# 13976 -
10/30/2010
Jay West Virginia

I have an old flintlock that we are trying to learn more about and have been referred to you as a resource. Attached are several pictures taken of the gun. The only names/initials I can find at all on the gun are on the lock: James M. Cooper, Pittsburgh, Warranted. The gun was given to my dad in the 950's by family friends who said it was in there family since it was new, pre-Civil War. It was apparently stolen during the Civil War but returned to the family afterwards. This all took place around Pickens, WV. We also have the original powder horn and lead ball mold, but I don't have pictures of them.

Answer:
Jay- Thanks for the photos on this one. It is a great rifle that has not been messed with since the period of its use. Keep it just like it is. Maybe rub a little oil on the iron parts once in a while. Do NOT attempt to polish the brass!!!! The leather cover for the lock is most unusual and just neat as can be!

J.M. Cooper was a lock maker in Pittsburgh working 1839-1860, and father of James Maslin Cooper, who was an inventor of sorts, with several revolver patents in the 1860s, which probably never amounted to much.

Although most gunsmiths of the 19th century could make complete rifles, many, probably most, found it more economical to purchase ready made locks from makers who specialized in making locks. Several English makers, as well as many American makers were regular suppliers to the trade.

Gunsmiths of the period learned their skills by apprenticeship to a master, and once schooled in certain styles and design features, they tended to carry them on. Since transportation and travel were difficult, different geographic regions tended to evolve their own "schools" or styles for rifles, and an expert can pinpoint a point of origin just by looking at a gun. Subtle changes over time can also help narrow down a date of manufacture.

Although I am far from an expert on long rifles, I have a basic knowledge of them.

I believe that this rifle was made during the early years of Cooper's lock making career, perhaps circa 1839-1845. The extremely long barrel and large caliber, and the shallow curve of the butt plate are all early features, carried over from the "Golden Age" of the Pennsylvania rifles which was more like 1800-1825. Most of the design features such as the shape of the butt stock, the patchbox design and the sideplate (opposite the lock) indicate it was made in, or by a maker from, the Lancaster, PA or York, PA, area.

As the Appalachian region became more settled, it was common for people to migrate to the southwest, following the valleys, and likely a number of makers from the Lancaster region or their apprentices followed that pattern of migration. Thus your rifle may have had its origins in the western Maryland or mountainous regions of Virginia, now West Virginia. Given the early features and likely late date, and the quality of the workmanship, I suspect this was made by an older maker staill practicing the old habits near the end of his working life, not a youthful maker who had just completed his apprenticeship.

The rifle seems to have seen extensive use, but was apparently well liked by the owner, as the frizzen (part the flint strikes to create the sparks) has been "resoled" like you would a pair of shoes by adding an new layer of steel to the face for better sparking. The stock was obviously cracked or broken at one time, necessitating the brass reinforcement with many screws. This was expertly done, perhaps by the original maker, or at least by an excellent craftsman. The decorative features are nicely executed with a sureness and ease that indicate experience in the trade These add grace and beauty, although not containing the most elegant engraving or relief carving found on the very best rifles. This is still a very fine quality piece, with beautiful tiger strip maple, that any maker or owner would be proud of, although not the most expensive and fanciest relief carved quality.

As long as there is anyone in the family with the least appreciation for history or family heirlooms, this should stay with the family. I would estimate the retail value to be about $2,500 to $3,500 but would defer to a more qualified long rifle specialist if they thought it was worth more or less.

It is a wonderful gun, and I am delighted to see it remain in the family.

We get asked about many guns, but this was a joy to see and explain. John Spangler

# 13994 - Titan E-5
10/30/2010
Jim, Orlando, FL

I acquired this pistol from my father-in-law after he passed away. I was wondering if you could tell me when the pistol was manufactured and if there is any history worth noting - thanks.

Answer:
Jim, I was not able to find any specific information on the Titan E-5 but I can tell you that Titan pistols were imported by F.I.E (Firearms Import Export). F.I.E was located in Hialeah, Florida until 1990 when they filed bankruptcy and all models are discontinued.

