# 14624 - Hiawatha 22
1/29/2013
Allan Fort Frances Ontario Canada

I purchased this in 1966 what would it be worth

Answer:
Allan, the brand "Hiawatha" is what is known to gun collectors as a "house brand". House brand firearms were sold under the brad name of the retailer who marketed them but they were manufactured by other companies, much like Sears would sell Whirlpool or GE appliances under the "Kenmore" label. Hiawatha is a trade name used by Gamble Skogmo on firearms manufactured for them by Savage. It has been my experience that house brand firearms always have a significantly lower value then comparable models by the original manufacturer. I would expect to see a Hiawatha rifle selling at a gunshow in the $100 or less range. Marc

# 14579 - Shotgun Values
1/29/2013
Russell

I have two old shotguns: American Gun Co. New York #72916. This gun has hammers but accepts regular shells. The other is a Riverside Arms Company from Chicopee Galls, Mass. USA Patent April 20, 1915 Proof Tested 12 GA. Are they worth anything other than to me?

Answer:
Russell- I would expect to find ones matching your description offered at a gun show at prices around $50-150 for one marked American GUN (not Arms) Company, which really should not be shot with modern ammunition. (American Arms was out of Boston and made better quality guns, but value will be around the same

The Riverside was made by Stevens for sale by Montgomery Ward department stores, and they are pretty decent guns and I might see one of those priced more like $150-250 as they are popular with cowboy action shooters nowadays.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14620 - Modle 1890 Chambered In .22 WRF
1/26/2013
Mike, Germantown, Ohio,

Octagon barrel, Matching serial numbers, Metal butt plate, Walnut stock, No cracks in wood, VG condition. Date Manufactured? Worth?

Answer:
Mike, the Model 1890 was Winchester’s first slide action repeating rifle, it was introduced to replace the .22 caliber model 1872. The model 1890 was popular due to the fact that it was both inexpensive and very well made. The Model 1890 was available in four different chamberings, 22 Short, 22 Long, 22 Long Rifle and 22 Winchester Rim Fire(WRF). Rifles were chambered specifically for each individual caliber and were not interchangeable as are many modern 22 rifles. Model 1890’s are sometimes called "gallery rifles" because they were used almost universally in shooting galleries of the era. Your Model 1890 was manufactured after 1940.

Model 1890 values depend greatly upon condition and the caliber that they are chambered in. Your rifle is chambered in .22 WRF (Winchester Rim Fire), this ammunition is obsolete and getting very hard to find. Older boxes of .22 WRF are seen on the collector market at $30 per box (and up!). In recent years, Winchester produced more, with that made circa 1986 selling for about $10 per box, but the latest a little cheaper, perhaps $6 per box.

Most 1890’s were heavily used and so specimens in excellent condition bring a premium. Values for 1890 Winchesters manufactured after 1901 range from $150.00 to over $1000.00. I think that your rifle will be in the $600 or less range because of the .22 WRF chambering. Marc

# 14461 - Tourist Blunderbuss
1/26/2013
Casey Riverside, Ca

Right side on hammer plate crescent moon with 5 stars. 2 rows of 5 inverted V`s in front of hammer. 9 pins holding the plate on. Cap lock action, primer nipple out of round. Barrel: lots of scroll work: 27 bird like objects pointed towards the butt stopped by a large V pointing forwards. Many tiny v`s along the perimeter of the barrel. Trigger assembly appears to have been replaces since it does not fit entirely into the carved out section where it fits. Front of barrel fastened with wire to the stock. Many ''c'' shapes and two rings grooved to the circumference around the tip if the barrel. It has a ramrod that can not be removed because of the wire around the barrel Inside of the barrel is clean with slight rust. This gun looks like a tiny rifle, complete with a butt stock and more engraving then I can describe. I would never put this thing to my shoulder to fire it! It was given to my son. The owner said he bought it in Manila though it seems to be Turkish in my mind. Is this a piece made for the tourist trade? Any idea of a time frame when it was made? Is it worth more then loosing a hand trying to fire it? Any collector value besides being an interesting, old, strange gun to put on the wall?

