# 12829 - 37mm Sub-caliber Gun For 75mm Gun
9/29/2007

I have a solid oak case with the following information stenciled on the top: “Storage chest for Gun, Sub-Caliber 37MM, M12, for Howitzer, 75 MM M2, M3 & Pack M1A1. Can you tell me more about this case? I could send you a picture.

Answer:
Sir- Sub-caliber guns are used with larger caliber guns for training to (a) reduce the cost of the ammunition expended; and (b) to allow use of ranges where the "danger space" for the full size round would extend far beyond the range boundaries. Some sub-caliber devices were basically .22 or .30 caliber rifle barreled actions that would be inserted into the breech of a gun (usually 37mm guns), while others used .50 caliber machine gun types on up to the 37mm gun types. Some of the larger sub- caliber devices were mounted externally on the barrel of the larger gun instead of being inserted in the bore.

The gun used with your chest was a WW2 era design, and obsolete at the end of the war.

The device itself would be considered a "destructive device" just like any other artillery piece, but there are no legal restrictions on the wooden crate.

A few artillery collectors might have interest in the crate, or someone with military vehicles might like it for use as "cargo" in the vehicles, but I really don't think there is a lot of collector interest or value in the crate alone. My gut feeling is that I would probably price it at about $50-75. No telling what someone on eBay might pay. John Spangler

# 12828 - Leather Scabbard For Krag Bayonet
9/29/2007
Bud

I have a 1900 dated Krag bayonet with a leather scabbard which has a large brass ring from which it is hung, it also has two straps, one just below the throat and one down near the tip. Could you verify this piece and give an idea of its value? Thanks.

Answer:
Bud- The scabbard is actually a "picket pin holder" which fits very nicely, but was not originally issued with the Krag bayonet. Surplus merchants seem to have married the two up when they had lots of Krag bayonets, but no scabbards. There is some indication that the Army MAY have used them together during WW1 but only for training units or home guard types when a few Krags were issued. Even that is pretty much speculation.

I would value one with the leather scabbard at about 2/3 of the value of one with the proper scabbard. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12926 - Colt 1902 Military
9/29/2007
Joseph

I received the pistol as a gift. The nickel finish is has some small pits, however the gun appears to be in excellent working order and does not show any wear. I would like to know the value. Thank you. Joe

Answer:
Joseph, your pistol is a Colt Military Model 1902 records indicate that it was manufactured in 1920. The 1902 was a modification of Colt's earlier Model 1900 with molded rubber grips, a more rounded hammer and an inertia firing pin. The 1900- type pin was long enough to risk accidental discharge by resting on the primer as the slide closed. The shorter 1902 inertia style firing pin was more safe because it could strike the primer only when propelled by the hammer. The 1902 Military Model remained in production until 1928.

The 1902 Military Model could be special ordered with full silver plating but the pictures that you sent look more like nickel to me. The markings also look a little light, this could be a sign that the pistol has been polished and re-finished. You should examine the pistol closely and see if the markings look like they are worn or light, also look for rounded corners on the pistol that should be sharp and polishing marks, these are other signs that a pistol has been re-finished. The only other way that I know of to determine the originality of finish would be to order a factory letter on the pistol form Colt. Colt factory letters used to go for over $300 but I hear that Colt has recently lowered the price to $100 each.

If the pistol has not been re-finished, I would estimate value to be in the $3000 to $3500 range. If it has been re-finished as I suspect, value is in the $750 range. Marc

# 12930 - Arizmendi Information
9/25/2007
Ray, Plano, TX

indistinguishable crest on barrel It is my understanding that this gun was made in Spain pre-WW2. I would like to know if you know the year it was made and can provide information on the manufacturer?

Answer:
Ray, Arizmendi started manufacturing cheap 'Velo-Dog' type revolvers in the 1890s and added a line of semi-automatic pistols in the early 1900s. In 1914, the company was reorganized as Francisco Arizmendi. The company went out of business with the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. There is not much interest in this type of revolver and most are considered dangerous to shoot. Values are usually in the $75 or less range. For more information you should try posting a question on the appropriate forum at ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 12931 - Thumb Trigger Value
9/25/2007
Raymond

U.S.A. Pat. Aug 29,99, Feb 14,1905 This is a single shot blot action. How collectable is this peice and what is its value?

