# 3987 - Rifle History
3/31/01
Marty

Dear sir, im trying ton find information on the rifle barrel. When was it put into service in the U.S. army? What war?

Answer:
Marty- Rifles have been used by the U.S. Army from its very earliest days. However, prior to the Civil War, infantry troops (which made up the great majority of the Army's combat forces) were armed with smoothbore muskets. Rifles were used by elite troops designated a "Rifle Regiments" or "Riflemen" assigned to special tasks requiring better marksmanship or longer range accuracy than could be provided by smoothbore muskets. However, the greater accuracy of the rifleman was achieved by using a round lead bullet with a patch. This took much longer to load and could only be fired a few times before the rifle became too dirty to load easily. Therefore the infantry was used to make the actual attack (or defense) against the main enemy force, relying on their ability to get off about 3 shots a minute, but with limited accuracy. (Remember the other side was using similar arms and tactics.)

In 1855 the U.S. Army adopted the "Minie Ball" which eliminated the need for a patch in a rifle. Also in 1855 they adopted a new .58 caliber "rifle musket" which became the first standard issue rifled arms for U.S. infantry. Many of the older .69 caliber smoothbores were rifled and widely used by both sides during the Civil War.

U.S. military rifles were procured in small numbers in 1798, 1803, 1814, 1817, 1819, and 1841, but all were for issue to "Rifle" units, while smoothbore muskets were still being procured for the infantry.

The increased range and accuracy of the rifle muskets and their widespread use forced the older generals of the Civil War to adopt new tactics, such as frequent use of field entrenchments instead of standing in shoulder to shoulder lines three deep as had previously been the practice. One of the youngest generals of the Civil War, Emory Upton developed new tactics for maneuver of troops on the battlefield, which remained in use up until about WW1. John Spangler

# 3964 - Remington 1903 SA GAW
3/31/01
Al Ladysmith WI

Barrel date 4-42. Punched between RA. No R on bottom of bolt handle, but punch mark. No lightening cuts on rear sight. H on bayonet lug. Checkered butt plate (including trapdoor). Scat grip stock. No finger grooves. Circle P on heel. All looks like it should look, EXCEPT cartouche on left side is SA/GAW in a box with crossed cannons to rear. NO RA cartouche. No rebuild marks like SAA or OG. SA/GAW looks genuine. Whole gun looks genuine. SA/GAW belongs on an M-1. Scant grip stock has the A3 cuts by the rear sight. Handguard matches. Milled swivels. I've heard of 03s with SA/GAW, but I can't puzzle out how this guy would have gotten this cartouche. If it was an earlier stock on a Remington, it wouldn't have the A3 cuts. It was an arsenal rebuild, wouldn't it say so? And be on a Springfield stock; not an 03 or A3 stock? This barrel date is a little late for this SN. Two groove. Ord bomb on barrel is punched. Is this a pretty collection of miscellaneous parts? Can the SA/GAW be genuine?

Answer:
Allen- Stock was marked when it went through Springfield Armory during time initials of George A. Woody was responsible for inspection 1 August 1943 through 4 August 1944.

The stock may or may not have had the rest of the rifle in it at the time. If it was all together at that time, it was worked on in the overhaul process, not manufactured at Springfield.

My guess is that the stock was on an earlier M1903 and got installed on yours some point after that. All parts are interchangeable and there is no way to tell at what point they may have been changed. John Spangler

# 3754 - Model 1934 Mauser?
3/31/01
Fred, Sacramento, California

Behind the rear sight is a marking that looks like a crown and something else over a U. The left side says "MAUSER-WERKE A. G. OBERNDORF A. N. " and the right side says "Cal. 7, 65". Serial #'s on slide and frame match. My father took this weapon off a German Lt. that he shot in Berlin in April 1945. I have the weapon, clip, and original leather holster. The Holster has stamped on the rear, HK in a circle, what looks like an eagle or something with the number 2 under it, and the number 40. Anything you could tell me about this gun would be appreciated. Thank you

