# 10640 - Colt 1911
1/29/2005
Gary, Fort Walton Beach, Florida

''22'' on front right side of trigger guard. ''V'' on front left side of trigger guard. I got this pistol from my father, who used it for 18 years as his sidearm for the police force. It's marked as a ''Government'' model but serial number begins with ''C''. Do you have a year of manufacture? Also approximate value in 80% condition?

Answer:
Gary- The M1911 and M1911A1 pistols made by Colt for commercial sale were all marked "Government Model" and that does not mean that they were government property or anything like that. Similar to the marketing of Hummer SUVs similar (or maybe identical) to the military model used by our troops. Just good marketing. All the Civilian production M1911s had serial numbers starting with a "C" to indicate Civilian sales, although a few of those did get taken up for military use at various times, and there are other alpha prefixes used. Your pistol was made about 1923, and unless mistreated badly should still be a good shooter for another hundred years or so. Value is hard to judge without seeing the gun, but guns similar to what you describe seem to be priced in the $500-700 range at the gun shows. John Spangler

# 10643 - Model 1899 Krag Rifle (not Carbine)
1/29/2005
SSG.Horan US Army Iraq!

No Cartouches, Proof P's,or Date on Stock. Has A.K. stamped behind triggerguard, only marking! Can you tell me, if this is a put together rifle, out of parts, or some what of a rarity? 1899 on receiver Spring field list all 1899 as Carbine, which it's not!

Answer:
Sarge- Thanks for your service to our country. There is no documented history on your rifle, but with only 2 or 3 exceptions, the nearby serial numbers are all for M1899 carbines, so the Model 1899 marking is correct. Two of the guns listed as rifles are shown as WW2 donations to the U.S. Navy. They may be rifles (30" barrels) or carbines (22" barrels) and the supply guy just wrote them all down as rifles. Someone may have assembled a bunch of Krag rifles using carbine receivers from parts on hand during WW2 for the Navy, or any gunsmith since then could have done it. The lack of cartouches strongly suggests that it did not leave Springfield Armory in its present configuration. In the post WW1 era when Krags were being sold off as surplus by the Army through the DCM program, they may have assembled this from parts on hand, just as they were making "NRA Carbines" from carbines or cut down or rebarreled rifles. John Spangler

# 11126 - 1936 S/42 Luger
1/29/2005
Robert, Raleigh, NC

The number ''77'' appears in 3 different places. The number 8477 appears in two different places. The magazine has the number 6502 on the exposed base portion. The number 1936 and S/42 appear on top portion of gun. There are 3 small markings on the right side of the weapon above the trigger area that I can't identify even with a magnifying glass. can you give me an idea of the value. The bluing looks good but not perfect. Some very minor rust. Found this gun this morning in the bottom of a family trunk. Not familiar with guns or how to measure caliber or where to measure length of barrel from.

Answer:
Robert, S/42 Lugers with chambers dated from 1936 to 1940 are one of the most frequently encountered of all WWII military issue Lugers. S/42 was a WW-II German ordnance code assigned to Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorff am Neckar, Germany. Your Luger should also have the following markings:

The serial number:

• Forward left side of the receiver.
• Upper front of the frame.
• Beneath the rear of the barrel.
• Base of the magazine.
• The last two digits on most of the small parts.

S/42 on the forward toggle.

The four digit year of manufacture on the receiver above the chamber.

The word GELADEN, meaning loaded on the left side of the extractor, this shows when a cartridge is in the chamber.

The bore size in millimeters stamped beneath the rear of the barrel (8.80, 8.81, 8.82, 8.83, or 8.84).

The military acceptance stamp eagle over 63 or eagle over 655 stamped twice on the forward right side of the receiver, once on the top left side of the barrel one half inch from the receiver, and once on the base of the magazine.

Military test proof eagle over swastika stamped on the forward right side of the receiver, on the left side of the breech block, and on the rear right side of the barrel.