Answer:
Raymond, the Winchester Model 99 (Thumb Trigger) was a modification of their earlier Model 1902. The Model 99 made use of a trigger that extended rearward beneath the head of the firing pin instead of the conventional trigger and trigger guard on the underside of the stock. To fire the rifle, the top of the trigger was depressed with the thumb. Winchester claimed that the thumb style trigger did not cause the shooter to throw the gun off target as can happen when a conventional trigger is pulled incorrectly (jerked instead of squeezed). Except for the thumb trigger feature, the Winchester Model 99 was the same as the parent Model 1902 rifle.

The Model 99 was first listed in the July 1904 Winchester catalog as a novelty in rim fire rifles, factory records show the first Thumb Trigger rifles were delivered to warehouse stocks on July 5, 1904. Approximately 75,433 model 99 rifles were manufactured from 1904 to 1923. Blue book values range from to $300 to $2000 depending on condition. Marc

# 12827 - 7.62mm Nato Ammunition With Green Tips
9/25/2007
Philip

While in Vietnam, I got a few rounds from a downed helicopter. I believe they were "green" coded on the tip, but could be wrong. I took it apart and found out it was called a "Piggy-back" round. The first bullet was normal except it had a conical hole in the back, and the second bullet fit inside the conical hole. The rear of the second bullet was cut at an angle so that after it left the barrel, it would start spiraling and at 100 yards, it would hit about 3 feet from the first bullet. Can you give me some info on this and the correct color code? I would like t buy a few rounds of this if they are legal. Thanks.

Answer:
Philip- Thanks for your service to our country, and Welcome Home! Please don't let our troops today get treated the way we were, or let the politicians get away with aiding the enemy again!

The ammo you described so well is officially designated: "Cartridge, caliber 7.62mm, NATO, Duplex M198," and the tip color was indeed green. Although officially adopted, it was never issued in large quantities, and faded into obscurity. It was part of "Project Salvo" which was aimed at having multiple hits from the firing of a single round through various innovative (but largely ineffective) methods. Besides the 7.62mm round this also involved experiments with various other calibers from about .22 caliber up to about .30 caliber with multiple bullets, flechettes, etc. A lot of this ammo is available in collector circles, with prices usually in the few dollars a round range although some of the more oddball experimental rounds can be more expensive.

If this sort of stuff interests you, check out the forum at the International Ammunition Association. You will see stuff there made for purposes you never even dreamed of. (Guns that shoot underwater, silent cartridges, and dozens of others from all over the world from all time periods.) The basic IAA site (check out the "Cartridge of the Month feature and glossary while you are there is at http://cartridgecollectors.org/ and you can also get to the forum from there. John Spangler

# 12826 - S&W Model 76 Submachine Gun
9/22/2007
Anonymous

I am the executor of my brother's estate and he was in possession of an S&W M76, fully automatic, 9mm submachine gun. Would you be able to supply me with a picture and selling price? Also what type of license would the buyer need to purchase this weapon? Thank you in advance for any help you are able to give me.

Answer:
Sir- we do not deal in any machine guns, and the laws regarding them are somewhat complicated.

My understanding is that there is no problem with you taking possession (as executor) of a legally possessed machine gun. My gut feel for that market segment is that you are looking at an item worth about $10,000 or so.

To prove that it is legally possessed and thus eligible for sale/transfer to someone else you will need to find the BATF registration papers. If they are not readily available, you CAN request that the BATF provide a copy, and I think they can do that based on the make/model/serial number of the gun, or the owner's name. I would recommend that you have your lawyer make that request so he can invoke "lawyer client privilege" to protect you from harassment in case they do NOT have any registration papers. Reportedly the BATF files are a mess and many entries were trashed instead of being recorded, so it is not certain that they can provide a copy even if it was properly registered. Once you have the paperwork, you can sell it to (or through) a licensed dealer who handles "class 3 machine gun". There is a long process involving submitting applications, fingerprints, a $200 tax stamp, and permission from the local police chief and getting approval back from BATF before it can be transferred.