Answer:
Casey- I think you have pretty well analyzed the gun, and figured out the answers. I believe you are correct, and that it is indeed a “tourist” gun, make any time from a few days to a few decades before it was sold. They seem to emphasize extensive decoration to overcome the flaws in fit, finish and function. I would NEVER attempt to fire one of these! Value is mainly as a decorative item, probably a couple hundred dollars max and perhaps less than $100, if you can find a buyer at all. John Spangler

# 14617 - Short Barreled Stevens
1/22/2013
Robert , Portland, Oregon , USA

How old is this gun? What's the value? And what are the chances of finding a removable stock?

Answer:
Robert, the National Firearms Act passed in 1934 basically outlawed machine guns and sawed off shotguns/rifles. The only exception is if a firearm is already registered.

People who had them were required to register them with the Treasury Department. The Gun Control Act of 1968 had a whole bunch of requirements concerning gun sales, and also included an “Amnesty Period” for people who had not previously registered their machine gun or sawed off shotgun/rifle to do so without any penalty. That Amnesty Period expired in 1968, and there has never been another, and it is highly unlikely that there will ever be another.

Sawed off ("short barreled") rifles are any rifle with a barrel length of less than 16 inches, with an overall length of less than 26 inches. Possession of an unregistered machine gun or sawed off rifle/shotgun is a federal felony with big hard time sentences and hefty fines (something like 10 years and/or $10,000 fine). BATF prosecutes a lot of these cases, even if the owner is not using the gun in holdups or anything. If your Stevens is not registered, I recommend that you contact your local law enforcement authorities and tell them that you want to turn it this firearm in for destruction. Marc

# 14457 - USMC Rosettes On Trapdoor Bayonet Scabbards
1/22/2013
Col Ed -SC- West Friendship, MD

A member of SABC has for sale a metal bayonet scabbard for the Springfield Bayonet circa 1873 and later. The rosette on the frog has USMC rather than the usual US etc. He says they are quite rare. I tend to agree since my research has tuned up not a thing...any thoughts? Thank you much... Semper Fidelis

Answer:
Ed-  You are correct.  The brass rosette on the trapdoor bayonet scabbard was usually marked “US” or “U.S” for federal use, but everyone wanted to get “special” ones, so eventually they were made as:

• "GCC" Geogetown College Cadets (MD or KY - RARE)
• "IND" Indiana
• "KSG" for Kentucky (formerly thought to be Kansas) State Guard
  
• "MASS" Massachusetts
  
• "MG" Morris Guards (NJ - RARE)
  
• "NC" North Carolina (scarce)
  
• "NG" National Guard (location unknown)
  
• "NGP" for National Guard Pennsylvania
  
• "NJ" for New Jersey
  
• "OHIO" Ohio (state troops)
  
• "RIM" for "Rhode Island Militia"
  
• "USN" for the US Navy
  
• "USMC" Marine Corps (RARE)

# 14455 - Model 1899 Krag
1/19/2013
Fred, Sonoma CA USA

I came across a Springfield 1899 serial number 283396. I was able to figure out that it was manufactured in 1900. I noticed there seems to be a part missing and I was wondering if you could tell me what it is or how to locate one. On the left side of the frame just forward of the bolt there seems to be a cut out in the stock and a tapped hole. I have seen the piece on a YouTube video but unclear as to what it is, the rear sight was replaced with a full buckhorn sight from Marbles and the fore end of the stock looks shorter than that I have seen on other models. The stock doesn't look like it has been cut down at all but there is only about an inch and a half after the ring. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Fred