Values for S/42 Lugers range from around $500 to about $1500 depending on condition, matching numbers and accessories. Let us know if you want to sell. Marc

# 10482 - 1934 Beretta
1/25/2005
Manny, Chicago, Ill, USA

Sardone V.T. 1937-XV How old is this weapon and if you know, how much is it worth?

Answer:
Manny, you have a W.W.II vintage Beretta Model 1934 pistol that was manufactured in 1937. The Beretta models 1934 and 1935 were Italy's main service sidearms during W.W.II. The two models were basically the same except that Model 1934 was chambered for 9MM Corto (380) while the Model 1935 was chambered for 7.65 mm Brevettata (.32 Auto). Military Model 1934 pistols were marked on the left hand side of the slide "P. Beretta Cal 9 Corto - Mo 1934 Brevet Gardone VT" followed by the date of manufacture. The date of manufacture was marked in two systems (except on late wartime production models), the Christian calendar (1934) and a Roman numeral denoting the year of the Fascist calendar which began in 1922 (XV). For example, a date marking might read 1942 XX or 1937 XV.

# 10468 - Slightly Rusty 336 RC
1/25/2005
Hobe

Has weaver K-4 scope mounted----Has a longhorn steer head overlaying the shape of the state of Texas, carved into the right side of the stock. This gun has some minor rust in some areas on the receiver and the eyepiece of the scope----Bluing about 95%---What was year of manufacture and range of value

Answer:
Hobe, Marlin manufactured the Model 336 RC from 1948 to 1968. The model was available in .30-30, .32 Special, and .35 Remington calibers. If you would have followed instructions and checked our date of manufacture program before asking your question, you would have found that "V" serial numbers were manufactured from August 1961 to 1962. I would expect to see a slightly rusty 336 RC sell at a gunshow in the $200 range. Marc

# 10639 - M1D Sniper Rifle By Santa Fe Or Golden State Arms
1/25/2005
Sean Chico, CA.

Golden State Arms Santa Fe Division What can you tell me about this rifle. I know that my father bought it new from a gun shop in Pasadena, CA. in the early 60's.It was set up as a sniper rifle(cheek pad, flash hider, scope)at that time. I have explored all of the M1 sites and there is no mention of this. I have talked to some folks at gun shows that said it is a Beretta imported by Golden State Arms. Can you clear this up for me?

Answer:
Sean- I have no info on any M1 rifles made or marked by Santa Fe or Golden State. However, Santa Fe was the name used on some of the "ersatz" M1903A3 rifles made in the late 1950s/early 1960s using surplus parts assembled on newly made receivers. I suspect that your rifle is something similar. I vaguely recall hearing about a bunch of M1 Garands built up in California using receivers made from guns that had been "demilitarized" by being torch cut. Someone got all the scrap, trimmed up the pieces and welded them back together. These are generally called "rewelds" although some anal retentive linguists run around ranting that since the receivers were never welded before the are not "rewelds" but are "welded" receivers. Sometimes the receivers had the military maker markings removed and new markings applied by stamping, etching, or pantograph engraving. Usually a careful inspection of the receiver will reveal color differences or sloppy machining marks or incorrect contours to confirm the reweld status. I don't think that Beretta receivers were being used at that time, or offered with other names, but I may be wrong. Of course, you may have a prototype they sent over in hopes of getting a big contract or something. An advanced Garand collector may think it is a really cool item to have, or it may just be a fun shooter. John Spangler

# 10636 - M84 Telescope For Sniper Rifle
1/22/2005
Ray, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Where can I get my M84 scope repaired? The windage adjustments wont lock in and my rounds shift left. The elevation stays in place.

Answer:
Ray- There is a guy named Lest Kraft in New Jersey who repairs the M84 scopes, and reportedly does excellent work. I have also heard that he insists on marking the scope on the outside with his name, so some collectors may object to that. I do not have contact info for him. John Spangler

# 10635 - French 75 Trench Art
1/22/2005
Nathan

75 DE C H 485L 17 H I found this old shell casing at a thrift store that is beautifully engraved but I have no idea the date or origin or anything. I tried researching it but no luck, I have pictures I took of it if wanted, e-mail me at DrZoidberg89@aol.com, I am really curious to know.

