# 14274 - Unknown 16 Gauge
12/31/2011
Scott, South Lake Tahoe, CA

ANDR AHL ARENDSEE John Spangler answered a question in 1998 Question #1276 about a gun similar to mine. I believe my gun is a 16 gauge, DBL Barrel, very ornate detailing, both hammers appear to strike a hexed head anvil but the interior of the receiver looks like firing pin holes. The barrel breaks like a conventional side by side. In between the barrels, on top, 2 inches up from the hammers the words ANDR AHL ARENDSEE are printed in gold. Do you have any more information on such a gun? Year it was made? By who? etc??? Thanks

Answer:
Scott- Sorry, I have not information at all on that maker. Hammer style double barrel shotguns were mainly popular circa 1880-1920 but that does not rule out possibly earlier or later manufacture. John Spangler

# 14363 - Light Twelve Value
12/31/2011
Michael Valparaiso, Indiana

This gun is in good condition, what is it worth?

Answer:
Michael, demand for this model has decreased because they are not designed to be able to use steel shot. Values range between $300 and around $700 depending on condition. Marc

# 14357 - Use The Link!
12/31/2011
Ted ,Ubly, Michigan

None Date of manufacture and value ?

Answer:
Ted - to find the date of manufacture for your Winchester, use the link located on our FineOldGuns.com menu bar on the left hand side of the page. Marc

# 14305 - Percussion Combination Rifle And Shotgun
12/27/2011
Joel

I have a 16 gauge shotgun by 40 caliber muzzleloading percussion gun. It is in excellent condition and the only markings on it is the name J. Harding printed twice on the metal. It seems as if he made the entire gun as there are no markings of import on the underside of the barrels. I am looking to sell it and would appreciate any information you may have and would entertain offers. Thanks

Answer:
Joel- This was probably made by Josiah Harding of Covington, PA, (Tioga County) perhaps in the 1870s-1880s at the very end of the percussion era. I have no information on him other than the location and dates (1882-1890) from Frank Sellers' "American Gunsmiths."

"Combination guns" with one rifled and one smoothbore barrel were very popular along the border between Pennsylvania and New York, and most we have seen come from that region, with very few from anywhere else, but there are always exceptions.

There is not a lot of demand for these, and values tend to be modest, usually in the several hundred dollar range. However, they are neat old guns. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14358 - Pre 64 Winchester Model 94 AE?
12/27/2011
Jon, Pleasant Grove, UT

Is there any possibility that this rifle could have been made prior to 1964

Answer:
Jon, the serial number ranges in my reference books for Model 94 Winchesters top out in 1982 at 5103249. Your Winchester was made some time after that.

# 14365 - Merry Christmas From John and Marc.
12/24/2011

Answer:

It's Christmas weekend and John and I hope you are spending time with family and friends, laughing, enjoying each other's company, and eating good food.

Please remember our troops who are still overseas in this weekend. Let's not forget their sacrifice as they're away from their families. If you know someone who is serving, please give them a big thank you and a Merry Christmas.

John and I would like to thank all of our visitors, customers, old friends and new friends that we have made this year for helping us have a great 2011. We appreciate your support, business, the questions that you send us and your friendship. We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Marc

# 14313 - 1911A1 Value
12/20/2011
Arch

Marc and John, What is the value of the referenced M1911A1 pistol? It is in excellent condition. Thank you for your time and expertise.

Answer:
Arch, your Remington Rand was manufactured in 1943. Values for Remington Rand 1911A1 pistols can range from about $300 for pistols that have been modified or that are in poor condition to over $2000 for pistols in excellent condition. We usually have some Remington Rand 1911A1s listed for sale in our catalog pages. For an example, you can compare your pistol with some of the ones that we have listed. Marc

# 14304 - Remington Model 14 Pump Action Rifle
12/20/2011

All I know that it is a 30 Remington caliber pump rifle. I just can't find a model # on it. it just has Pedersen's pat Oct 12,09,july 5.10.nov.19,12.

Answer:
Sir- That would be the Remington Model 14. John Spangler

# 14303 - Spanish Colonial Era Pistol Found In Western U.S.
12/17/2011

In my youth in western Colorado, in the 1950's I dug up a most unusual pistol. Our property had a promontory shale hill and provided a panorama view of that part of the valley. I speculated that the earliest explorers of the region were Spanish conquistadors, and it is possible that such a vista was visited by such explorers. The weapon may have inadvertently fallen and over the centuries been buried by erosion. This pistol was entirely metal, a single barrel with two metal peep sights in line down the barrel. The pistol grip was merely the curved extension of the barrel. The grip itself was totally curved almost like a metal cane grip. The unit was so rusted and deteriorated that there was no distinguishable features in the trigger mechanism or any firing pin. The barrel itself was around the size of a 45 caliber but it was so rusted and filled most of the way with sediment. It was the two metal peep sights aligned on top of the barrel that I have never seen on other weapons. The end of the barrel was too rusted to see any other features that would have allowed alignment of the peep sights.