Answer:
Fred, from the slide markings you describe, it sounds like you have a Model 1934 Mauser pistol. The Model 1934 was a modification of an earlier model, the 1914. The Model 1934 grip frame was changed from the straight back type of the 1914 to a more contoured design, which gave the pistol a streamlined appearance and a better feel. Mauser manufactured the Model 1934 from 1934 to 1941. Model 1934's were procured by the German military in 1940 and 1941 and have serial numbers between 589562 - 624225. Values for 1934 Mausers run from $125 to $450 depending upon condition and markings, add $75 to $100 for a correct military issue holster in good condition. Marc

# 3986 - Mossberg 22
3/28/01
Dimples

My Mother has a Mossberg s-130 or si30..we couldn't read the number real well. It is bolt action rifle...any help would be appreiciated..thank you

Answer:
Dimples- In general, Mossbergs have very little collector interest, although they are well made and reliable guns. They were most popular in the 1930s-1980s. We do not have specific dates for this model. Value is probably under $100, but it is probably worth more for sentimental value. John Spangler

# 3751 - S&W Mod 52
3/28/01
Marco Dal Preo Italy

I would like to know the year of making. Thanks

Answer:
Marco, S&W introduced the Model 52 on September 28, 1961. The model 52 was designed to be an extremely accurate double action target pistol for use only with .38 Special mid-range wadcutter ammunition. Because of the tight tolerances used in the manufacture of Model 52 pistols, very few were produced, only 90 in 1961 and 1,078 in 1962. In late 1962, competitive shooters requested that S&W improve Model 52 the trigger pull. In response to these requests, Smith & Wesson developed a new-style single action trigger and hammer for the Model 52. The new single action model 52s were designated as Model 52-1. In 1971, S&W add a more efficient extractor to the Model 52-1 that had been developed and tested in production of the model 39, the result was the model 52-2. S&W marketed the model 52-2 from 1971 to 1994. Your model 52-2 was manufactured between 1971 and 1994, I have no records available that will narrow down the year further than that. Model 52-2 values range from $300 to about $750 depending on condition, but it has been my experience that they are often difficult to sell. Marc

# 3488 - M1903 Springfield- Sedgley
3/28/01
Carl-Industry PA

Springfield Armory 30.06There is an "S" mark with a half circle around it. RF Sedgley Inc. I, at the present time, would not consider myself a collector but I am an avid hunter and I do some pistol competition shooting. About 25 yrs. ago a fellow worker offered me this rifle for $40.00 and I just could not turn that down. Recently I had the rifle in a gun smiths shop to fix the cartridge ejector and somebody in his shop offered me $250.00. I doubt whether I would sell it but would like to know the "ball park" value. Sorry about the finish type but I do not know what a "parkerized" finish is. Thanks 20Carlcje@usaor.netPS Fantastic web site(maybe you'll make a collector out of me)

Answer:
Carl- There is a lot of interest in early M1903 Springfields that have not been altered. However, Sedgley is best known for cobbling together basically functional rifles from assorted piles of surplus or locally made parts. These rifles have little collector interest other than as a source of parts, or for a fanatical collector determined to get even obscure non-military variations of the M1903. $250 sounds like a fair offer for a low quality item. If one of the nicer quality Sedgley sporters, it would still be reasonable, but not generous. John Spangler

# 3743 - Second Variation Nazi High Power Pistol
3/24/01
Mike Fairfield Ca

FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE CUERRE (2ndline) HERSTAL BELCIQUE On the barrel it has the German bird with numbers under it and it looks like they are WaA613. just slightly above and to the right is the German bird with the Nazi sign. It also has a sliding sight and clear plastic grips witch I think are not original. I received this gun from my mother-in-law who got it from her husband who was in the navy W.W.II. I am wondering what year it was made? Who would have used this gun and what the value would be. Thank you.

Answer:
Mike, you have a FN M1935 (Browning) High Power pistol that was manufactured in Belgium during WWII under German occupation. Before WWII, High Power pistols were offered for military and commercial sales. In 1940, the Germans seized the Fabrique Nationale factory and continued to produce High Power pistols for the Weremacht. Collectors recognize 3 variations of High Power pistols manufactured under German occupation.

First variation models are the most valuable, they have serial numbers under 53000, and were manufactured from pre-occupation parts that were in stock at the FN factory at the time of takeover. These pistols have walnut grips, a high polish commercial grade finish, a tangent 500 meter rear sight (this is the sliding sight that you mention) and slot for a holster/shoulder stock attachment.