That is my understanding of the law, and may not be correct. A recently published guide from the BATF may help (or prove to be hopelessly confusing to the novice). You can download it at: http://www.atf.treas.gov/firearms/nfa/nfa_handbook/index.htm Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12825 - Colt Automatic Combination Gun
9/22/2007
Frank

I have never heard or seen a pistol as this one that my Father left me recently. It is an automatic Colt "frame" or handle which have three ( 3) caliber options with the same basic handle. You can use the .22 the .38 auto and the .45 ACP calibers. The .22 L.R. unit has the following engraved info: COLT CONVERSION UNIT. The.38 unit does not mention the “Conversion Unit” and neither does the .45. This last has engraved the following info: COLT'S PT F.A. MFG CO. HARTFORD, CT U.S.A.; Pat'd Apr 20 1897 Sept 9 1902 Dec 19 1905 Feb 14 1911 Aug 19 1913 The only code appears on the handle with the number 53833. I would like to know details on this combination as well as to know an approximated value for it. Thanks a lot for your time and hope I can have your reply.

Answer:
Frank- The basic pistol is the Colt Model 1911, usually made as a .45 automatic. The .22 caliber conversion unit was a popular accessory for those, since they allowed economical practice with .22 ammo instead of the .45 ammo.

Many pistol competitions included .22, .38 and .45 caliber events, and by purchasing the parts for the .38 auto it was possible to swap them around and use the same frame (handle) in all the events so the shooter was familiar with the feel of the gun and the trigger pull. I think the switching between .38 and the other two calibers may be a bit more involved than just switching the barrels and slides, but maybe not.

Value depends on condition, but the conversion units sell for about $400-500 and the basic commercial .45 auto is about $500-1000 depending on exact features, date of manufacture, and especially condition. The .38 parts are probably another $200-400 or so. We have some information at http://oldguns.net/selling.htm that may be helpful. If you send a photo we could decide if we have an interest in the item(s). John Spangler

# 12936 - Winchester Mod 72A
9/22/2007
Betsy, Gladstone, MO.

I am wanting information on my Winchester 72A .22 that I inherited from my father. I can not find a visible serial number anywhere on the outside of the gun. Can you tell me when these were made and what the value could be. It is in excellent condition. Thank you for your time.

Answer:
Betsy, you are having a difficulty in locating a serial number because your rifle does not have one. Prior to 1968 there was no requirement that firearms have serial numbers. Inexpensive shotguns and 22 rifles that were manufactured before 1968 are often seen without them.

Winchester introduced the Model 72 in the Spring of 1938. The Model 72 was essentially like the earlier Model 69 except that it had a higher capacity tubular magazine that extended beneath the barrel rather than the box magazine of the Model 69. Winchester manufactured the Model 72 from 1938 to 1942 when production was discontinued so manufacturing efforts could be focused wartime needs. Production was started up again after the war in 1946 and it carried on until 1959 when the model was discontinued. Standard Model 72 rifles came equipped with a rear peep sight, rifles could also be obtained with open or 'sporting' sights. Winchester's designation for the sporting sight rifles was 72A. Total Model 72 / 72A production reached 161400 rifles, blue book values range from $95 to a little over $450 depending on condition. Marc

# 12927 - Victoria 25
9/18/2007
CJ. USA

This gun has no serial number (according to dad) and he's just looking to find out the value and any other interesting details that we've not already found. We know it is a Spanish gun used during the Spanish revolution. The emblem says Victoria on it and 1911. Not sure of any other markings on it as I have not personally seen it myself. Thanks for any help you can provide us with.

Answer:
CJ, Victoria is a trade name that can be found on cheap Eibar-type automatics pistols that were produced by several Spanish manufacturers including Astra, Brunwig, Fortuna, Leston, Museum and Salso. The 1911 marking that you mention leads me to believe that your pistol was manufactured by Speranza y Unceta who later became Astra.

Speranza y Unceta first began in Eibar around 1908 as Pedro Unceta y Juan Esperanza, their first pistol was the Victoria automatic. The company moved to Guernica in 1913 and they changed their name to Unceta y Cia. The trade name Astra was adopted in 1914 and it appeared on most of their firearms after that. Production of cheap Eibar-type automatics at Astra continued throughout the 1920s.

The Astra 1911 was the Victoria pistol re-named, it was a copy of the Browning Model 1903 and was available in 6.35mm or 7.65mm. A grip safety was added in 1916. Astra 1911 / Victoria production lasted until 1918, about 300,000 pistols were manufactured in all.Marc

# 12824 - Butch Cassidy Pistol
9/18/2007
Jimmy

A friend of the family who is 82 years old, and I was at his house and out of his safe he pulled out a 1873 .45 claiming to be Butch Cassidy's he acquired this gun by loaning some money and he held this piece for the collateral. He had some copies of somewhat similar guns that looked kind of credible, but anyone could have made them, I guess. I did unscrew the handle and on the inside scratched in was Mike Cassidy. the serial number is 118047. just curious if this is legit. I took a few pics of me holding the piece. I just wanted to know so I would have a story to tell! Thank you.