Answer:
Nathan- The markings indicate that the case is a relatively common case from the French 75mm gun, one of the main artillery pieces used by Allied forces in WW1. The fancy engraving and or relief work were probably added after the war as the clever French turned to making tourist souvenirs from the debris of war which littered their farms and villages. Some people collect "trench art" and think it is cool or beautiful, but it just does not appeal to me. I never figured out what Andy Warhol was all about, but love the art of Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth. Guess we can collect or admire whatever we like. John Spangler

# 10442 - Rossi Derringer
1/22/2005
John, Tacoma, WA

Made in Brazil Firearms Int'l Corp Washington D.C. I have inherited this double barreled (side by side) derringer from my deceased father and can find no information on it. I'd like to know when it was manufactured and it's approximate value.

Answer:
John, I also have not been able to find any information on Rossi Derringers. I can tell you that value for Rossi firearms in general is low. I would expect to see a pistol like yours for sale at a gunshow in the $50.00 range. For more information try posting a question on the appropriate forum at ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 10431 - Find Needle In A Haystack
1/18/2005
Desta, Osage Beach, MO

My Dad used this gun in WWII. I would love to buy it for him. How would I find out if this gun still exists?

Answer:
Desta, the chances of finding your father's rifle are slim to none. The U. S. Government did not maintain a central registry. Frank Mallory spent years working in the National Archives searching for documents filed by military units that listed serial numbers and we have made his findings available online at www. armscollector.com. I checked your father's serial number and it is not in the database.

The rifle you describe was an early model that was originally manufactured in the gas trap configuration. By the time your father got it, it would have been changed to the later standard configuration. Springfield Armory made 5.6 million M1 Garands. The chance of finding your fathers is therefore about 1 out of 5.6 million. You might want to post this same question on the M1 section of the CSP website, there is a link on our links page. Marc

# 10421 - Eibar Revolver
1/18/2005
Chris Abel; Sneads, FL

''MADE IN SPAIN'' stamped above trigger an animal with its' tongue sticking out on the barrel, in between the barrel and cylinder and on the cylinder itself I recently found this revolver in the bottom of a closet at my great aunt's house. I am curious as to where and when this gun was made and how my aunt and uncle came by it. The pistol has probably been in the closet for over 30 years.

Answer:
Chris, You have one of the many inexpensive revolvers manufactured in Eibar Spain in the first half of the last century for export to the United States. This is the type of revolver that was typically purchased by people who did not know a lot about guns and who did not want to spend a lot of money. Many Eibar revolvers were manufactured using inferior quality steel and are not considered safe to fire. Demand for these revolvers, especially in .32 caliber is very low, value is probably in the $50 or less range. Marc

# 10626 - Wooden Bullet Myths Persist
1/18/2005
Marion Beaverton Oregon

Its not a question, but a comment on #4924 from July 19, 2002 about a wooden bullet question. It displays here: http://oldguns.net/cgi-bin/f2f/f2f.pl?http://oldguns.net/q&a7_02.htm Anyhow, I was reading ''MARINE'' about General Lewis B. Puller. In that book there was a reference made to wood bullets used by the Japanese in a major battle against the marines. Apparently the bullets were used by the Japanese to protect their own soldiers that had infiltrated the Marines. The wood bullets were intended to hurt US troops at close distance, but burn or disintegrate before hitting the Japanese laying low in hiding behind US lines. That's according to the book.