Second variation pistol serial numbers are in the 53000 to 145000 range. These pistols are just about the same as first variation pistols with walnut grips, a high polish commercial grade finish, a tangent 500 meter rear sight but they are not slotted for a holster/shoulder stock.

Third variation pistols were manufactured towards the end of the war, they have serial numbers over 145000 or serial numbers with letter suffix. Finish on third variation pistols is a poor quality military grade, sights are non-adjustable 50 meters and grips are either wooden or brown plastic.

Your pistol's serial number puts it into the second variation range, it was probably manufactured in 1941 or 1942. Blue book values for second variation Nazi High Power pistols range from $400 to $1600 depending on condition. Marc

# 3741 - Model 12C - N.R.A.?
3/24/01
Bill Martinsville Ind

Marked NRA on the octagon barrel;. . Gun is presently in Ohio with relative so serial number can be obtained if needed. Recently acquired this 22 pump Remingtion model 12Y. has octagon barrel, adjustable rear sight for windage, collapsible dove tail rear blade. What is approx. age and value?

Answer:
Bill, I have been unable to find any information about a Remingtin Model 12Y. Remington did manufacture the Model 12C - "N.R.A." from 1923 to 1936. The Model 12C - N.R.A. was a target grade rifle chambered for 22 Long Rifle ammunition only. The Model 12C - N.R.A. was equipped from the factory with a special Lyman target tang rear sight and globe front sight. Unlike most 22 rifles, it also came with a sling. Blue book values for the Model 12C - N.R.A. range from $250 to around $800 depending on condition. Marc

# 3699 - 10 Inch Marble Game Getter
3/24/01

It is a pistol that has a metal stock that folds out to a shoulder rest Is it illegal? If not how much is it worth? And where could I sell it. The bottom barrel says 44gg and 410 Ga. What is a 44gg

Answer:
Possessing this firearm is federal felony violation unless it is has been registered with the BATF. If you do not have registration papers, you should call the nearest BATF office (listed in phone book blue pages under US Govt Treasury Dept) and inform them that you found this and suspect that it is not legal and want to turn it in to them. I am sure you will feel better knowing that crime will drop significantly in your area with this evil gun out of circulation. John

# 3477 - Stevens Crack-Shot
3/21/01
Kevin, Cameron, Texas

There is P with a circle around it on the butt of back end of the barrel. On the left side of the gun the P is again present, this time with CRACK SHOT - 26 beside it. The lever is in an upside down S shape. It is not a complete loop. The patent date looks like Apr. 22, 1913. This rifle looks like a kids gun. It was found in an old trunk by my father-in-law. I was just curious as to the age of the gun and the dates it was manufactured.

Answer:
Kevin, Stevens first offered the Crack-Shot rifle in about 1900. The Crack-Shot was an expensive boys type rifle with a 20 inch round barrel and weight of about 3.75 pounds. Early Crack-Shot rifles had an automatic safety-slide behind the hammer, which had to be held back manually as the trigger was pressed. The automatic safety was not popular and most owners removed the safety-slide spring to alter safety operation from automatic to manual. Production of Crack-Shots rifles ceased by 1913. Marc

# 3475 - Japanese Rifle Markings
3/21/01
Jason Omaha NE

My grandfather served during WW II and he brought home this rifle and I know that it is Japanese but I would like to find out further information on it. I have looked over the entire rifle for proof marks but can't seem to find any and the rifle is in excellent shape.

Answer:
Jason, most Japanese military rifles are marked in a variety of places including having the royal chrysanthemum on top of the receiver over the chamber. The royal chrysanthemum is often found defaced or completely ground off. It is odd that your rifle only has no markings. One possibility for a lack of markings is they have been removed, this sometimes done when military rifles are sporterized (customized for use as hunting rifles). Another possibility is that you have a training rifle. Japanese training rifles were often crudely made, with a one-piece buttstock and are found with only a serial number on the receiver. To help with identification I suggest that you compare your rifle with some of the pictures of Japanese rifles we have listed in our collectable firearms catalog. Marc