Answer:
Jimmy- That sounds like an interesting and neat gun!

The entire field of guns with some alleged connection to famous people or events is one that we know little about. My gut inclination is that 90% of such stories are incorrect or unverifiable, or the results of fraud. The current owner in most cases are positive that the stories are true, and had nothing to do with any misrepresentations, and are merely innocent victims or eternal optimists.

The authentication of such claims is a difficult task, and we have neither the time nor talent to assist in such quests.

I highly recommend that you read the following article by Jim Supica. Jim is a highly reputable dealer, the author of the definitive book on Smith & Wesson firearms, and a member of the NRA Board of Directors. His advice is excellent. http://armscollectors.com/provenance_supica.htm

I hope that this one turns out to be one that can be authenticated. As far as value, assume a certain value for the gun regardless of the history, and then add an appropriate amount for the story. These sort of things seem to sell well at auctions. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12922 - Broken Remington Grip.
9/18/2007
Linda - Higginsville MO

Remington UMC I have some odds and ends of my grandfather's....one of the items is what looks to me to be part of a pistol grip. both ends are broken off at the screw holes. If I'm right about it being a pistol grip, it would be from the right side. My question is, ''Would this be of interest to anyone. Granted, it's broken but if someone happened to have the ends that are missing from mine, could they all be put together by a restoration expert? I hate to just throw it away.

Answer:
Linda, it sounds like your grip is from a Remington Model 51 Semi-Auto. This was a good little pistol, Remington manufactured approximately 65,000 of them between 1918 and 1926. I can't think of much use that a broken Remington Model 51 grip could be put to. If it were mine, I would throw it away. Marc

# 12823 - U. S. Pistol Belt Without Snap For Clip Pouch
9/15/2007
Wayne

I have a 1914 eagle snap 45 ammo pouch...my question is was there a pistol belt made with out the snap? My pouch does not have the snap. If so can you send me a pic or link to see what the first belts looked like. I have a 1914 colt with 1914 dated ammo still sealed. Trying to put a nice set together. What is the oldest colt 45 holster after the Calvary design that I can get for a pistol belt? Thanks for the info.

Answer:
Wayne- The M1910 "pistol belts" did not have the snap on the left side to hold the magazine pouch in place until later (1914 I believe, but it is in Meadows' Holster book). Then the snap was initially an eagle type on the front and the female fastener on the back.

Accordingly the first mag pouches did not have any snap on the back, and most of these were made with the eagle style closing snap (later replaced by the lift the dot type).

The only holster issued for the M1911 in 1914 was the long drop cavalry type with swivel (or in some cases without the swivel but with the long drop) and the familiar .45 holster that just attaches beneath the belt was not adopted until 1916. John Spangler

# 12819 - .30 Caliber AN-M2 WCC 54 Ammunition
9/15/2007
J.B.

I recently acquired 3 boxes of this ammunition. One box was partially opened and the cartridges are headstamped WCC 54. If you could tell me anything about this ammo I would be most appreciative, as I know how busy you must be with the vast number of items you have for sale. Thanks.

Answer:
JB- It is just standard U.S. military .30-06 ball ammo, mainly shooter stuff, or about $10-12 per box for a collector. Made by Western Cartridge Company in 1954. It is non-corrosive. John Spangler

# 12925 - Mars Pistol Cal 7.65
9/15/2007
Andrew, Minneapolis, MN

it has a solid trigger, no visible hammer, the magazine release is at the bottom rear of the handle. The pistol also has a stamp on the left-hand side, behind the safety switch that says ''j. masny pilsen''. The right side of the pistol has stamps of a bird over the letter ''N'' on the frame, slide and barrel. My grandfather recently gave me this pistol that he brought back after WWII. I tried to search to find out a little bit about it, but I can't find anything like it online.