Titan pistols were offered in several calibers including .22, .25, .32 and .380. Unfortunately values for most Titan pistols are in the $100 or less range. Marc

# 14005 - Broomhandle With Welded Stock Slot
10/30/2010
Rich, Bucks County, PA

I recently received a Mauser C96 pistol. The handgun is in beautiful shape for it's age. I was wondering if it was popular at one time to weld or ''fill-in'' the stock mount on the back of the pistols frame? This pistol appears to have been altered in such a way. I was wondering if there is any way to remove this? Thanks-Rich

Answer:
Rich, at on

# 13991 - In Need Of A Winchester Part
10/26/2010
Henry,Yuma,Az. USA

I need a carrier for it, and don't know where to by one. Any suggestions?

Answer:
Henry, I recommend that you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at www.gunpartscorp.com. Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page at http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm

# 13975 - Colt M1911 With Double Stamped Markings
10/26/2010

I have a 1911 made in 1918, bearing serial number 22####. That information was obtained from my father, who had it while in the Army as a sidearm. The database on your site reflects the same findings. What makes it odd is that the Colt information (horse, patent info, etc) on the left side is stamped twice, one slightly but noticeably overshadowing the other, in what looks to be a factory machine SNAFU. I have no intention to sell the at this time, but was curious what this did to the value of it should the day arise. I have searched the internet (as well as books) to the point of sickness and I cannot find anything similar to this. ANY INFORMATION IS greatly appreciated. Hopefully you guys can shed some light on the mystery.

Answer:
Sir- I will spare you my usual rant about paranoid idiots who are too stupid to be able to copy a full serial number, or afraid that the black helicopters will steal their gun (and tinfoil hat) if they provide the full serial number.

I agree that the double stamped markings are a factory stamping error. While that may add some slight value to a very fanatical collector who thinks it is neat because it is different, I think that most collectors would pass over it in favor of one that is not "defective." Therefore I think that if anything, the value is roughly the same, or a bit less than normally marked examples. John Spangler

# 13974 - American Arms Derringer
10/23/2010
Ted

I have a 2 shot swivel barrel pistol. It’s an American arms-Boston Massachusetts pat. 1865 to 1881? its like the 32/ 22 caliber ones but its 31 or 32 caliber in both top and bottom barrel. silver plated barrel and it has a birds head grip, which i understand to be rare, and the same 31 or 32 caliber being the same in both barrels is supposed to be rare also. do i have a diamond in the rough or just another swivel barrel boot gun? Thanks.

Answer:
Ted- This is one of many early small pocket pistols made after metallic cartridges revolutionized the firearms industry in the 1860s. Flayderman indicates that about 1500 were made with birds head grip and both barrels .32 RF and value range $375-$950 retail in good and fine condition respectively. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 13990 - Steyr Police Pistol?
10/23/2010
Kim, Las Vegas , Nv.

I have a STEYR PAT.No.9379-C5u.No25025-06( left side of barrel) PAT. -A- No40335( right side of barrel. I believe it is from 1920 by looking at the two numbers on the bottom of the barrel on the left side. It has a flip open barrel that works just fine. On the back side of the handle is S.W. 1925 which I was told was a police issued gun. As well as the bottom of the clip has 1925 on it. I was given this gun by my step father 12 yrs ago. I want to sell it and was wondering how much of value this gun might be and the best way to sell it? Any information would be helpful. Thanks for your time. Kim

Answer:
Kim, it sounds like you may have a Steyr Model 1909. The 1909 was a blow-back operated semi-automatic pistol with tip-down barrel, manufactured in both 6.35 and 7.65 calibers. Steyr began production of the model in 1909 and suspended it in 1914, it then resumed in 1921, and continued until 1939. Steyr based the Model 1909 on patents of Nicholas Pieper (q.v.) of Liege. The Steyr produced pistols differ from those made by Pieper in only minor respects. We may be interested in buying your little pistol, the police markings are interesting. Send us some pictures and we will make an offer. Marc