# 3453 - French Gras Bayonet
3/21/01
Kate, England

Mme d' Ouimes de Lt Etienne Juillet 1876 20(Ouimes could be read as OURMES, inscription written in script type writing) I have a brown wooden handled bayonet with above inscription, has a sheath and a curved metal gun attachment. Any idea of where it came from or its worth? Grateful for ANY information however small. thank you

Answer:
Kate- Your bayonet did not stray too far from its birthplace. A mere 20 some miles across the channel or under the chunnel and then some kilometers further away the French made these neat looking but not very practical bayonets. The Engraved markings are often mistaken for presentation inscriptions. They read "Mfre de Armes [place made] [month] [year]" St. Etienne and Chateraullt are the most often seen, but there are probably others. These are pretty common on the antique arms markets. They are invariably under $100 items. We usually have some on our edged weapons catalog page. John Spangler

# 3459 - M1903A3 Remington History
3/17/01
Anthony

Greetings, I would like to get any and all information regarding this firearm. My Uncle has given me full access to his distinguished collection of rifles & shotguns and I would like to know how to safely handle, operate, clean and maintain this specific firearm. I have contacted the Remington Company (via the web) and they replied by saying "The 03-A3 was produced under U.S. Government contract between 1942 to 1943. Unfortunately, the records of government contract firearms are turned over at the end of production... I am also reaching out to the NRA (to which I hold membership) to see if I can get some information. Are there any Books that you know of or places that I can get info from? respectfully submitted to your GREAT site. Anthony.

Answer:
Anthony- Congratulations on being allowed access to a nice collection and having the interest to learn more about the items. For arms made before WW2, your best investment would be a copy of "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and their Values" which we offer on our book page. For the M1903A3 there are three good books. For basic information on all US military weapons of the WW2 period, complete with info specifically aimed at collectors, my favorite is Bruce Canfield's superb "U.S. Infantry Weapons of WW2." For the most detailed study of every variation of the M1903 rifle and related materials, crammed into about 500 pages, the choice would be W.S. Brophy's "Springfield 1903 Rifles." And for a slightly less detailed study, Clark Campbell's "The '03 Era." Assorted military manuals are also available, some in reprint form pretty reasonably priced. The NRA also has a reprint of articles on the M1903 rifles. A really fanatical M1903 rifle collector will probably have about a dozen different books and maybe 50 manuals or other documents. Some people call this great fun, others think we are a bit obsessive. John Spangler

# 3468 - Krag Carbine???
3/17/01
Joe, Tucson, Arizona

Carbine configuration, no sling swivels or any "plugged" locations. Stock is extremely old and weathered. Front sight is a weird sort of "around-the-barrel" band/blade combination. Muzzle crown looks original, i.e., color and cut. Overall appearance is basic issue with no "personal" markings or embellishments. Weapon has not been taken apart in years. Could this be an original carbine instead of a cut-down rifle?. I don't want to remove the front sight to look for a dovetail notch or former mounting for the common sight I see in photos without checking further.

Answer:
Joe- While serial number 380800 is not specifically listed, all numbers nearby that are documented in official government records are noted as rifles. Any Krag with a front sight that is a band type is probably something that has been cut down, and most likely the barrel is replaced with one made from a M1903 Springfield barrel. In the 1930s and 40s surplus Krags and parts were plentiful, and gunsmiths eagerly cobbled them together to make deer rifles. Quite often surplus Krag carbine stocks were used. While fine deer rifles then (and now), their main value is as a source of parts. With the doubtful exception of a handful of oddballs, virtually ALL of the Krag carbines above about serial 135000 were of the Model 1899 type, and the receivers marked MODEL 1899, not 1898 as used on the rifles. Hope this helps. John Spangler

# 3858 - Cold Rust Bluing
3/17/01
Bill, Indianapolis, IN

Can you explain the slow "Belgian" rusting process in detail or know where I can find this detailed information? I would like to know what the rusting solution is composed of and how to make it too. Thank you very much. Bill

