# 11445 - Colt Derringer Set
2/28/2006
June, Glendale, AZ

Gold platted - two matching derringers in original box - consecutive serials numbers. Pearl handle grips. How old are they and what is the value.

Answer:
June, it sounds like you have a Colt Lord & Lady Derringer Set. The set was introduced in 1970 and came cased with one each of the Lord & Lady derringers (or combinations) with consecutive serial numbers. The Lord derringer had a gold-plated frame, blued barrel and walnut grips; the Lady model had a gold frame and barrel, blued hammer and trigger, and simulated pearl grips. Both pistols were chambered for .22 Short rimfire ammunition. Values for Lord & Lady Derringer Sets range from $300 to over $600 depending on condition. Marc

# 11420 - Gecado 22
2/28/2006
Bill

Just the Gecado mark. Has a wood handle with a thumb rest/grip I received this pistol from my grandfather after his death but know very little about it. What year was this particular pistol made? Is it a target pistol? What is its value if any? Thanks for any knowledge you can give me.

Answer:
Bill, the Dornheim company (Dornheim G. C. Dornheim AG, Suhl. Germany) was the marketer but not the manufacturer of Gecado pistols. Gecado pistols were all made for Dornheim by other firearms manufacturers. Pre-war Gecado pistols were low quality 6.35mm and 7.65mm 'Eibar' automatics, manufactured by SEAM (q. v.). They bore the word 'Gecado' in a diamond.

All post-war Gecado pistols were manufactured in Germany. Post-war Gecado models included various .22 caliber revolvers and a blowback operated model much like the pre-war models except for a difference in the location of the safety catch. Your pistol is a post-war model probably imported some time in the 1960s.

Collector interest in this type of pistol is typically low, they often sell in the $50 or less range. Marc

# 11732 - Trapdoor Springfield History
2/28/2006
CB southwest Michigan USA

Rifle has Model US 1884 printed on top of trapdoor at hinge and #473927 near same area. It has a ''P'' in a circle on underside engraved in wood with ''SWP 1889'' Engraved on it as well. 75 year old Dad bought this Rifle at age 13 for 5.00 An eagle is engraved in the metal with US Springfield next to it. All identifiable marks are clear and in fine shape, NOT a reproduction rifle. Would like exact history authenticating this rifle and true value. What can you suggest? Maybe interested in selling. NOT a reproduction, this I am sure of. Can you offer any words of wisdom?

Answer:
CB- There is no documented history available on your rifle. Based on the serial number, manufacture is probably 1889, the date on the stock cartouche. Sounds like a nice gun, with good collector value, in addition to the sentimental value. Take care of it and pass it on to your kids to enjoy. John Spangler

# 11721 - Parkerized Remington Mosin Nagant
2/25/2006
Marvin Eastman, Georgia

Matching serial numbers on stock receiver and bolt but has no ramrod looks better than the one you guys have for sale for 395? What is it worth? any info?

Answer:
Marvin- All, repeat ALL Remington made Mosin Nagants were delivered with a near commercial quality blue finish. Any that have a parkerized finish have been refinished sometime by someone. The may have collector interest for some, but in our opinion the value will be far less than an example with the original blue finish. John Spangler

# 11719 - Fake M1 Carbine Flip Sights
2/25/2006
Joe, Cincinnati, OH

Many Type 1 or ''flip'' sights for the M1 Carbine are faked. Is there a way to tell the difference between the USGI and the fake (reproduction)sights that the average collector can use?

Answer:
Joe- Probably your best defense against being stuck with fake stuff is to (a) buy from reputable dealers, and (b) study good reference books. For carbines that means Larry Ruth's two volume set "War Baby." The books will cost you about $150, or you can avoid getting them and purchase an education the hard way by buying fake stuff and not discovering it until later. Good reference books are the best investment any collector (of anything, not just guns) can ever make. John Spangler

# 11410 - Sears Value
2/25/2006
Lori, Great Cacapon, WV

Value of this rifle

Answer:
Lori, unfortunately there is not much collector interest in firearms that carry the Sears brand name. I would expect value to be $100 at most and maybe much less depending on the condition of the rifle. Marc

# 11409 - J.C. Higgins Date Of Manufacture
2/21/2006
John, Mead, Colorado

Any idea which year this was gun was made? Made by Marlin?