Answer:
Marion- Undoubtedly some people believe the earth is flat, the Apollo moon landings were a hoax done in Hollywood, and Elvis is alive. Nothing you can do or say will convince them otherwise. You do know, of course, that JFK assassination was really plotted by Lyndon Johnson, and there are books to prove that if you want to look for them. I am sure that many GI's may have believed the stories about wooden bullets being intended for this or that, but the actual facts simply do not support such misconceptions. Wooden bullets were blanks, period. I have to go now, because Bill Gates is going to send me a gazillion dollars if I forward an email to everyone I know........ Maybe PT. Barnum was right. John Spangler

# 10623 - ???? Brothers New Orleans Pistol And Powder Flasks
1/15/2005
John, Anderson, SC

(something?)Brothers New Orleans I have an old percussion belt pistol. It is all metal with fairly detailed engraving all over it. Markings on top of the barrel are something like ( ? RON BROTHERS NEW ORLEANS). It is a large caliber probably 40 or more. I would say it is in very good condition if properly cleaned and hammer/trigger mechanism works although the trigger must have slight forward pressure to cause the hammer to lock back. Also have several powder flask. One is stamped with an anchor with U.S.N. very good shape with despensing cap. Another is a hunter with long gun and two hunting dogs, this one has no cap. Another is stamped with stars and O's with DIXON stamped at the top, it has despensing cap but is dented.. I am not looking to sell them but rather looking for any information or how might I get information on them. If you help in any way I would greatly appreciate it. Much Thanks

Answer:
John- Your pistol may have been made in N'awlins, or since partying and sweating are the main occupations there, it was more likely imported and the name is a dealer rather than a manufacturer. New Orleans was a destination for blockade runners during the early part of the Civil War until the city was captured by the Yankees in the late spring of 1862. English brothers Ferdinand and Francis Cook were operating in New Orleans during that time (and perhaps before the war as well) and with their English connections would likely have been involved in the business of importing arms from England. They also sold arms to the state of Alabama, and got a contract to make 30,000 arms for the Confederacy, so they were in the manufacturing business as well as importing. The Cook Brothers prudently left town just before the Yankees arrived, and ended up in Athens, Georgia where they continued to produce arms for the Confederacy. Any Confederate used gun has great collector interest and will inspire some to invest huge sums of money in them. The Cook Brothers are the only firm with Brothers in the name that I know of from New Orleans, but there may be others.

# 10618 - 1903A3 Remington Shooter Or Decorator?
1/15/2005
Chad Salt Lake City Utah

Barrel says RA and underneath is a picture of a flaming bomb, underneath that is 3-43. An R is stamped on the bayonet holder, as well as the site at the end of the barrel. There is a K stamped into the stock just below the bolt (under a flap that says off/on), and a P stamped into the stock just behind the trigger guard. There's another longer stamp on the stock in between the trigger guard and the bolt, but I can't quite make it all out (it's in a box though, and might have a C or a 9 in it, it's hard to tell). Above the serial number is stamped into the metal U.S., then Remington, then below that Model 03-A3 I was recently talking to an aunt of mine about 2 guns that were residing at my Grandma's house. I told her I'd love to take them, since no one else had claimed or wanted them. One of them was a little .22 rifle, the other is the Remington 03-A3 I'm asking about. I believe that this gun was carried by my great grandfather in parades, and used as part of military funeral services around the state by him as well. What I would like to know is this: 1: Is this is a gun that should just be hung on the wall, or is it one that would be good to shoot? I'd really like to use it as a shooter, but it's in really good condition and I don't want to ruin it if it's something that shouldn't be used. 2. If I am able to use it as a shooter, what ammo would you recommend using, and are there any other special considerations when shooting this rifle (i.e. don't fully load the chamber under the bolt with ammo, etc). I apologize if these are common questions, but I was unable to find any specifics about this gun through searching. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer:
Chad- The Remington Model 1903A3 rifles were well made and if in good condition will handle any standard .30-06 ammo you are likely to find. (Have it checked by a competent gunsmith so your heirs can sue them if it blows up and kills you.) Lots of these rifles (often brand new) were sold off to NRA members in the 1960s for very low prices, and they used to be found at nearly every gun show. Recently they have been getting harder to find in excellent condition and a lot got turned into cheap deer rifles. As far as proper method for using, it sounds like you do not have a lot of experience with guns. It would be a good idea to take a good gun safety course, or a hunter safety course. Here in Utah these are often offered in the adult education classes in the schools at night, or at one of the Department of Wildlife Resources shooting ranges. Or, go to one of the local gun shows and folks there will love to answer your questions, and you can get ear protectors and find out more about ranges and clubs for shooters and collectors. The Utah Gun Collectors Association has some of the best little shows in the country for people who are really interested in guns. (see their web site http://ugca.org for photos of some of the great displays and fun shooting events they put on.) The larger Crossroads of the West "camo and ammo" flea market gun shows have something for everyone, from cell phones to chiropractors and some guns as well. Hope this helps. John Spangler

