gun has a polished type finish throughout. In the sunlight outdoors the frame bluing seems kind of brownish colored while the slide, grip safety, thumb safety pad are a polished blue. The serial number is #14350. What is the story behind this gun and how did it come about being configured this way? The bluing is about 90 percent. What is the value of this gun? > >Thanks....Lewis Thomas

Answer:
Lewis, you have what collectors call a "parts" or "Frankenstein" gun because it is composed of parts and pieces from other guns. Essex Arms of Island Pond, VT manufactures good quality aftermarket replacement parts, including frames and slides for the Colt 1911/A1 type pistols since 1970. Values for 1911/A1 Frankenstein guns are in the $200 - $350 Range. Marc

# 12008 - 1851 Sharps Box Lock Rifle
9/12/2006
Graeme, Australia

The number 22 is stamped on the top of the brass butt plate and on the stock. It has no patch box. How many of this particular model was made and is there any significance in the number stamped on the butt plate

Answer:
Graeme- Although made on the same general mechanical principles as the earlier Sharps firearms, the 1851 was the first of the "slant breech" models which are instantly recognizable to average collectors as being "a Sharps." These were made at the Robbins & Lawrence factory in Windsor, Vermont, which is still standing and home of the American Precision museum. While their focus is on the machine tool industry, it is interwoven with arms production history at that facility, as well as among all other gun makers, including the British arsenal at Enfield which was equipped with Robbins and Lawrence machinery for the Pattern 1853 Enfield, the first British arm made with fully interchangeable parts. http://www.americanprecision.org is the home for this wonderful museum.

According to Frank Sellers' "Sharps Firearms" only 2,050 of the Model 1851 Sharps were made (including shotguns, rifles, and carbines). Production overlapped earlier and later models, but ran from October 1852 through April 1855. These were serial numbered on the receiver, barrel, breechblock, lock, patchbox, buttplate, lever, lever pin and the rear sight. I am not sure if all had patchboxes or not, and it is possible that the butt stock and buttplate have been replaced at some point. I would expect that the number on those parts are a "rack" number applied by an owner long ago. John Spangler

# 12007 - 1896 Krag Information
9/9/2006
Tom, Columbus, OH

My mother gave this gun to me and I with the little research I've done on the gun I have found out it was made in 1898 (along with 41,588 others) and was probably issued as a service rifle (serial numbers around it were) to my grandfather. What is the best way to find out it's worth. It's got the original strap (though it's broke in two). The rifle is in very good shape with sights and no serious marks.

Answer:
Tom- Krags were not assembled in strict serial number sequence, and production records are generally kept on a fiscal year basis, so it is hard to be precise. Your rifle was probably built near the end of fiscal year 1897 (early calendar 1898). When searching serial number records, it is hard to tell too much for certain. In this case, I would agree that all nearby numbers are for standard infantry rifles, but would not jump to any conclusions about where it may have been issued. The best way to check the value is to compare your rifle with those being offered by various dealers or auction sites. Some of the gun value guides can also be helpful. In our opinion "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Arms and their Values" is the best for American made arms of all types up to about 1945. It is important to compare guns in comparable condition and with comparable features. Special features such as a Parkhurst clip attachment, a documented history of use by one of Teddy Roosevelt's Rough Riders, or being drilled for a sporting telescope could make the value many times higher, or a tiny fraction of another standard rifle. John Spangler

# 12006 - Burnside Carbine Drawings
9/9/2006
Jon Midwest City, OK

Third model Any idea where I could find an exploded view schematic diagram of this civil war carbine?

Answer:
Jon- Try Brig.Gen. John Pitman's "Pitman Notes on U.S. Martial Small Arms and Ammunition 1776-1933, Volume 1- Breech-loading carbines of the U.S. Civil War." John Spangler

# 11730 - Source Of Information On A French Pistol
9/9/2006
Chris

Where can I find info on this pistol?