Answer:
Sir- The best reference on arms of that era would be: Brinckerhoff, Sidney B., and Pierce A. Chamberlain. Spanish Military Weapons in Colonial America, 1700-1821. Harrisburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1972 John Spangler

# 14272 - J. W. Fecker Scpoe Info.
12/17/2011
Douglas, Madison, Wi.

I have my dads old J.W. Fecker scope It is 26 & 3/16'' long with caps on. Tube is 3/4'' Eye is 7/8'' barrel end 1 & 5/8'' The Serial # is 3148 Do you know any history of this scope. And any estimated value. (It is in excellent shape) Douglas P. Mather

Answer:
Douglas, J. W. Fecker scopes were first introduced in the mid 1920s and they stayed in production to the early 1960s. The founder of the company, J. W. Fecker was a highly regarded optical engineer who designed the second largest (at the time) astronomical telescope in the world.

One of the most unique characteristics of Fecker rifle scopes was their sliding erector lens which was used for distance focusing. The unique focusing adjustment made it easier for a shooter to adjust from a natural shooting position.

Every Fecker scope was focused individually while at the factory for many different ranges. These settings were recorded with the scope's individual serial number on the instructions that came the scope. One review in 1927 indicated that the Fecker rifle scope was "Without question the finest target telescope and mounts in existence." Hope this helps, Marc

# 14270 - 1913 Bayonet Info.
12/14/2011
Penny, Norton, Ohio

This has what looks like a British symbol with a 2A on it. This is a Remington 1913 bayonet, with Remington being in the circle. It is 17'' long and has NSx stamped on it. Any information would be appreciated.

Answer:
Penny, the Pattern 1913 bayonet was made to be issued with the British P-14 rifle, these were manufactured in the U.S.A., for an experimental, 276 caliber cartridge. The P-14 rifle contract was not complete when WWI broke out and to help supply the war effort, the British requested that all P-14 rifles be rechambered for the standard .303 caliber British cartridge.

P-14 rifles used a bayonet similar to the pattern 1907 bayonet, but it was not interchangeable. The primary difference is the P-14 muzzle ring which sets much higher, due to the bayonet stud placement on the rifle. 1913 bayonets were manufactured by both Remington and Winchester and many contain both British and U.S. markings, as they were used by both countries during both the first and second world wars. The Pattern 1913 bayonet is interchangeable with the U.S. Model 1917 bayonet. Marc

# 14302 - High Standard Model B- U.S. Marked
12/14/2011
Joel, South Carolina

I was at the South Carolina Arms Collectors Association Show in Columbia, SC. I saw at one table display several pistols under glass, one HS Model U.S.A H-D blued, one HS Model U.S.A H- D parkerized, and one HS B-US, all military/US Government marked. I did not have a parkerized HS Model U.S.A H-D, but do have a Blued one, so I was more interested in the B-US. I looked at it, negotiated a price and took it home. When I got home I pulled out Charles Pates' “U.S. Handguns of World War II, The Secondary Pistols and Revolvers” and became very disappointed as this pistol was not within the SN range of 92344-111631 and therefore I believed was a fake. But a small footnote of 11 was next to the serial number 92344. I turned to the Chapter Twelve footnote and find the following….

“Serial number 87558 has been reported with military/US property markings identical to the B-US. According to the factory shipping records, the only pistol with this serial number was shipped to a gun dealer on 9/14/41. Given the state of the High Standard shipping records, this pistol could easily be production B-US.”

I looked at this pistol, which is easily about 99% and looking almost factory new and it has serial number 87558. Even the grip screws look like they have never seen a screwdriver. Do you know what this means? I cannot believe there is a cottage industry cranking out fake stamps on High Standards for unsuspecting collectors, do you?

Does this pistol have a value? What would you think it would be? Or is it just a case of buyer beware and this particular pistol found another mark? Thanks for all that you do.

Answer:
Joel- Charlie Pate is meticulous in his research, and I would defer to whatever he says.

In the early days of WW2 there was a major effort to sweep up all types of arms that would meet specifications of those being delivered to fill military contracts. Lots of shotguns were obtained from wholesalers and dealer inventory that way for use in training programs.

I can only speculate that this may have been the case with this one as well. Or, it may have been shipped to a dealer 9/14/41 and subsequently returned to High Standard for some reason so it was on hand again, and delivered with the rest falling in the "normal" serial number range. Remember, the ordnance inspection and acceptance markings was done on completed guns, not as part of the manufacturing process with checking of individual parts as with M1903 or M1 rifle contracts.

I suspect it is legitimate, albeit an anomaly from most of its siblings. It is up to the individual collector to determine if that makes it a rare and valuable oddity, or perhaps less valuable than the "normal" ones.

Anyway, that is my opinion on it. John Spangler

# 14301 - 1000 Pound Demolition Bombs In WW2
12/10/2011

Our cargo going to Oran North Africa carried large bombs. I remember them being about 30" in diameter. Were they 1000 lb bombs?

Answer:
Sir- Thank you for your service to our country as part of the “Greatest Generation!”