Answer:
John, my references indicate that the Sears Model 45 is the Marlin model 336C. If Marlin used the same date codes on rifles that they produced for Sears as they did on rifles that were marketed under the Marlin name, the year of manufacture for date code "U: is 1960 to August 1961. Marc

# 11419 - Remington Sportsman
2/21/2006

On left barrel near chamber-MOD OG, followed by a heart shaped mark on it's side, followed by a 'star' mark. On the right side the letters RE followed by what looks like an anchor. Receiver has a duck on inside and a pheasant on the other. Gun was acquired in early thirties. What is exact date of production? What is the going price for a gun like this with fine barrel, partial bluing, slight pitting, and several nicks and excellent finish?

Answer:
Morris, Remington manufactured the Sportsman Semi-Automatic Shotgun from 1931 to 1949. The date code that you sent me "RE" indicates that your shotgun was manufactured in November of 1936. Values for plain barrel Sportsman models range from $125 to around $350 depending on condition. I would estimate that a gun with worn bluing, pitting and various nicks and dings would sell in the $200 or less range. Marc

# 11718 - Rigby, Dublin Ireland Muzzle Loading Rifle
2/21/2006
Don, St. George, Utah

Where can I find out information on an old ornately engraved John Rigby muzzleloader that has a Dublin Ireland Address???

Answer:
Don- You probably have a very nice gun! John Rigby and William Rigby worked in Dublin Ireland and exhibited at the International Exhibition in London in 1851, so they had a reputation for doing quality work by then. William Rigby is noted as working in Dublin 1827-1867, and John Rigby in Dublin and London from 1867, and as John Rigby & Company continued well into the 20th century. Ornate large caliber percussion rifles were most in demand circa 1850-1875, so most likely ours dates to that period. I do not know of any specific references to recommend in this narrow field. To tell you any more than that we would need to see some photos. John Spangler

# 11892 - Winchester Model Blue?
2/18/2006
Martin

what year made

Answer:
Sorry Martin, never heard of that model so I can't help. If you ever figure out what model you have try using our Winchester date of manufacture link, located on the OldGuns.net menu (about 2/3rds of the way down). Marc

# 11893 - Info On A Radom
2/18/2006
Roy, Seymour, TN

Where can I find information on this gun.

Answer:
Roy, I would recommend two books," Axis Pistols" by Jan C. Still and/or "German Pistols And Holsters 1934-1945 Military - Police - NSDAP" by Lt. Col. Robert D. Whittington III. Both have excellent information on WWII Nazi handguns. Marc

# 11716 - Marbles Game Getter
2/18/2006
Jerry, Mich.

Is a Marbles Gamegetter worth anything as a collector item or are they not even looked for. Thanks

Answer:
Jerry- The Game Getter is a nifty over-under combination of a rifle barrel and a shotgun barrel. However, in 1934 all of those which had barrels less than 18 inches long were declared to be "sawed off shotguns" and illegal to possess without special registration with the BATF. Properly registered guns are eagerly sought by collectors. Those without paperwork are eagerly sought by the BATF. I have heard that someone is able to provide new barrels that will meet the minimum length to remove them from the prohibited status, but have no further details. John Spangler

# 11712 - Herter J9 Rifle
2/18/2006
Michael, Redmond, Oregon

none, there is no real serial Number, the only # found are the J9 . Is there any value to this rifle? (I still use it to hunt)

Answer:
Michael- There does not seem to be any collector interest in Herter rifles, although some other Herter products have a small cult following. Their products were well made, reasonably priced, and advertised with the most amazing variety of superlatives. "World famous, none better, etc." Sounds like your use as a hunting arm is entirely appropriate and not a bad financial decision. John Spangler

# 11407 - Unidentified .22 Rifle
2/14/2006
James Decorah, Iowa

Single shot, 22 cal. rimfire rifle. ˙Bolt action, manually cocked, ejector, bolt handle is short and straight. ˙Receiver and bolt stamped 338934. ˙Overall length, 44 3/4\". ˙Barrel is 24 1/2\", round, 5/8\" dia. Proof mark on BBl.: Double lined triangle, inside a double lined circle with a bold T inside. ˙Below the base of the triangle stamped 1933. ˙There are other markings on the trigger plate, trigger guard, butt plate and on the stock under the butt plate. ˙These are all the same: punched T with an attached K in the middle of the vertical T, making it a one character. ˙Sling swivels. ˙Sights: ˙rear, open with elev. screw. front, ramp Looking for help in identification