Answer:
Andrew, I was not able to come up with much on your Mars pistol either. There is some indication that the Czechs were manufacturing a copy of the Browning 1910 design in 7.65mm under the Mars name in the 1920s. The Czech pistol did not have the Browning grip safety and unlike the Browning, it is said to have used a striker instead of a hammer. I think that this is probably what you have. Marc

# 12817 - Buyer Beware
9/11/2007
Kerry, Valpo, IN

All black in color & heavy, SAK MP Chrome Bore listed on top of barrel, it's not stamped as a Colt rifle but was bought as a Colt AR-15, no model number is listed. The manufacturer is also stamped on it as Sendra Corporation(Barrington, IL). I've bought this firearm before researching it first, for my father, and I'm not able to find the serial number(000116)online, on this believed to be Colt AR-15. I'm wondering if this is a prototype model, if prototypes exist. I'm wondering if you can provide me with more information, when it was made, pre or post-ban, why it's not stamped as a Colt, and it's possible value. To me I've found this rifle to be a ''ghost'', so I hope you have better chances in helping me out. Thank you for your time.

Answer:
Kerry, your rifle is not stamped 'Colt' because it is not a Colt. It sounds like you have a parts gun put together with a Sendra receiver which technically makes your rifle a Sendra. A quick internet search revealed that Sendra was a contractor for the military supplying M-16 parts in the 1960's. In the 1970’s because of declining military sales, Sendra started selling M-15/AR-16 parts at gunshows. I do not pay much attention to modern 'black guns' but the consensus on the Internet seems to be that Sendra values top out at around $600 - $700. Marc

# 12813 - Lend Lease S&W .38
9/11/2007
Donna

Flawless Walnut handle, trade mark very visible as well as ''In USA''. Barrel looks like new. Has an adjustable shoulder holster that looks like new. Has strap with slit to put over brass type button. Back of holster has a leather type slot about 5 inches long. Looks like it has hardly been used. My father recently died and left only a note that he got this gun that was a part of the lend lease program the US had with England during or before WW2. We guessed that he bought the gun sometime in the 1980's or late 70's. We are tying to find out what the gun is worth. How would I go about finding an accurate value price? We will probably sell it once we do some research on the gun.

Answer:
Donna, if your revolver has all of the correct parts and the original finish in 95% or better condition, retail price is around $500 - $550. If the grips are replacements, the finish is worn, and/or there are export marks then the price goes down. The grips should be checkered with the S&W logo inset near the top and a large diamond left in the checkering pattern around the screw hole. The barrel will probably be 5 inches long, and the caliber S&W 38, not 38 Special. The finish should be bluing finished to pre-war S&W standards. The revolver may have the British proof markings that were stamped on guns leaving Britain and /or US importer markings.

FineOldGuns.com may be interested in purchasing your revolver depending on condition and markings. If you want to sell contact us via the link at the top of our main page and we can make arrangements. Marc

# 12672 - Sedgley USMC M1903 barrels
9/11/2007

I'm not a collector but am restoring a 1903 and will be installing a never fired 1-44 Sedgley (USMC) 4-groove barrel on it. The gun will be shot (a lot) in CBA (Cast Bullet Association) benchrest matches in their new as-issue Military Rifle category. It's educational, makes you work to develop an accurate load and most importantly FUN. These are truly great rifles to shoot. I'd like to learn more about the role of the Sedgley barrel on these rifles. Where would you point me (books, manuals, old magazine articles, etc.) for some detailed and extensive reading on the Sedgley subject? Thanks!

Answer:
Sir- Sedgley was a well known gun dealer in Philadelphia with limited manufacturing capability, either in house, or subcontracted. They made high grade sporting rifles, often based on M1903 actions, and they also cobbled together junky quality guns for the cheapskate end of the market, including sporterized Krags and various things based on M1903 actions, some of them low numbers which were theoretically re-heat treated (a bogus concept!). Philadelphia was also home of the Marine Corps Depot of Supplies, not far from Sedgley, and the Marines ended up contacting with Sedgley for various small arms parts at various times. Circa 1941-1944 they obtained fairly large numbers of barrels from Sedgley for rebuilding Marine Corps rifles. Since Marine funding was separate from other services, they were not obligated to use the Army Ordnance system, and being chronically short on funds, the Marines tended to opt for the less expensive options when possible, thus the dealings with Sedgley rather than just ordering from the Army's inventory. The Sedgley barrels have a reputation for being well made so it should serve you well. Many were sold as surplus after WW2, and the consensus seems to be that NONE of the Sedgley barrels were ever installed on USMC sniper rifles, regardless of what some shyster dealers might claim. John Spangler

# 12670 - 1870 Springfield And Teddy Roosevelt
9/8/2007

I inherited a rifle from a friend saying that this rifle was used in the Spanish-American War by his great uncle, who supposedly fought side-by-side with former President Theodore Roosevelt. On the gun, there is not much information printed except saying: "USN, Springfield, 1870". We are looking for the history of this gun and the person that owned this rifle. Is there anyway that you can help us on our search? Any help is appreciated.