# 10420 - Unique Firearm
1/15/2005
Russell, Crossett, Arkansas

top of barrel has marking''made in France''. Inside were hammer strikes firing pin, on left side of firing is number 657 . I have been unable to locate any information on this gun. Right side of slide has-MANUFACTURE D' ARMES DES PYRENEES Fses -HENDAYE-. Left of slide is marked-''J.C. Higgins . Model 85''and below that -22 Cal.Long Rifle 590.850- Just above right side of trigger is number 508208 . Gun has most of blue pretty worn and some visible rust. Gun will fire but was not kept in very good shape! Have any ideas? Thank you

Answer:
Russell, I was unable to find any information on the J.C. Higgins Model 85 and you did not provide a barrel length so I don't even know if we are talking about a handgun or a rifle. With the information at hand, the most that I can tell you is that firearms manufactured by Unique of Hendaye, France often bear MANUFACTURE D' ARMES DES PYRENEES Fses -HENDAYE markings. Marc

# 10418 - Star Pistol
1/11/2005
Rex Kalama, WA

On the left side of the slide... Boniface Echeverria Eibar (espana) CAL. 9M/M-380 <> Wood checkered grips with a circle and inside the circle ''Star'' & ''trademark'' around a 6 pt star. This is a small automatic handgun brought home in 1945, by my Grandfather, after WWII was over in Europe. It appears to be Spanish. I would like any information you might have. It has an extra clip and original leather holster. In very nice condition.

Answer:
Rex, it is hard to say for sure what you have without seeing your pistol. My guess is that you have a Star Model D. The Model D was first introduced around 1922, it was a smaller steel frame version of Star's earlier Model A, chambered for .380 ACP (9mm Short) with several minor variations. The Model D was widely used by Spanish police forces and became known as the 'Police & Pocket' (Policia y Bolsillo) model. The Model D remained in production until 1947 and records indicate that total production was about 40,416. Marc

# 10415 - H&R (not S&W) Revolver
1/11/2005
Kevin, Valdosta, GA

Seven sided barrel/H&R Arms Company, Worcester, Mass, USA/32 S&W CTGE/ Can you tell me anything about this side arm and is it worth anything?

Answer:
Kevin, the first thing that I can tell you is that your revolver is a Harrington & Richardson not a Smith & Wesson. The "32 S&W" marking is for the caliber of the revolver, not the manufacturer.

Harrington & Richardson first introduced the Model 1904 in 1904, it was available in both .32 S&W and .38 CF calibers. The model was a typical H&R double action a solid-frame gate-loaded design with a four inch octagonal barrel, good-sized butt, and cylinder that was removed by extracting the axis pin. The 1904 was virtually indistinguishable from later H&R models 1905 and 1906. Model 1904 barrels were marked 'H & R Arms Company Worcester Mass'. Solid-frame revolvers like the Model 1904 were marketed widely in rural areas and were popular there because of their cheapness and simplicity. For more information, you may want to try asking your question in one of the forums at our new site: www. ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 10614 - Date Of WRA Co Cartridge
1/11/2005
Dan Whitefish MT

I found this cartridge by some trade beads and arrow points in an old Indian camp and was wondering about the era this was used.