Answer:
James, I was able to find that "T" inside a triangle - inside a circle is a marking that was used by the Tula ordnance factory (Tulskiy Oruzheinyi Zavod)in Russia. This is the only marking of this type that I was able to find. Some small parts made at Tula were also stamped with "T" inside a circe but I was unable to find any information about "TK" markings. Possibly your rifle was made for commercial sale or as a training rifle at the Tula factory. The first weapons factory in Tula was established in 1632 by a Dutchman, Franz Marcellus. On 15 February 1712 by decree of the Czar Peter the Great, the Imperial arsenal was established there. In 1817 Tula came under Katharina II and then under the guidance of Alexander II. In 1882 there were 3,000 to 5,000 workers at Tula manufacturing between 75,000 to 160,000 Berdan rifles per year. The Tula factory manufactured miliary weapons and firearms for commercial sale. 'TOZ' or T03 (in Cyrillic) - is often found on guns made in the Tula for commercial sale. Marc

# 11406 - Pieper .22
2/14/2006
Robert

Can you tell me anything about this gun? What it's worth? When it was made. Any other information. I've searched the web, but have had no luck

Answer:
Robert, it is hard to say exactly what you have without seeing the rifle. My references list a Nicolas Pieper & Cie of Liege, who manufactured firearms from about 1908 to about 1913, perhaps you have one of these. Total production of Nicolas Pieper rifles is not known but three bolt action models were available:

• The Junior pattern was made only in 22 Short. It was a 'take-down' design with the takedown bolt beneath the forend and a simple half-stock with a straight wrist and a small rearward bar on the trigger guard. Weight was about 2.9 pounds and the rear sight was a simple fixed block.
• The Standard pattern was slightly larger than the junior, it weighed about 3.2 pounds and could chamber .22 Short .22 Long and .22 Long Rifle rimfire chamberings interchangeably. It had a nicer stock with checkering on the pistol grip and (sometimes) on the forend and sling swivels.
• The Military Trainer was usually chambered for the .22 Short cartridges. It had straight-wrist buttstock with a forend that reached almost to the muzzle. This model had a single barrel band and a plain nose cap were a primitive socket type bayonet could be attached around the front-sight base. Weight was about 3.5 pounds without the bayonet.

References also list Henri Pieper & Cie of Liege who manufactured a small quantity of firearms from 1888 to 1890. Chambering was 7.65x53 and possibly others. The actions of these rifles were locked by multiple lugs in an interrupted-thread pattern that rotated into the receiver bridge as the bolt handle was turned down.

If I were offering one of these rifles on my site, I would price it between $150 and $300 depending upon condition but I fear that it would be hard to sell for anything over $200. Marc

# 11704 - M1 Garand National Match
2/14/2006
Tom

I have this M1 national match rifle and I understand that there is a difference between the front handguard of a standard rifle and a National Match M1 --could you please tell me what the difference is Thank you Tom Gonzodr69@aol.com

Answer:
Tom- As far as I know, there is no difference between the service handgaurd and the ones used to make NM rifles. However, those installed on later NM rifles were modified to remove some extra wood where it might contact the op rod. The handguards were then permanently attached to the band using epoxy and screws. John Spangler

# 11701 - Henry Rear Sight Variations
2/11/2006
John-Wichi9ta, Ks

brass frame , lever latch, manufactured March 1864 The Henry I possess has a rear buckhorn sight, not the flipup sight you usually see. Careful examination indicate the sight was factory installed. Do you have information on why this Henry has a buckhorn sight?

Answer:
John- During 1864 Winchester was straining to meet the demand for Henry rifles from military contracts and commercial sales. There are a number of variations and anomalies, especially among the commercial sale guns, but we lack the expertise to say much about them. However, it is a simple task to drive out and reinstall a rear sight, and very difficult to detect, so I am not as certain that this is not a later owner's modification to meet their personal preferences. John Spangler

# 11563 - Low Number M1903 Safety Again
2/11/2006
Ray, Buffalo, NY

RA-P, A.A.J, on left side of stock. Barrel SA 10-42. PBS 9 44 on bottom of receiver, multiple P,s underside stock behind trigger guard, early 1903 that was rebuilt in WWII? This is a 1903 with S/N under 800,000. This means a case hardened receiver, but it appears to have been rebuilt during WWII. Is it safe to shoot?