Answer:
Peter- There were 10,000 Model 1870 rifles made for the U.S. Navy. These were not serial numbered, and there is no way to trace the individual history. These rifles were obsolete well before the Spanish American War, and were not used then. Your relative may well have owned the gun, and he may well have fought in the Span-Am War, and perhaps even near Roosevelt's 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, but not with this gun. John Spangler

# 12571 - Ballard Carbine Value
9/8/2007
USA

Brown Finish, Outside Tangs, Outside extractor Ballard patent 11/5/1861 Merwin & Bray Agt's/New york, sling swivels attached to barrel band, very good condition according to Flyderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms What might it be worth?

Answer:
Dear ‘‘USA’‘- When you were a little kid, did you go ask your Dad if you could go out and play, and then go ask your Mom if you didn’t like the answer from your Dad? You indicate that you are familiar with Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms AND THEIR VALUES. I suggest that you read it again and the value will be listed right there. We don’t mind helping the newbies that are clueless, but I really think this one qualifies for the ‘‘stupid question’‘ list. John Spangler

# 12911 - Luger with MAUSER-WERKE A.G OBERNDORF Markings?
9/8/2007
Linda, Pasadena. MD

near the barrel next to the serial number-MAUSER-WERKE A.G OBERNDORF A.N or (R.N) also 815 is below the barrel where the site is (in the back) sorry I know nothing about guns. Mother died one year ago and I am just going through her belongings. I just found a gun in her chest of drawers. What kind is it really? What could be the possible value of this gun? Who do I contact to register it in MD.? It is a dark gray metal with a wood grained handle. Frankly it looks in very good condition. My father brought home what I was told was a German Luger from WWII. He was in during the reconstruction. I have a holster and some sort of belt in black leather but it looks like it came from St Louis Brader Bros H7 SP38. I did not know it but apparently she had bullets too in a very old box.( U.S.A. made) Thanks for any help you can give me.

Answer:
Linda, the markings that you mention sound more like a 96 or 'Broomhandel' Mauser than a Luger. Some pictures would be very useful in helping us to determine what you have. Send us an e-mail via our 'Send us e-mail' link at the top of the OldGuns.net main page, and we can make arrangements for you could send us some. We may be interesting in purchasing your pistol depending upon condition and what it is. Marc

# 12071 - Interesting Old Colt
9/4/2007
Chris, Garfield, NJ

On one side: MODEL OF 1911 U.S. ARMY No 71355 On the other side: PATENTED APR.20,1897 SEPT.9,1902,DEC.19,1905,FEB.14,1911 COLT'S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CT U.S.A. UNITED STATES PROPERTY It also has a little colt stamped on the side of the gun by the trigger on this side. Hi. My grandfather recently passed away and left me his military sidearm. He was a veteran of WWII and was over in Europe during the D-Day Campaign. I've listed all the markings I see on the gun in the special markings section. I would like to know any information/history you could give me on the gun. Also, if you could give me some sense of value as I would like to insure it if I need to. I would never sell it. I would say the gun is in pretty good condition. I see no visible rust or damage on the gun. He kept it locked up in the basement in a case.

Answer:
Chris, my references indicate that your Colt was manufactured in 1914. The Springfield Research Service is the only place that I know of that has any information on the history of various U.S. Small arms. I checkedred your serial number and found that there is no history is available. A tantalizing bit of information is that there are records of number 71352, it was with the Mexican Punitive Expedition, and number 71356, it was in Galveston. Too bad some of these guns can't talk, it sounds like your pistol may be able to tell an interesting history if it could.

Values for 1911 Colts vary depending on condition but I see military models in exceptional original condition go over $2000 - $3000. If your pistol was used in WWII, it may have been re-worked and Parkerized (gray/green finish rather than the original dark blue). If the pistol was Parkerized, value will be much lower. Marc

# 12070 - Colt Police Positive Value
9/4/2007
Mike, Pine Bluff, AR.

One top of the barrel the dates June 5, 1900- July 4, 1905 are stamped I'm cowries as to the date of manufacture of this revolver and if it has any collectors value.