Answer:
Bill, the old "Belgian" or "Cold Rust" blueing process produces a beautiful high quality blue finish but it is quite time consuming and can be frustrating and finicky. Care must be taken to completely clean your project of all traces of dirt, grease and oil before you start and also to not contaminate the project with dirt and oils from your hands or other sources while you are in the process of bluing. Maintaining the proper temperature and humidity while you are bluing is also important. "Firearm Bluing and Browning" by R.H. Angier published by Stackpole Books of Harrisburg PA gives the recipe for several types of bluing solutions but the chemicals required to manufacture these solutions are quite dangerous. I recommend that you purchase Pilkington Classic American Rust Blue solution from Brownell's, Inc. of Montezuma, Iowa. Brownells will sell you enough bluing solution to last for years for $24.50. Brownells will furnish Pilkington's great detailed instructions, which can be used with his solution or with a comparable solution that you brew up yourself for free if you ask them. You can find Brownells on the Internet at the following URL: http://www.brownells.com/Index.html. Marc

# 3957 - Fishing For A Lawsuit?
3/14/01
Dan

Do you have any information on Marlin 39A half-cock safety failures/thumbslips or other ? If you have any information or can direct me in the direction I'd be grateful.

Answer:
Dan- No mechanical device can ever be made so that it is impossible for some idiot to make it perform improperly.

I have never heard of any problem with Marlin firearms. However, I am sure there are a bunch of greedy lawyers out trying to line their pockets by convincing juries that someone making a legal product should pay a bunch of money because some idiot managed to do something stupid. The fact that the gun maker may have deeper pockets than the idiot seems to indicate this trend is all about greed and not at all related to concerns about safety.

If it were about safety, I am sure that the brilliant lawyers would all use their considerable talent to become firearms designers and manufacturers to become wealthy by making idiot-proof guns.

Perhaps some good training in basic gun safety and careful reading of manufacturer's instructions would be helpful. John Spangler

# 3450 - Musket finishes
3/14/01
John, York, Pa

Were e these rifled muskets blued or in the white when issued?

Answer:
John- As far as I can tell, all U.S. M1855-65 .58 caliber rifled muskets were made with "arsenal bright" polished finish on all parts. Exceptions are the rear sights, triggers and nipples which were blued, and on the M1863 and later the lockplates and hammers were left with a color casehardened finish. Not the fiery colors later seen on trapdoor breech blocks, but a subdued multi-toned gray color pattern. Conversely, the British practice was for the barrels and bands of their .577 Enfield muskets to be blued, while the trigger guards and buttplates were brass, a very handsome combination. The Brits also blued the sockets and shanks of their bayonets, a tradition that carried over at least until the end of the SMLE bayonets where the hilt and maybe an inch of the blade was blued or painted black. Old traditions died hard, I guess. For what it is worth, many of the Enfields had the blue removed from the barrels and bands during the Civil War so they would look more like the Springfields, especially in units which were issued a mix of both types of muskets.

If you encounter a U.S. musket with a blue finish, it was probably done many years ago by some collector who wanted his gun to look "new" and some starving gunsmith/blacksmith/auto mechanic gleefully obliged him. I had a high school friend (with more money than me) who did this to a number of nice old U.S. military guns. I could not afford to buy the guns in any condition then, so can honestly said I never did this. John Spangler

# 3750 - Colt 38 Super
3/14/01
Marco Dal Preo Italy

I would like to know the year of making and the quotation. The conditions are very good. Thanks

Answer:
Marco, Colt introduced the Commander in 1949 in response to requests for a lightweight M1911A1 type pistol. To reduce weight, the Commander had a shorter slide and barrel and a high-strength aluminum alloy frame instead of the customary steel frame. The result was a compact and lightweight pistol weighing only 26oz. In 1971 Colt returned to a steel frame because of problems with the Commander's aluminum frame wearing to rapidly. The substitution of a steel frame increased the weight of the pistol to 33oz.

My records indicate that the year of manufacture for your Colt, serial number 37051-LW is: 1955. In the last year values for many Colt firearms has dramatically increased. I estimate that value for your Commander is in the $450 to $750 range depending on condition. Marc

# 3959 - Arminius Revolver
3/14/01
Fred

What can you tell me about this pistol? It is a seven shot revolver. It has the Arminius seal and is marked "Made in Germany". Many thanks.