Answer:
Ray- You are correct that your M1903 rifle was rebuilt during (or maybe slightly after) WW2. The inferior qualities of the heat treatment process used prior to mid 1918 is well documented, although debate seems endless today as to the safety or risk involved with shooting them. They were not withdrawn from service by the Marine Corps, and although the Army did withdraw them, and the DCM authorized replacement of low number rifles in the post WW2 rifle sales programs, we considered them serviceable enough to send to foreign allies. When rifles were arsenal overhauled, they did not do anything to change the heat treatment of the receiver. Indeed, there is no known way to correct the defects from original manufacture, so the low numbers that have been rebuilt are neither more nor less safe that those which were not. Some people refuse to even consider shooting the low number rifles, and others blaze away fearlessly. I guess it all boils down to Dirty Harry's old question "Are you feeling lucky?" John Spangler

# 11397 - Non Registered Machinegun?
2/11/2006

This gun has the automatic (illegal) switch. How do I go about making it legal, so that my family member can display it legally?

Answer:
Sir, unless it is regestered, there is no way to make it legal. The National Firearms Act which was passed in 1934 outlawed machine guns unless they were registered with the Treasury Department. When machine guns were registered, the owners were given papers to prove that the guns were registered, and copies are kept on file with the BATF in Washington. Possession of an unregistered machine gun is a federal felony with hard time sentences and hefty fines. You really need to review the OldGuns.net "Full Automatic (Machine Guns) & Short Barrel Shotguns & Rifles" FAQ. Marc

# 11387 - Little Scout DOM
2/7/2006
Rick , Mentor, Ohio

pat. July2-07 14 1/2 What is approximate age?

Answer:
Rick because this model was not serial numbered, the best that I can tell you is that the Little Scout Model 14-1/2 was manufactured from 1911 to 1941. It was an improved version of the original No. 14 Little Scout, with a two-piece (instead of one-piece) stock, take-down construction, and a July 1907 patent-date in the barrel markings. Marc

# 11386 - Why 30-06?
2/7/2006
Mark St.Cloud, MN

What do the numbers indicate, in the name 30.06 ( thirty odd six?) THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME -Mark

Answer:
Mark, the name 30-06 was used by the U.S. military to differentiate their newly adopted rifle cartridge from the initial 30 caliber cartridge adopted in 1890 and referred to as the 30-40 Krag. The 30 part of 30-40 signified that the bore diameter was 0.3 inches. The 40 referred to the amount of powder used to propel the projectile. They followed the naming convention used for such cartridges as the U.S. 50-70 (50 caliber and 70 grains of black powder) and the 45-70 (45 caliber and 70 grains of black powder). When the U.S. adopted the Model 1903 rifle the naming convention was changed. The caliber designation was moved to the beginning (30 caliber), and the year it was adopted came second. So the original cartridge for the newly adopted Model 1903 rifle was the U.S. caliber 30-03. In 1906 the U.S. adopted the Spitzer shaped bullet, and this cartridge was called the U.S. caliber 30-06. So that is where 30-06 came from. The Europeans name cartridges by their diameter in millimeters and the length of the cartridge case. The 30-06 round is called 7.62x63 cartridge. Marc

# 11508 - Psychic Advisor Hotline Query?
2/7/2006
OV, Willoughby Ohio

Made in 1864 I have an 1864 Winchester rifle in mint condition. I have had several offers for it, but do not know its value. Any thoughts on what would be a fair price? Thanks OV in Ohio

Answer:
OV- The only rifles Winchester was making in 1864 were Henry rifles, which are worth many thousands of dollars. However, my guess is that instead of model 3856 you may mean that the caliber is .38-56. This caliber was not introduced until 1887 so your rifle probably was not made in 1864. Your description of your rifle being in mint condition cannot be accepted at face value due to the glaring inaccuracies in the other information provided. In our experience we have often seen "mint condition" guns that turned out to be rather rough and refinished items. Therefore we can only guess at the true identify of what you have and the actual condition. It may be worth a whole lot or not very much but we certainly cannot offer any advice more useful than those who have examined the gun in person. John Spangler

# 11497 - Colt Army Special
2/4/2006
Nick, Joliet IL.

This is the only Colt Army Special I have seen that's chrome/nickel. I am semi-interested in selling it but more interested in its history. Also, I have been told this gun isn't made to shoot the newer ammo manufactured today as its more powerful and will damage the gun- Is this true as well? Thanks so much for your time and research!!