Answer:
Fred- The Model 1899 markings was used exclusively on carbines with 22 inch barrels. I am not clear on details of the hole you mention. I think this may be the hole in the left side of the receiver, parallel with the axis of the bolt body, entering from the back of the receiver. This would be for the “magazine cutoff” which fits into the hole and has a “L” shaped arm on the back. When in one position, it blocks the cartridges from feeding up from the magazine, and in the other position the magazine feeds every time the bolt is operated. Or, if the hole is drilled from the side of the receiver, perpendicular to the axis of the bolt body, then it was probably for some sort of after market receiver sight. A good check to see if the stock has been cut down is to see how the barrel bend is held in place. Carbine stocks had a band spring on the right side of the stock (about 2” long by 3/16” wide) while the rifle stocks used a pin passing complete through the stock just ahead of the band, and sticking up just a tiny bit above the level of the wood. Search for “1899 Krag carbine” to find some photos to compare with your gun. John Spangler

# 14618 - J C Higgins Value
1/19/2013
Bruce, Alpharetta, GA

none I want to sell the rifle. What is a fair selling price. The stock is in average condition, l no rust, shoots straight.

Answer:
Bruce - sorry to give you bad news but there is not much demand for J C Higgins firearms. If I were selling your rifle, I would be very happy to get anything over $75. Good luck - Marc.

# 14613 - Universal Time Period
1/15/2013
Dale Riceville TN

What generation or time period it was manufactured? Thanks

Answer:
Dale, Universal Firearms Corporation of Hialeah, Florida is best known for their copies of the .30 M1 Carbine, and M1 Carbine variations with different stocks and sights. Universal started out in the late 1950s putting together M-1 carbines using surplus GI parts with their own receivers. They operated from the late 1950s until 1983 when they were taken over by Iver Johnson. The Universal Firearms facilities were moved to Arkansas in the summer of 1984.

# 14452 - USMC Model 1903 (1941) Marine Sniper Rifle
1/15/2013
Kaleu.Viera, Fl.

The marine sniper 1903A1 rifle with the 8 power scope. Did the bolt handle have to be modified like the 1903A4 or did it clear the scope tube? thanks

Answer:
Kaleu- The USMC sniper rifles with the Unertl 8 power target scopes installed did NOT need to have the bolt handles bent, or the stock notched for a bent bolt. Basically, they were M1903A1 National Match style rifles with the scope added, and no other alterations. John Spangler

# 14449 - Marlin Model 1894
1/12/2013
Jeffrey, Forked River, NJ

Last Patent date on barrel is 1893, A ''Star'' is on the Tang behind ''Mod 94'' The serial number is odd (Low) since this is an all numbers matching gun in Mod 94. What can you tell me about date of manufacture or if there is anything special with this gun. It hardly looks used with a perfect bore and all of the bluing on the barrel and some case color remaining on the receiver. Thanks, Jeff

Answer:
Jeffrey- Sorry, we just do not know that much about Marlins. Your best bet is to consult William Brophy’s definitive book “Marlin Firearms” or ask on the Marlin Collectors page. John Spangler

# 14608 - 1896 Mauser Value
1/12/2013
Doug Beverley, Lynchburg, Va.

Gun is in great condition and has all factory markings. Waffenfabrik Mauser Oberndorf a. Neckar above handle and Waffenfabrik, Mauser, Oberndorf stamp on barrel. It also has wooden case/arm stock The gun is in great condition, mechanical and bluing are great. It was brought over from World War II. I am thinking of selling it and wonder the value or selling price.

Answer:
Doug, Your serial number (289,620) falls in between the standard pre-war commercial serial number range (39,000-274,000) and the standard wartime commercial serial number range (290,000-440,000). Both variations are some of the most commonly encountered of all M1896 broomhandles. These pistols were chambered in 7.63 Mauser, they came with a 5.5 inch barrel, 10 shot magazine, 34 groove walnut or checkered black rubber grips and usually 50-1,000 meter adjustable rear sight.