# 13972 - Rare Savage?
10/19/2010
Tracey, Invercargill, Southland, New Zealand

Manufactured in 1917 and is a Hornet Sporter. It has a very heavy barrel and Aperture Sights. Is the Hornet Sporter of 1917 not 1919, a rare rifle? You have answered regarding this type of rifle back in a previous Q&A page. My concern is that the previous person didn't say his was a Sporter. My Father said this was a rare rifle back in the 50s. Do you have research information from Utica, N.Y.U.S.A. regarding the number of these Sporters built? Cheers

Answer:
Tracey, sorry but I do not have any additional information or factory data that I can give you. I can tell you that Savage collectors are few and far between. Even if your rifle is rare, in my opinion, a collector who would be willing to pay more for it because of it's rarity would be even harder to find than the rifle. Marc

# 13973 - Muzzle Loader With Lion
10/19/2010
Ryan

I have an antique rifle left to me by my grandfather. It is a muzzle load, flint lock action. Wood with ivory inlay and gold bands. On the plate concealing the trigger mech. there is a Lion and next to the Lion is a crown over the number "3". I was told it was from the Mid East. I have been trying to find out what the markings indicate. I have been looking at a lot of information. I don't believe this is a tourist model. I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Answer:
Ryan- The lion symbol is usually associated with the British East India Company, which colonized much of the British Empire in Africa and India and adjacent regions. However, the guns they purchased were pretty similar to common British military or police guns of the time, but often cheaper and less sophisticated. The lock on your was likely salvaged from one of those, and later assembled locally into the present gun.

The mention of ivory inlays and gold bands (probably brass!) indicate it is now what is commonly called a “camel gun.” These "camel guns" have little collector interest and are very fragile, and difficult to ship safely, so we do not deal in them. Values tend to be modest and seem to be about whatever a willing (or eager) seller and willing (or gullible) buyer can agree on. John Spangler

# 13971 - Very BAD Idea
10/16/2010
Richard Cousins

Sights leave lot to be desired. Are adj. sights available ? What is available ?

Answer:
Richard, your P.38 is a WWII German military pistol, made by the most desirable maker (Walther). The pistol is almost 70 years old and there is allot of collector interest in P.38 pistols if they are in original condition. If you change the sights, you will also change your collectable and potentially valuable wartime P.38 into a cheap shooter worth about $200 at most.

If you are looking for a something with better sights, I would advise you to sell the Walther and get a modern 9MM. With a modern pistol, you will not only have the benefit of being able to select whatever type of sights that you want, you will also be able to get a higher capacity magazine. Marc

# 13963 - Asa Waters, Millbury Model 1816 Musket
10/16/2010
Eric

The gun is a old black powder rifle and the only markings on the gun say MULLBERRY 1835 on one side US AWATERS on the other side What kind of gun is it?

Answer:
Eric- Asa Waters located in Millbury, Massachusetts was one of the more reliable of the contract makers of U.S. military arms, with multiple contracts for different models of muskets and pistols between 1808 and 1837. The date on yours indicates it should be the third variation of the Model 1816 .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock musket with a 42 inch barrel. Most of these were converted to percussion during the Civil War, but any other alterations from the above were probably done by later civilian owners. John Spangler

# 13968 - Maynard Jr.
10/12/2010
Cecil, Webster Springs, WV

We can not find a serial number anywhere on this gun. I know its been in my family for 70 years now and we have look online and still can not find anything. I am willing to send pictures of Gun to you for viewing! Need to know the year it was made and What the Value of this gun is?

Answer:
Cecil, prior to 1968 there was no requirement that firearms have serial numbers. Inexpensive shotguns and 22 rifles that were manufactured before 1968 are often encountered without serial numbers.