Answer:
Chris, a good source would be "FRENCH SERVICE HANDGUNS: 1858-2004" by Eugene Medlin & Jean Huon. Published by Tommy Gun Publications 2004. I found the following link where they are available: http://www.rayrilingarmsbooks.com/cgi-bin/rrb455.cgi/12491.html. Marc

# 12005 - Mauser Headspace Adjustment
9/5/2006
David, University Park, Md.

Gentlemen: I have for a long time wanted a 7mm Mauser carbine, probably the Venezuelan 24-30 version or the equivalent. My fear about ordering one over the internet is headspace. I checked your FAQ file & found no specific reference to this question (the closest being #439), so here goes: Is it possible to adjust the headspace of a military Mauser & keep the existing sights? It appears to me from pictures that the front sight is on a band that might be removable and replaceable. I don't know about the rear sight or the intricacies of turning a barrel in the receiver. Is this a feasible operation or should I forget the whole idea? I could buy such a carbine as a wall hanger, but I would rather be able to shoot it.

Answer:
David- Headspace is the distance between the face of the bolt and some point in the chamber, measured differently for rimmed or rimless cartridges. A competent gunsmith should inspect the headspace on any used gun before the first time you shoot I, just to be safe. If the headspace is excessive, the danger is that when fired, the cartridge case may be stretched as it pushes back against the bolt face. If the stretch is too great, or the cartridge case is weak or brittle, it may rupture, allowing the 40,000-50,000 pounds per square inch pressure in the chamber to escape out the back of the breech instead of behaving itself and just pushing the bullet out the front. If the headspace is excessive, you can set the barrel back one thread and recut the chamber (which may require moving the rear sight forward a little). Or you can build up the material on the locking lugs of the bolt, hopefully not messing up their hardness or making them bear unevenly. Or, you can add material to the face of the bolt where it supports the head of the cartridge. Of these options, only setting back the barrel a thread is a viable option. Most military surplus firearms have endured years of use and are relatively safe to use. I would except the Spanish M1916 and their FR7 or FR8 derivatives and any Turkish rifle from that, and caution that all should be checked by a gunsmith. Chances are that buying a Mauser (except as noted) will end up delivering one with decent headspace, and if not, you can always sell it to someone else and get another for shooting. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12283 - Colt Repro Value
9/5/2006
Mike, La.

The cylinder is engraved with ships. It also has Colt Patent No. then no number, then Pat.Sept. 10th 1850 Also on the cylinder it has Engaged 16 May 1843, this is up next to where the cylinder and barrel meet. On right hand side just above trigger the symbols are a shield with a star in a circle above it, next to this it has PN with a star in a circle above it, next it has [BF]. On the Barrel (Right side) First two(2) markings are the same as above trigger. Then it has FAP in a diamond F.LLIPIETTA - Made in Italy. This was a Birthday gift from a friend in Indiana. Would like to know the age and value of this firearm for curiosity sake. I have shot it a number of times and it is ONE SWEET GUN. Thanks for all your help on all my postings. P.S.I think your web site is super. Mike B.

Answer:
Mike, glad that you like our site, hope you come back often. It is good to have friends who like to give guns for presents! The markings you describe are those found on modern reproduction revolvers that have been made in Italy since about 1960, and sold under a wide variety of brand names. While not especially valuable, these could be an interesting collecting specialty because there are lots of variations around at very reasonable prices. Many of the reproduction guns are accurate copies of the originals and some are even better quality. Values are usually in the $150 to $350 range. Marc

# 12285 - Need More Information
9/5/2006
Jimmie

What is the value if this gun. Was it used by the military. Thank you for taking my questions.

Answer:
Jimmie, "blued" is not a model. With the information that you have provided it is impossible to tell you much about your Beretta. Marc

# 11722 - Winchester Model 190 Scope
9/5/2006
Carl USA

Is the scope mounting base available for the Winchester Model 190? If so, where may they be obtained? Carl

Answer:
Carl, check with Brownells, we have a link to their web site on our links page. Marc

# 12003 - Vietnam Vet Bringback M1903 Rifle
9/2/2006
Walt Pgh Pa

In 1968 I returned from Vietnam with a Springfield Armory 1903 Mark I (still have the paper work to enter CONUS). The serial number on the receiver is 1076635. The receiver is cut with a Pedersen Device. The stock is straight, but the forearm does not have finger inlays, so I guess it's a Remington stock? I cannot find ant date on the rifle sling. It came with a 16'' bayonet dated 1917. All are in very good condition. What's the value? Thank you for your comments.