Values for standard pre-war commercial model Mauser C-96 pistols range from about $350 to over $2000 depending on condition, and values for standard wartime commercial model Mauser C-96 pistols range from about $350 to over $1800, again, depending on condition.

Value for the stock / holster can be as high as $500 or more depending on condition. If the stock has numbers that match the serial numbers of your pistol, the value of the set could be increased by as much as $750 or more. Marc

If you decide to sell, let us know, we would be interested in purchasing. Marc

# 14603 - Gecado Sun 1
1/8/2013
Mike

On the bolt/ 95/with a crown beneath Where and when was it made? Are pics available?

Answer:
Mike, I was not able to come up with any info on Gecado Sun 1 rifles. References indicate that Mauser type sporting rifles were marketed under the Gecado brand name by Dornheim of Suhl, Germany between WWI and WWII. Dornheim was one of Germany's principal wholesalers of guns and hunting goods during that time period. Marc

# 14446 - Springfield (?) Rifle?
1/8/2013
Remington

Remington on Barrel and Serial Number above which could me less the Model 03 numbers Can you tell me what the history on this rifle? Built for the military for World War I or World War II? Does it have any value? Wood Stock, military sights.

Answer:
Sorry, I give up on this one. I cannot tell if this was made by Remington or Springfield. There is no “Model 1903A” and none of the standard M1903 rifles has 26 inch barrels. (Some of the handful of special heavy barrel target rifles did.)

The serial number would be for a M1903A3 rifle made by Remington during WW2 with a 24 inch barrel. For values consult dealer listings. John Spangler

# 14442 - M1903 Springfield Value
1/5/2013
Hunter

Military weapon, P marking. Mk AAA walnut finish How much is it worth? When is it from?

Answer:
Hunter- Sorry, we don’t have enough information to tell you much. It sounds like a standard rifle, but I get the feeling that it may have been tinkered with, so I will not even guess. John Spangler

# 14601 - FIE Panzer Derringer
1/5/2013
Cindy, Springfield, Mo. U.S.

Florida Firearms, F I E, 2 Shot, barrel turns. Do you have any idea what the value would be?

Answer:
Cindy, FIE stands for Firearms Import Export company, they operated out of Hialeah, Florida (part of Miami) from about 1980 until 1990 when they declared bankruptcy. Your gun was probably made between those dates. Most of the firearms that FIE imported were inexpensive lower quality types.

A quick internet search indicates that the Panzer Derringer is a cheap modern copy of the old Wheeler Derringer design from the mid 1800's. The original Wheeler guns were said to have been much better made than the modern Panzer copies and they are popular with collectors.

My internet search also resulted in several modern Panzer Derringers that are being offered for sale, all of them are in the $75 range. Marc

# 14443 - Starting A Gun Museum
1/1/2013
Oregon

I want to open a gun museum in Tumalo Oregon. I have a beautiful single level new building in this western tourist town. Where can I get info to do so? I don't know a thing about guns 714-510- 7388 Lyn Bishop

Answer:
Lyn- Anyone can open a museum with a few artifacts, some labels to identify them, and a sign by the road. Actually getting people to visit is a lot harder, and trying to make it pay for itself (even the utility bills for heat and lights) is even tougher.

Frankly, I think a small gun museum in a small town might be a whole lot more work than the number of potential visitors might justify.

A better approach would be to find a nearby historical society or local history museum and work to beef up the inclusion of relevant firearms in their operation. Either as part of their permanent collections, or as a temporary exhibit. Good luck! John Spangler

# 14597 - Looking For Auction Prices
1/1/2013
Curtis Shoemakersville PA

Any recent auction prices available

Answer:
Curtis, my favorite auction to check is Gun Broker ( http://www.gunbroker.com/). There are allot of sellers at Gun Broker who ask unrealistic prices and as a result, their items never sell. If you look for rifles like yours that are in the same condition and that have actually sold, you will get a pretty realistic indication of the value of your rifle. Good Luck, Marc