Answer:
Dan- About 1940 the headstamp marking used by Winchester was changed from WRA Co to just WRA, so it is pre-1940, but it could go back to about 1900. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 10612 - Venezuela Model 1924/30 Mauser Carbine
1/8/2005
Lee Oberlin, Kansas

Left side of receiver FAB.NAT.D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL - BELGIUE UNABLE TO SEE CREST CLEARLY BUT CAN READ VENZUALA. IT DOES LOOK SIMULAR THE VENZUALA CREST. Number all matching, bent bolt like the later WWII 98's . Bayonet lug. This gun was purchase and still wrapped and drenched in Cosmoline. Has matching bayonet ( number is also matching) it is unfired. There is no date on this rifle. What is this ''carbine'' I can not find information anywhere, barrel length is off and the bent bolt. Two local ''smiths'' have seen this and four local collectors and they all agree this is UNALTERED. Barrel is too short and the bent bolt is very confusing.

Answer:
Lee- I think you have a real treasure in that condition with matching bayonet. Based on your description, it is probably the Model 24/30 carbine which was apparently issued to police type units in rural areas. Anyone interested in Mauser rifles of any sort really should spend the $40 or so and get a copy of Robert Ball's "Mauser Military Rifles of the World". It is loaded with photos, histories, descriptions and other neat stuff about the unbelievable variety of models and nations using them. Mausers are a great collecting field, and many (except the popular WW2 German rifles) are still available at reasonable prices. John Spangler

# 10609 - Polish Radom Small Bore Training Rifle
1/8/2005
Johnnie Nashville Tenn.

I purchased this rifle from a friend and he said it was a old milt. training rifle it is shootable but missing the front barrel guard is there any value to this and is parts available for it thank you

Answer:
Johnnie- I am not familiar with this specific model, but military .22 training rifles is an interesting collecting field. (I just decided to add about 6 to my collection). I know a very little German and no Polish, but the KbK markings may indicate something about small caliber rifle. The S wz 31 is very similar to the German practice of assigning designations to captured arms designating the country (wz was used for some other Polish arms as I recall) and the 31 is probably a model or year designation. It is probably similar to one of the Polish service rifles, and bands and stock parts from one of them may fit. My guess is that a collector would pay something in the $150-450 range for a rifle as you describe. John Spangler

# 10232 - 1920s Rohm?
1/8/2005
Dennis, Detroit, Michigan

GMBH Sontheim / Brenz? (on barrel) This gun was recovered with a metal detector on Belle Isle here in Detroit, in an area that was used extensively by rum runners and bootleggers in the 20's. I want to know if you can tell me if this gun's serial number would indicate who originally owned it, reported stolen or wanted by the authorities. Considering where it was found, I have little doubt it was disposed of after it was used in a crime. Can we be lucky enough to trace it's origin to Detroit's infamous purple gang! Thanks much yoose guys. Diver Den

Answer:
Dennis, Rohm GmbH, Sontheim/Brenz was a West German company who produced a line of cheap revolvers, for export to the U.S. in the days prior to the Gun Control Act of 1968. It is possible that your revolver was used in the commission of a crime but since Rohm was founded after W.W.II, it is not possible that the crime occurred in the 1920s.

I do not have access to police records and am therefore unable to check your serial number. If you have any police officer friends, they may be willing to check depending on their departments policy. Marc

# 10185 - 4 Inch Stainless Steel Browning 25?
1/4/2005
Norma Alvin, Texas

inscription on chamber has a stick lion with p.v. under it then a star with R. then a crown with a circle under it with the letters E. l.g. in it. the gun has pearl like plastic grips with chip on one. It has a gold plated trigger. I have the molded case with Browning molded on the top. I would like to know when the gun was made and if it is of any value?

Answer:
Norma, from the information you sent it is hard to determine what you have. My first guess would be that your pistol is a Browning "Vest Pocket" model, these were small 6.35mm (.25 ACP) pistols but they had 2 inch barrels. To the best of my knowledge, the Vest Pocket was never offered in stainless steel. I do not know of any Browning 6.35mm pistols that were made of stainless steel and came with a 4-inch barrel. Perhaps your pistol is nickel plated rather than stainless steel or all of the original blue finish has been worn off. Is it possible that you measured the length of the entire slide instead of the length of just the barrel?