Answer:
Walt- Welcome home and thank you for your service to our country! The same scumbags who undermined you in the media and spat on you when you came home are at it again. Don't let the SOBs get away with it again! A number of M1903 rifles apparently were used by the Viet Cong, probably taken from the French or provided by the Chinese to the Viet Minh during the war against the French. That makes them an interesting historical relic, even if the usually badly abused condition leaves them less desirable for a general U.S. martial collector. It is hard to put a value on this set without seeing the condition, but having the papers definitely adds to the value. I would not mind having something like this for my collection, and would pay about the same price as for one in a bit better condition because of the history. John Spangler

# 12002 - Rover 32 Pistol
9/2/2006
Jeff, Erie, PA

G472 1854 Sir, A friend of mine wanted me to see how much a pistol was worth that he has had handed down from his family. He has no internet access and I told him I would try to find out all I could. The only information I have is that the pistol is a Rover 32 caliber and has 1854 on one side. Also the number G472 somewhere. Any information you could give me as to the value or where else I might check on the internet would be appreciated. Sincerely, Jeff Spare

Answer:
Jeff- The only listing I can find for "Rover" is as a .22 caliber revolver made circa 1870-1900. This is the type usually called a "Suicide Special" and mentioned in Webster's book with that title. If it is cheaply made and probably nickel plated I suspect it is by the same maker, which has not been positively identified. I also suspect that it may be for rimfire cartridges (Check to see if the tip of the firing pin is s pointed pin that hits a center primer, or more like a blade that will hit the edge of the case. Value is probably minimal- usually $50 plus or minus $40 (depending on condition) as with most of the suicide specials. John Spangler

# 11723 - Savage 1895 Threaded For A Silencer?
9/2/2006
Steve

This firearm is in very good operating condition. Finish is maybe at 80%. The stock is trashed. It is cracked in three places behind the tang, it has been refinished to the point where the wood no longer meets properly with the metal, and some of the factory contours have been sanded out of the stock. It had a marbles tang flexible peep sight which is broken. My question then would be is there any value to the rifle as is? I'm thinking probably not. If not, would any restoration, such as replacing the tang sight, and manufacturing an exact factory replacement stock (two piece) decrease any collector value? It is still an excellent shooter and to retire it to a plaque on the wall seems criminal! Also, it is threaded at the muzzle. I'm assuming this was for a silencer. Is there something I can thread back on there in lieu of a silencer so it looks a little better? A silencer would be fun,.....But!!! Are phony silencers available? I've done some research on line for parts, sights, etc. I've had some luck but am still looking for a deep curve, savage butt plate. Any websites you can think of would be very helpful.

Answer:
Steve, Fjestad's book indicates that the Savage 1895 was a lever action firearm that was manufactured by Marlin. Barrels were marked "Savage Repeating Arms Co. Utica, N.Y. U.S.A. Pat. Feb. 7, 1893," and had the Marlin proofmark under the forend. Most Model 1895 barrels were octagon but a few round ones were also produced. Models with round barrels are scarce. Three different model 1895 configurations were marketed including a 22 inch carbine, a 26 inch rifle and a 30 inch musket. About 6,000 Savage Model 1895s were manufactured between 1895 and 1899, early models had hole in top of bolt while later ones were smooth. Fjestad indicates that originally Savage 1895s were only chambered in .303 Savage although a Savage 1895 Anniversary was produced in 1970 only, to commemorate Savage´s 75th year. The commotive model was chambered in .308 Winchester. This makes me wonder if you really have an 1895 or if possibly you have an 1899.

The Model 1899 .250-3000 was manufactured between 1914 and 1921 in takedown configuration only. It was an improvement of Model 1895 with squared off front end of the breech bolt and cocking indicator as opposed to viewing hole indicator. The Model 1899 .250-3000 had a pistol grip checkered walnut stock with corrugated steel butt and a fine cross-checkered trigger that was unique to this model.

In any case, whether you have a Model 1895 or 1899, most of the collector interest was destroyed when the barrel was threaded. A silencer would illegal and it would not be very effective on a rifle chambered in this caliber, so I think that it is doubtful that the barrel was threaded for one. To hide the threads I would recommend a screw-on cover or muzzle break. If you are willing to spend the money, any good machinist should be able to fabricate one for you.

For the buttstock, I would recommend you check 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 it on our free "Wanted" page and at the new forum at WWW.ArmsCollectors.com. Marc