Answer:
The Colt Army Special is a double action revolver with a cylinder that swings out to the side to facilitate ejection and loading. It is derived from the New Army & Navy model introduced in 1889. In 1908 the Army Special model was introduced, which remained in production until 1927, when the Official Police model replaced it. All of these were serial numbered in the same continuous series of numbers. In 1969 the Mark III series of revolvers with a "J: frame ended up the lineage. Yours was made about 1922. These were offered in .32-20; .38 Long and Short Colt; .38 S&W Special; .38 Special; and .41 Long Colt calibers. Standard finish was blue, but nickel finish was an available option. If yours is chambered for .38 S&W Special, I would think (but certainly cannot guarantee) that it would be safe with standard ammunition. Note that .38 S&W Special is also offered in "+P" and "+P+" loading which are much hotter loads and these were introduced long after this gun was made, and would obviously be unsafe to use. Have your gun checked by a competent gunsmith and go by his recommendations, and sue him if he is wrong. John Spangler

# 11442 - Joseph C. Randall Long Rifle ___??
2/4/2006
Patricia, Palm Desert, California

This rifle is a converted flintlock. It has a large silver inlay on the stock with hinged enclosure in a rectangular shape for storage of wax. It has a plate by the hammer and engraved on it are pheasants and the name Joseph C. Randall Warranted. On one side of the barrel are several silver inlays in the shape of hearts and diamonds and ovals. On the other side of the barrel are inlays of mother of pearl in the same shapes. It has brass fittings for the ramrod, at the end of the barrel and at the end of the butt. It has a brass trigger mounting. The finish is very dark brown wood. The ramrod is striped like a barber pole. There is a large oval mother of pearl inlay in the side of the stock opposite the silver inlay side which also has what looks like a red gem stone set in it, approximately 1/2 in. diameter. Carved in the mother of pearl oval are the initials R.W. This rifle looks very much like the rifle made by Wayne P. Watson for the film ''Last of the Mohicans''. This rifle has been in my family since the early 1800's. Can you give me an idea who Joseph C. Randall was and approximately how old this rifle is, and where it was built. The earliest owners in my family were from Juniata, Pa.

Answer:
Patricia- Your rifle sounds like a very nice item. The name Joseph C. Randall positively identifies the maker of the Lock, who worked in Philadelphia, PA circa 1847-1861. While it is possible that it was converted from flint, most rifles being made in that period were percussion. A 35 inch barrel is also consistent with that date range, while earlier barrels tended to be longer. Unfortunately, it is not possible to identify the maker of your rifle from the information provided. Perhaps an expert able to do a hands on inspection could narrow it down to a specific region, and (highly unlikely) a specific maker. From your description, it could have been built anywhere from Canada to Florida and as from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River valley. Sorry we cannot tell you more. John Spangler

# 11385 - Winchester With Ivory Stock?
2/4/2006
Rusty, Tampa, Florida

Commemorative Antlered Game I recently inherited a Winchester 94 Commemorative Antlered Game rifle that has one unusual part I have not seen on other Commemorative rifles from Winchester. Both the stock and the handguard are carved from solid Ivory meaning their are no wooden parts to this rifle. The Rifle body itself contains the typical Antlered Game markings and engraving. My question is...when was this rifle made and was it a special series of some sort outside of the typical Antlered Game rifles? Can you tell me anything else about it? Just very curious about the most unusual Winchester I have ever seen. Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide. Kind Regards, Rusty

Answer:
Rusty, at OldGuns.net we are not a big commemorative fans, in my opinion, commemorative firearms are poor investments and we almost never willingly purchase them. Since we don't handle commemorates and do not often have much to do with them, I am not familiar with this model. I was able to find in my references books that the Antlered Game Commemorative was introduced by Winchester in 1978 and 19,999 were manufactured. There is an international "CITES" treaty (something about trade in endangered species) that severely limits possession, sale, or shipment of genuine ivory, that has been in effect for about 25 years so I am almost certain that the "ivory" is in fact a synthetic material. For more information you may want to try asking your question in the Winchester forum at our new site: www. ArmsCollectors. com. There are some very knowledgeable people who frequent the forums and often people are able to get an answer in a day or two. Good Luck - Marc