Just incase my initial guess was correct, the Vest Pocket was manufactured by Fabrique Nationale from 1906 to 1959. Total production was about 1,086,133 pistols. Value will depend on condition. If all of the finish is gone, or if the pistol has been re-finished, value will be in the $50 range. If the pistol has the original finish and is in excellent condition, I would expect to see it sell in the $250 to $350 range. Marc

# 10181 - Savage "99M" Marking
1/4/2005
John, Greenfield, MO

none, Has Leopold Scope with scope mount adjustments, no internal adjustments for scope Would like to know: How many were made of this model? What the ''M'' means? Poss. Current value?

Answer:
John, "99M" markings can be found on Savage Model 99F, 99PE, and 99DE rifles. The "99M" is not a model designation, it was used to indicate that the rifle came equipped with a Monte Carlo stock.

The value of your rifle will depend on which model it is and condition.

• Model 99PE rifles were elaborately engraved, had, fancy wood with hand cut checkering and a plated receiver, tang, and lever. 99PE values range from about $200 to over $1300
• Model 99DE rifles, were similar to the Model 99PE, except they had less engraving and pressed rather than checkering. 99DE values range from about $200 to a little over $900
• Model 99F rifles were more plain, they had a solid frame with no engraving and a checkered pistol grip stock. 99F values range from about $200 to a little over $350.

Marc

# 10570 - Fake Or Real Trapdoor Carbine?
1/4/2005
Jerry, Napa, CA.

The carbine has C.14 stamped into stock on the left side of stock just above the butt plate. I would like to know about the ram rod trap in the butt plate. My plate has a small piece of metal with groves in it so you can take your finger and push it to the side. There are two holes under the little door, one is one half inch in diameter and holds the three piece ram rod, the other hole is below the half inch hole and it is one inch by three inches and holds the tool and broken shell remover. I was wondering if this was correct or should there be one large hole for everything. Thank you. Jerry

Answer:
Jerry- With very, very few exceptions all the documented M1873 trapdoors with serial numbers near yours are rifles, not carbines, so that immediately makes me suspicious that you may have a cut down rifle, not a carbine. The early trapdoor carbines had a solid buttplate with no storage for stuff in the butt, so we know that at least the stock and buttplate have been replaced, but this was common arsenal practice, so it may or may not be significant. However the inletting for the junk in the butt was done in two basic styles. The carbine butts had three holes, on top of each other, and the center one of the three had a hole about 9/16" diameter by about 3 inches deep, in addition to the 1/4" by about 9" hole in all three for the rod. Each of the three cleaning rods would fit in one of the holes, and the center would also accommodate the 1877 ruptured cartridge extractor. The Model 1888 rod bayonet rifles also used the same type of carbine buttplate with the trap you describe. However, the M1888 inletting was basically two holes about 9/16" x 3" deep with a slot on the right hand side connecting the two. The 1888 rifle carried a M1879 combination tool, a M1882 headless shell extractor, and a small tip to fit on the end of the rod bayonet to hold the patch properly. You should check the forend of your stock carefully to make sure there is no evidence of a cleaning rod/bayonet hole being filled in, or replacement of the entire tip at the band. There are a number of other key features for the early "pre Custer" trapdoor carbines, and the fakers make a lot of money selling their deceptive handicrafts to suckers. If you don't know your diamonds, you better know your jeweler! John Spangler

# 10569 - New England Westinghouse M1891 Mosin Nagant Rifle
1/1/2005
Scott, Miamisburg, Ohio

Bolt action. x5 on left side of barrel x2, y23,y40 on the right side, 25,11 in center below the serial # and above. I have 7.62mm Russian ammo. This gun has long range sights, what do the numbers represent on the side and in the tower. This gun is in excellent condition and all markings are clearly visible. What is this guns value?