The Stevens Company introduced the Maynard Jr. (No. 15 rifle) in 1900 using the Maynard design which they owed the patent rights to. The Maynard Jr. was a 22 rimfire rifle with an 18 inch part round/part octagon barrel, and blued finish. Early models have a butt stock made from a flat board with the edges slightly rounded off. Later models (manufactured after in April, 1906) have a regular oval type of stock. The Maynard Jr. was an economy model in the Stevens line, very simply designed and cheaply constructed. During it's entire production life, retail prices remained at $3.00. Stevens manufactured the Maynard Jr. from 1900 to about 1912, if your rifle has the flat stock it was manufactured between 1900 and 1906, if it has a rounded stock, it was manufactured between 1906 and 1912.

Values for Maynard Jr. rifles start at around $200 and top off at about $500 depending on condition. Hope this helps. Marc

# 13958 - Double Size Training Guns
10/12/2010
Keith, Wenatchee, WA

I am trying to find the value of the Browning M1919 .30 oversize training gun. Would like to know the value of the other oversize training guns that were made.

Answer:
Keith- Double size training guns are an interesting sub-specialty but you would need a LOT of space if you want to collect these. Double size may not sound big, while thinking of the M1 rifle at 4 feet long, but try to find a place to hang one that is 8 feet long!

The most often seen examples are the M1 Garand, M2 Carbine, M1918A2 Browning Automatic Rifle, and the M1919 .30 caliber Browning Machine Gun. Officially these are “training devices” and most were procured by the Navy to meet the needs of all services and seem to date from the late 1940s to early 1950s. A few similar double size trainers have been made in recent years, and I have seen one for the M16, and have heard of one for the M14.

These were made mostly of aluminum and had to be big enough so that a group of students in a classroom could see what the instructor was talking about as he explained the different parts and how they functioned. Special double size plastic cartridges were used, and would be cycled through the action slowly to demonstrate how they feed, lock, fire, unlock, extract and eject and then feed the next round. They could also demonstrate common problems and how to correct them.

Values seem to vary quite a bit depending on condition and completeness of the outfit. They were issued in a large wooden box, with a hinged lid and wooden support stands that would attach to the top to hold the gun in position for use in the classroom. Value is obviously higher if the gun comes complete with the wooden box, the dummy cartridges, magazines/clips/belts and instructions. Some of the smaller parts are easily lost or damaged, and that will hurt value. The M1 rifles and M2 carbines seem to be most popular, as guys who collect those arms may want one of the double size trainers, just to “have one of everything.” The BAR and M1919 seem to have less demand, but are also less commonly seen. Rough range of values from what I have seen is maybe $500-1200, maybe a bit higher for a totally complete outfit. John Spangler

# 13947 - Remington 1856 Dated Musket
10/9/2010
Chris, Martinsburg, WV

On the metal parts of the musket. The right side plate is marked ''Remington's'' -SC- ''Ilion N.Y.'' - SC- ''1856'' -SC- ''U.S.''. The left side plate has a upper case ''A''. The butt plate is marked ''U.S.'' a screw, and the number ''62'' turned sideways. The top of the breech is marked ''1856''. On the wooden stock of the gun. On the left side beside the plate is an oval with the cursive letters ''LJ''. On the bottom by the trigger the letters ''LJ'' are printed. I have asked several websites and none have heard of a ''Remington's'' with the ''1856''. I would like to know whatever information you might know. What was the gun made to do? Is it a Civil War era musket? How much did it sell for back then? What do you think it would sell for now? What do the letters ''LJ'' stand for? Any information about it would be nice. Thank you

Answer:
Chris- Your confusion is quite understandable, because Remington did not make this musket even though marked Remington on the lock!

The musket was originally a U.S. Model 1816 .69 caliber smoothbore flintlock with a 42 inch barrel. It may have been made by Springfield, Harpers Ferry, or one of the several contract makers.

After adoption of the percussion priming system, and then the Maynard tape primer in 1855, it was decided to modernize many of the old flintlock muskets then in storage. These were inspected and graded as class 1, 2 or 3. Class 1 was basically the most recently made Model 1816 muskets in the best condition. Class 2 guns were older or used, but still serviceable enough to convert if time and funds were available. Class 3 were earlier models or badly damaged or worn guns that were to be set aside for sale as surplus or scrap.