Answer:
Fred, Arminius was originally the name of a German hero from the first century AD. The Herman Weihrauch Sportwaffenfabrik of MeIIrichstadt/Bayern, West Germany manufactured cheap Saturday night special type revolvers under the Arminius name in the 1950's and 1960's. An Arminius revolver was used in the Marc

# 3969 - Liberty Revolver
3/14/01
Slim, Armour, SD

On the left side of the frame (in front of the cylinder) is a circle with the number 73 inside. MADE IN GERMANY is stamped on the right side of the barrel. LIBERTY ARMS CORP MONTROSE CAL is stamped on the right side of the frame above the trigger opening. ROHM GMBH SONTHEIM/BRZ. is stamped on the left side of the barrel. When was this gun made? How much is it worth. Is there any historical significance? Thanks

Answer:
Slim, sorry to be the bearer of bad news. There is little or no collectors interest in Rohm firearms and no historical significance, this is just another inexpensive German import. Value is in the $50.00 range. Marc

# 3955 - 1862 Enfield In Canada
3/10/01
Sebastien

Hi, I have a 1862 Enfield musket, mechanism still work good, all original, date and mark on brass plate. How much does it worth? I live in Canada do you have an idea why I found it up here?

Answer:
Sebastien- Despite what some would like to believe, Canada was a British colony (not French) most of the time. Therefore British military arms were also issued to Canadian forces, although often slightly older patterns. The 577 muzzle loading muskets were used up until about 1870 when the breech loading Snider was issued. Many of the Sniders were made by altering muzzle loading muskets, so the 1862 lock date could be found on either one. Value depends on condition and the exact model, and any alterations done in the last 125 years. Sniders will run from about $150 up, and muskets about $500 up. John Spangler

# 3954 - Can't Find Serial Number
3/10/01
Richard

Can anyone advise where to locate serial no. on Win. Model 69a 22 cal. Bolt, I can not find nor can gunsmith, purchased in the 60,s thank you

Answer:
Richard- People often have this problem with mermaids, snipes, honest politicians and the like. They simply do not exist. Prior to 1968 there was no requirement to put serial numbers on guns, and most .22 rifles were not serial numbered. Cancel the visit to the eye doctor! John Spangler

# 3956 - Belgian Musket
3/10/01

Since your Q&A service does not work for AOL, I'd like to e-mail this question about an old gun I have, feel free to post it. It is a Belgian 19th century percussion musket, it is about a.69-71 caliber, it has a 36 inch barrel, brown finish, with the Belgian E L G * marking.

Answer:
Nick- Even with photos it is hard to ID Belgian made muskets, as they made their own, and copies of just about anyone else's designs for whoever wanted them. In general the values all tend to be rather modest perhaps in the $300-700 range depending on exact model and condition. However, a 36 inch barrel is pretty short (most were 42 if in .69 +/- caliber) so I suspect it was cut down at some point, perhaps to facilitate sale for use as a poor man's shotgun circa 1880-1910 by Bannerman or the like. John Spangler

# 3329 - Walther Proof Marks
3/7/01
Michael

crown over N Is this a nazi maker mark or something else?

Answer:
Michael, The marking on your Walther is probably a pre 1939 commercial German test proof. Crown over "N" was a mark set forth in the German National Proof Law of 19 May 1891, which became effective 1 April 1893. The "N" was an abbreviation for Nitro, meaning smokeless powder. The crown over "N" proof mark was superseded in April of 1940 by an Eagle over N proof mark as set forth in the National Proof Law of 7 June 1939, which became effective 1 April 1940. Shul of East Germany also used a crown over N nitro powder proof mark after 1950 so your pistol could also be of post war East German production. Marc

# 3950 - Winchester model 41
3/7/01
Mongo

I have a Winchester model 41 , not a lot of info out there about this old gun its a single shot 410 bolt action , its in 90 % cond. I cant find out anything about it from a couple of Winchester guys , it came out of a closet after some one died, the blue book says its rare, any idea about the is obscure firearm.

Answer:
Mongo- 23,335 were made between 1920 and 1941. Most were with pistol grip stocks, but a few with straight stocks. Most were for the early 2 1/2" .410 shells, but from 1933 on they were made for the 3" .410 shells.