Answer:
Scott- I don't know where the "Winchester" info comes from but if it says New England Westinghouse and it takes 7.62x54R Russian ammo, we know exactly what it is. During World War I, the Stevens facilities were turned over to "New England Westinghouse" who produced about 750,000 Russian Mosin Nagant rifles under contract for the Czarist government. After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the U.S. government purchased about 280,000 undelivered rifles from New England Westinghouse (and Remington who also made this model). Many of these were issued to stateside training units but a few went to U.S. troops later sent to fight in Russia on the side of the "White Russians" against the Communist "Red Russians". The U.S. issued rifles are marked with "U.S." and ordnance bomb inspector markings, usually on the stock. Some of the rifles that had been delivered to the Russians, and others that later were sold on the surplus market ended up being captured/bought by Finland and used against the Commie Russians during the "Winter War" 1940-41. The Finnish rifles are marked with SA in a block. Value depends greatly on condition, any mixed numbers on parts, and if it has U.S. and/or Finnish markings. We see klunky Finns selling for as little as $59 (sometimes with the bayonet) and we have seen superb US marked examples bring as much as $500. John Spangler

# 10558 - Colt Model 1903 .38 Revolver
1/1/2005
Bill, Louisville, KY

Inspectors stamps JFH and KSM stamped in numerous places. Colt Patents Aug 5, 1885, Nov 6, 1888, and Mar 5, 1895. Serial numbers penciled in on inside of grips. 1904 just above and in front of grip on left side, stamp very faint. I'm trying to find out about this revolver, purchased it with two 1911s which are easy to research. Have tried numerous websites searching for info, but usually only come up with the 1903 rifle. I did find one site that actually had one that looked similar, and was a 1903, the site said there were only 12500 purchased by the Army and the serial range was 200,000 to 212,500, much lower than the one I have. This pistol is in great shape, would just like to know a little about what I have.

Answer:
Bill- Colt's "New Model Army & Navy Revolver" introduced in 1889 was extensively used by both the Army and the Navy. The Army designated minor variations as Models 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901 and 1903. Total production, including civilian sales, was about 291,000 between 1892 and 1907.

# 10179 - 39A Manufacture Date
1/1/2005
Heath, Candain, TX, USA

On top Of Barrel - The Marlin Firearms Corporation New Haven, CCNN. U.S.A. - Patented On Barrel close to action - 22 S,L, & LR Behind Hammer - Marlin MOD. 39 The Serial # is S7965. Does the S denote that the following numbers are the serial #, or is it part of the serial #? I was wondering so I could age this rifle. If the S is not part of the #, I believe it would be a 1884 production. Thanks for any info.

Answer:
Heath, references indicate that Marlin first introduced the Model 39 in 1922 so your estimated manufacture date is a little early. The 39 was a Lever Action - .22 rifle that could chamber .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle cartridges. Model 39 rifles had 24-inch octagon barrels, case hardened receivers, and lever, S-shaped pistol grip stocks with hard rubber buttplates. Marlin manufactured 40,000 to 50,000 Model 39 rifles from 1922 to 1938.

The Model 39A rifle, was manufactured from 1939 to the present, it was similar to the Model 39, but had a round barrel, and a heavier beavertail-type forend. Early 39A rifles (manufactured before 1945) had a case hardened receiver, rifles manufactured after 1945 had a blue receiver. Butstocks with flutes and a comb were introduced in 1951, and Micro-Groove rifling was introduced in 1954.

Marlin 39A rifles manufactured from 1948 to 1968 have a one or two letter code that was used to designate the year of manufacture. The year of manufacture for S code serial numbers is 1958 to 1959. Marc

# 10178 - Revelation Value
1/1/2005
Phillip, Columbia, Kentucky

none What is the current value of this gun in excellent condition?

Answer:
Phillip, there is not a lot of demand for firearms that bear the revelation brand name. It has been my experience that you will be lucky to sell your 100A for over $65. Marc