The WW2 1,000 pound bombs had a body diameter about 18 inches. The 2,000 pound bombs had a body diameter of about 24 inches, so those are the two choices closest to your 30 inch diameter. At the time, the sometimes used protective bands of some sort around the body of the bomb, probably to protect the suspension lugs, and these also acted sort of like the felloes of a wagon wheel and allowed people to roll the bombs when handling them. Those would have added another 4-6 inches to the outside diameter. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14266 - Sears Atlas
12/10/2011
Adam Bowman

The only markings are on the top of the barrel, Atlas gun co. Ilion ny, patent feb 18 1892. Its my grandfathers gun that he has had since he was 16. it was given to him as a gift. He wanted to know what it was worth today, also it has little to no rust and still functions exactly as it did when it was originally bought. Thanks I hope to here a response.

Answer:
Adam, unfortunately there is not allot of collector or shooter interest in firearms that were marketed by Sears, we have been selling rifles that are similar to yours this year in our sale catalog for $50 and $100. Marc

# 14311 - Another What's It Worth
12/6/2011
Tony, Westerly, RI

How much is this rifle worth?

Answer:
Tony, my references indicate that your Winchester was manufactured between 1943 and 1948. Values for Model 94 Winchesters that were manufactured before 1964 can range from one or two hundred dollars to well over one thousand dollars depending on condition, type and options. Marc

# 14180 - Wall Hanger?
12/6/2011
Steven, Ma

none visible I am pretty sure it is wall hanger but I was hoping someone could tell me if I am on the right track... A co-worker showed me a `old family gun` today. knowing next to nothing about mussel loaders and just enough to be dangerous about modern firearms my first impression was `wall hanger`. Here is the long and the short of it... Thin walls for the barrel, under 1/8'' (no ruler handy at the time, same for caliber, though my fat finger didn't get to the first knuckle) No rifling visible. No markings visible on barrel or stock. Heavy pitting but anything bigger then a 1/16'' should be visible Ram rod only sized to reach about 3'' short of the nipple. Hammer on right side with percussion cap nipple. No budge for breach area visible on barrel. It is non-firing. The stock is cracked in a dozen places and the hammer is corroded and loose. I just want to be able to tell him if it use to be a firing weapon. If anyone thinks it is worth it I can try to get some photos or measurements. Thanks for the help.

Answer:
Steven- Based on your pretty thorough description, I would agree that this is strictly a wall hanger and NOT SAFE TO FIRE! Value is probably very modest, but without photos it is hard to be sure what is was originally. The bad news is that rare junk is still junk. John Spangler

# 14177 - Old Dueling Pistols?
12/3/2011
Diana

yes there are 2 different markings on them. Best way I can describe them is 1 looks like some sort of pin and the other kind of looks like a fire hydrant? I have 2 pistols that have been in the family for years, was told they are over a 100yrs) was told they are South American dueling pistols. I would like to know more about them, Make and just how old they maybe. Thanks.

Answer:
Diana- Sorry, my crystal ball is not working today, so I would need to see some photos on these. Most guns made for the South American market were fairly low quality and have little collector demand, but maybe you got lucky with these. But, don’t bet on it! John Spangler

# 14264 - Ortgies Value
12/3/2011
Gary, Lebanon, Indiana

Left side of slide has..Ortgies`Patent. Deutsche Werke Aktiengesellschaft,Werk Erfurt. Back of butt looks like a M, then looks like a square leaf or badge same size as the M. Then 24... So looks like ..M#24. Then on right side slide right behind trigger has a matching mark, one on body, and one on slide. They are lined up ,one on top of the other. Looks like a crown on top of a N. It also has wood grips with a gold badge in middle, looks like a O on top of a H it also has B K underneath the wood grips. And the serial # is at the front of trigger guard on bottom side. Has a squeeze handle safety. and the release is on left side towards the back. My father recently died, leaving me the firearm. I'm trying to figure out what it is and its value. Any help would b appreciated, thanks!

Answer:
Gary, I can tell you a little about Ortgies. The founder of Ortgies (Heinrich Ortgies) was a German but he lived in Liege for many years, and may have been connected with the firearms business there. During his residence in Belgium, Ortgies designed an automatic pistol incorporating certain ingenious details which he patented in about 1916. After WWI, Ortgies returned to Germany and set up in business in Erfurt manufacturing the Ortgies pistol. Ortgies manufactured upwards of 10,000 pistols and they proved to be such a great success that Deutsche Werke of Erfurt made him an attractive offer to buy his business which he accepted. In 1921 Deutsche Werke took over the Ortgies patents, tools and stock, and began making Ortgies pistols. Original Orgies made pistols are marked on the slide 'Ortgies & Co Erfurt Ortgies Patent', the grips came with a bronze medallion with the intertwined initials 'HO', these grip medallions were retained by Deutsche Werke for some years, and they also retained the wording 'Ortgies Patent'. Later production dropped both these features. Unfortunately there is not much collector interest in Ortgies pistols I often see them offered for sale at gunshows in the $125.00 - $250 range. Marc