George Madis' "Winchester Handbook" (not to be confused with his larger "Winchester Book") is an excellent reference for all pre-64 Winchester models, and well worth the $20 or so it costs. We use it all the time, and you might want to get one too. Hope this helps. John Spangler

# 3951 - Plainfield Carbine
3/7/01
Melisa

I am hoping that someone can help me identify history/value of an M1 paratroopers carbine. The information I have off of the gun is:

This came off of the top of the barrell by the bolt chamber, Plainfield Machine, Dunellen NJ, serial # 80517. There is a markingon the rear site that reads PMC.

The site is adjustable and the stock is metal and slides out. This gun is in excellent condition as well. My father in law purchased it at a pawn shop about 15 years ago. Hope you are able to give me some information on it. Thanks for you help. Melisa

Answer:
Melisa- Plainfield was a commercial maker, not military, although they used a lot of military surplus parts. They were in operation from about 1967 to about 1975 and made seven different models with varying stock features and finishes. There is little or no collector interest in them and retail value is probably in the $250-350 range depending on condition. You will probably do best to sellit locally. If you want a handy gun for home defense, this might be a good one. Hope this helps. John Spangler-

# 3400 - Tower Sea Service Pistol
3/3/01
Pam AZ

date 1804 behind lock plate with bureau of ordinance mark, it has allot of nice wood. A crown is over the letters GR I was told this is a British Sea Service weapon, do you think it is and what's it worth? Its in excellent cared for condition.

Answer:
Pam- We have an earlier Tower Sea Service Pistol on our collectible firearms catalog page. Your may be somewhat smaller and lighter. We would really need to see some good photos to be sure of what you have. Up until about 10-20 years ago the locks for those pistols were still readily available from dealers who sell muzzle loading parts. It is possible that the lock dates to 1804, but that the rest of the gun was assembled much more recently. If it is a recent assembly, then my guess is that it may be worth a few hundred dollars at most. If it is entirely original 1804 production then probably more like $500-1000. John Spangler

# 3397 - Rogers Target Rifle
3/3/01
Martin Lakeport Calif.

barrel marked John Rogers maker Elkhart Ind. (Elkhart has been overstamped with the signature stamp) The history of the gun from the previous owner stated that the gun was built in California. Did John Rogers move to Calif. Are Indiana examples of his work similar in style to Calif. guns.

Answer:
Martin- The only information we have on John Rogers of Elkhart, Indiana is that he worked there from 1870 to 1892, at least as indicated by directories for the period, and is known to have made percussion half stock rifles. Frank Seller's excellent reference "American Gunsmiths" provided this much. There is no indication of him moving to California, and I do not have a book on California gunsmiths, so that is all I can tell you about him. There were a number of other gunsmiths names Rogers who worked in New York, Ohio, and Indiana in the early 19th century, many of whom may be related. It was typical that gunsmiths would by choice keep making guns the way they always did, with certain features even copied by sons and apprentices from the men who taught them. However, hunger, money and fear are all powerful motivators, and if a customer wanted something really different and the gunsmith were hungry or under-employed they would probably be willing to make just about anything imaginable. If the prior had further information it would have been good to get it from him. All I know about Elkhart is that every camper or travel trailer I see seems to come from there. John Spangler

# 3330 - Sears 30-30
3/3/01
Billy KY

I am unable to locate any info. on this rifle at all. I would like to know what year and where it was manufactured ,where I could obtain replacement parts and what additional parts {scope mounts, etc.} would match up. Any and all info. possible will be greatly appreciated. Every time look up model 54 it refers me to bolt action. this rifle is lever action. THANK YOU

Answer:
Billy, I have always wondered why anyone would want to mount a scope on a 30-30 lever action rifle, I think that it is a waste of time and money (all of my free personal opinions are offered with a full money back guarantee). There is not much collector interest in, or demand for information about the firearms that Sears marketed under their brand name. I have no reference books for Sears firearms in my library and doubt that one has ever been written, probably due to lack of interest. I have been unable to find any information about Sears Model 54 dates of manufacture or even start/end dates for production of that model. I can tell you that the Sears Model 54 looks just like the Winchester Model 94. My GUESS is that most parts are interchangeable. Marc