Between 1855 and 1858 Remington delivered 20,000 complete percussion lock assemblies with the then popular Maynard tape primer system, and the bolster section of the breech to convert M1816 muskets to percussion. Frankford Arsenal (near Philadelphia, and later the Army’s main ammunition manufacturing facility) did the actual installation, but everyone calls these Remington conversions because their name appears on the lockplate.

The initials behind the trigger guard are probably those of the stock sub inspector. There may be another inspector cartouche on the left flat of the stock from the time of the inspection showing the inspector’s initials over the number 1,2 or 3 indicating the class. As far as values, these seem to bring premium over the more common percussion cap only conversions of the M1816 muskets.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 13970 - M1 Garand Receiver Original Finish
10/9/2010
Robert, Mobile, Al, USA

The receiver is in a black finish. Was this natural or can it Parkerized

Answer:
Robert, the finish on your receiver is not original, when the rifle left Springfield Armory late in 1954 it would have had a Parkerized finish. Marc

# 13969 - Paramount 25 - C&R OK?
10/5/2010
Doug, Ozark, AR. USA.

''Paramount Cal 25'' with BB stamped above Grip on left side and marked ''Spain''. I would like to know the approximate year of manufacture if possible, and if it would be considered C&R eligible. Thanks, Doug.

Answer:
Doug, references indicate that the `Paramount` name was quite popular with Spanish gun makers. Several different 6.35mm and 7.65mm Eibar-type blowback automatic designs that were made in Spain from 1920 to 1935 bore the Paramount name. The 6.35mm pistols were all made by Apaolozo Hermanos and Beistegui Hermanos, both of Eibar. The 7.65mm pistols were made by Retolaza Hermanos and, at least two other unknown makers.

It is hard to say (especially without seeing it) whether or not your pistol is considered C&R eligible. It could be one of the early pistols made from 1920 to 1935 or it could be a more modern pistol that bears the same name as the early models did. It is better to be safe than sorry so I would suggest that you contact the BATF tech support line and get a definite answer. The number that I have on file for them is (202) 927-7910. Good luck - Marc

# 13946 - Remington Model 1 ˝ Rolling Block Rifle
10/5/2010
Sam Fort Worth TX

32 Remington Rim Fire Model 1 1/2 1909. From Remington Arms Co. Ilion N.Y USA Ilion Union. Single shot rifle with peep-site. Any idea what something like this is worth?.............thanks

Answer:
Sam- The Model 1 ˝ was made from 1888 to 1897 and offered in six rimfire calibers (.22 to .38) and three centerfire calibers (.32, .38 and .44 WCF). Barrels ranged from 24 to 28 inches long, so all these factor in to value. A rough ballpark for an average example might be around $600-800 but a really nice one will bring more. John Spangler

# 13931 - Model 1917 Enfield Unit Markings
10/2/2010
Herb Williamsville NY

Has a small brass plate at the top of the buttplate held in place by the small buttplate screw. On it stamped 47 1st MED. BN I would like to know what that stands for and does it make the rifle more collectible?

Answer:
Herb- The obvious answer would be that it is rifle number 47 assigned to the 1st Medical Battalion. However, that could be some National Guard outfit, Army Reserves, or even some paramilitary outfit. I doubt if it was regular army, as they very seldom applied any sort of unit markings to weapons. If it could be positively determined exactly what unit added the disc, it might ass something to the value, but otherwise I think it probably is a slight negative factor for the value or collector interest. John Spangler

# 13965 - Stainless Iver Johnson M-1 Carbine
10/2/2010
Wayne, Roan Mountain, Tn.

About when was it was Manufactured

Answer:
Wayne, Iver Johnson first sold their stainless steel M-1 Carbine in 1985 and 1986. Then they reintroduced it in 1988 and discontinued it again in 1993. Values in the blue book for this model top out at around $250. Marc