Answer:
Sorry Mike, this type of revolver is one of the few Colts that there is not much collectors interest in. I usually seem for sale at gunshows in the $100 - $150 range.

References indicate that the year of manufacture for a Colt Police Positive serial 37214 is 1910. Marc

# 12569 - Dreyse Needle Fire Carbine
9/4/2007
Calvin, Phoenix, Ariz.

Saddle Ring on the left side of receiver. Reference # 4572-Dreyse Needle Fire Carbine 03/13/02- Jim Nashville Mich. I possess also a Dreyse Needle-Fire Carbine, possibly a model 1837 to 1841. I would like to correspond with Jim since I perhaps have one of the only two, (including Jim's) Dreyse Needle-Fire Carbines currently in the USA. Please advise. Cal. Thanks.

Answer:
Calvin- Although these are rare, I don’t think they are quite as rare as you think. We sold one within the last year (headed back to Europe, possibly) and I know at least one other collector who owns one. Pretty nifty items, and congratulations on having one in your collection. John Spangler

# 12565 - Telescope, M70h Stock No. 7578376
9/1/2007
Harry, Dunedin, Florida,

I have the item listed, said to be a telescope for a WWII tank, or maybe a tank killer. What is it really and how was it used? It is about 28 inches long and the barrel is about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. It has a full face width rubber eye mask (with the number D25840) but with a single eyepiece for the right eye. It has low magnification, probably 3x,and has some type of calibration lines and very small numbers in the lower field of vision.

Answer:
Harry- The M70 series of telescopes was made for use in aiming direct fire from several different types of guns or mounting systems. Externally the scopes are identical, but the reticules differ and the letter after the M70 indicates the type of reticule pattern. These were used with 37mm through 105mm guns on various half tracks, armored cars, tanks and tank destroyers. I did not see a specific listing for the M70H but it is part of this family adopted during WW2 and lasting into the 1950s or 60s. Nifty items, but just about useless and they seem to have little demand on the collector market. John Spangler

# 12564 - Sharps New Model 1859 Rifle With 36 Inch Barrel
9/1/2007
Len Troy, Mich.

I have a New Model 1859 Sharps with the 36'' barrel and am having a hard time finding information on it. The gun is in great condition ( so I have been told). The serial number falls in the range of 37,xxx. The best I have been to come up with is that there were about 600 made with this barrel length. Overall the gun is 52'' long and weights 9Lb 12 Oz. How rare is it and what would be the value range be. Len

Answer:
Len- It is rare, as only about 600 were made. See Frank Sellers book or Flayderman’s for more info or values. My guess is that it is worth $xx. People who use ‘‘x’s’‘ in lieu of serial numbers really tick me off, and I always think they are paranoid black helicopter types afraid that the space aliens will steal their guns if they give out the serial numbers. Usually they doth protest too much, only confirming my suspicions. (Please don’t complain. This is my POLITE reply to the ‘‘X’‘ number types!) John Spangler

# 12652 - Pre-War PPK
9/1/2007
Etienne

crown over N The Walther PPK is in nearly new condition, with a mirror barrel. I want to known when it was manufactured and what is the current value?

Answer:
Etienne, there are no surviving Walther serial number records that would allow me to give you an exact date of manufacture, but with the information that you provided, I can give you a pretty good estimate. The finish and markings that you describe make it sound like you have a pre-war commercial model PPK. Commercial sales of Walther PPK pistols began about 1929 or 1930. PPK serial numbers started at 750000 and were shared with PP pistols. Blocks of serial numbers in the same series were assigned to each model. When numbers reached about one million a new series of serial numbers was initiated which began at 100000. In the new series PPK serial numbers had a "K" suffix and PP serial numbers had a "P" suffix. The "K" suffix of your serial number leads me to believe that your pistol falls in to this serial number range.

The crown over N is a proof was required by law in European countries, it indicated the firearm had survived pressure testing with a specially formulated cartridge designed to test the strength of the action. The crown over N proof was used by German commercial arms manufacturers until about 1940 when it was replaced by the Nazi eagle over N. The proof mark would indicate that your pistol was made before 1940 so we can narrow down the date of manufacture for your pistol to between 1929 and 1940.

Values in the blue book for pre-war production PPK pistols in .32 caliber range between $250 and $950 depending on condition, they say to add a 60% premium for pistols in .32 caliber that have the magazine release on the bottom of the frame rather than on the side. Marc