# 13541 - Modified M1917 Caliber?
3/31/2009
Norm

Proof marks showing it was military inspected. Barrel has NO caliber markings. What caliber is this? I inherited the gun and it is a sporterized model 1917. The muzzle mic's at .256 and it is obviously been changed. How can I determine what cartridge fits? Modifications done around 1970.

Answer:
Norm, I would advise you to take the rifle to a gunsmith and have him do a casting of the chamber. That is the best way to determine caliber. Marc

# 13530 - Original Or A Replica?
3/31/2009
Spain

These markings are on the barrel. JUKAR 001098 SPAIN Is this an original flintlock pistol or a replica?

Answer:
Spain - my guess is that it is a replica. Marc

# 13393 - Remington-Walker Rifle
3/31/2009
Paul, Nashville, TN

On barrel 'special Remington - walker' also on barrel '30-40 us I cannot find any information on this. What is it and what is it worth? Thanks

Answer:
Paul- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. Have never heard the name "Walker" in conjunction with Remington before. .30-40 US would indicate it is chambered in .30-40 Krag caliber. John Spangler

# 13410 - Great Western Derringer Info & Parts
3/28/2009
Keith, Darlington, SC

Great Western Arms Co. stamped along the top rib. Serial number stamped above the trigger area. How many .38 Derringers did the Great Western Arms Co. manufacture and are there any parts available for the derringers made by the GWA Co. such as plastic grips?

Answer:
Keith, the Great Western Arms Company operated from the early 1950s to the early 1960s. They sold both Colt SAA clones and Remington Double Derringer copies. Parts for the firearms that they marketed were imported from Europe (either Spain or Italy) and assembled in Los Angeles. When Colt began producing their Second Generation SAA revolvers in 1956 Great Western ceased assembly and sold their firearms in kit form only.

The Great Western Derringer was an improved version of the Remington Double Derringer. The model was available in .38 S&W and .38 S&W Special calibers. Values in the blue book for Great Western Derringers ranges in the $200 to $350 range depending on condition.

I have been unable to find a source of parts, recommend you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page. Marc

# 13407 - Replica RIGARMI Colt Revolver
3/28/2009
Madonna

I have a RIGARMI 44 caliber Army model made in Italy engraved engaged 16 MAY 1848. I would love to know what it may be worth and a little history. It has been handed down thru my family

Answer:
Madonna- This is a modern made replica, probably dating to the 1970s or 1980s. I see them at gun shows priced around $75-150 in used condition. We do not usually deal in these and would not be interested in purchase. The date is copied from the original Colt "cylinder scene" which depicted a naval battle between the Texas Navy and the Mexicans on that date and has nothing to do with when this gun was actually made. John Spangler

# 13428 - 1911 Browing?
3/24/2009
Edward, Bryan, TX.

Herstal, Belgique, Browning's Patent Depose, German Swastikas, All matching serial numbers, Original holster with extra magazine. This pistol was a war prize taken by my father. What is the age and value of this weapon? It is in very good condition.

Answer:
Edward, the FN factory did not make Model 1911's. Based on the caliber I am assuming you have FN High Power pistol made for the German Army. Those with matching (serial number on the slide, barrel and frame, correct grips, Nazi marked magazine) and with 95% or better of the original bluing and without pits, serious dings etc., can bring as much as $1400 to the right buyer. But value drops quickly with mismatched numbers, lose of bluing, dings. etc and may be as little as $400. Without seeing the pistol, or having high quality pictures it not possible to give you anything but the range from $400 to $1400. Marc

# 13406 - Remington Muzzle Loading Shotgun
3/24/2009

Center hammer box lock musket identification help. I can't find info on this anywhere and wonder if you can help. It is a box lock muzzleloader. It has a center hammer. It is 50 and 1/2 inches overall with barrel length of 34 1/2. It has a 16 gauge bore. [and he sent some photos].

Answer:
Sir- Your photos show that you have a Remington single barrel muzzle loading percussion shotgun. These are very simple construction, and were very inexpensive guns when made. They appear in Remington's catalogs for 1873, 1877 and 1878, and an unknown quantity, probably several thousand were made circa 1866-1870s. These are listed in Flayderman's Guide as item 5E-076.5 and he describes them as being 20 gauge with a 36 inch barrel. He places the value at $225 in NRA antique good condition.

There was a long tradition of making cheap rifles and shotguns using a cast iron breech section holding the lock works with the barrel screwed directly to the front. Most of then used outside hammers, but the general goal of a cheap but serviceable gun was universal. Some were made by Allen (and/or Allen & Wheelock or Allen & Thurber) and others by Whitney, and probably some were made by some of the other small makers of cheap guns during the same period. I am sure that some Remington collectors would love to own this, just to fill that empty spot in a collection. John Spangler

# 13403 - What To Do With Old Shotgun
3/21/2009

I have a 44 caliber single barrell shotgun made by Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. in Worcester, Mass USA. It has a serial number and dates of Feb 23 & 27 1900 and Patent info of May 14, 1901. This was my grandfathers gun and he gave it to me in the 1950's. I am 65 and not a hunter or collector nor do I have anyone to pass it on to. I do not know its worth if any to any collector. The only thing wrong with it is the sight at the end of the barrel is missing. I would like it to find a good home before I pass along. I shot my first rabbit as a youngster with this shotgun and it was such a traumatic event that I never hunted again. However, the gun has a sentimental meaning to me as it belonged to my grandfather. Please let me know how to find someone who may be interested and if it is of any value.

Answer:
Although it has a lot of sentimental value, on the collector market there is almost no demand for these, and values are often $50 or less, if they sell at all.

The missing sight is not a big deal. Perhaps there is a friend, co-worker, someone from church, or the local scoutmaster etc who has a son (or daughter) who is reaching the age where they might like to start learning to shoot and gun safety. Or, someone may value it as something to use as a decorative item to hang over a fireplace or something. It would be fairly easy to remove the firing pin if they are overly concerned about safety.

I wish we could help with your admirable desire to see it get a good home. John Spangler

# 13540 - Need Better Information
3/21/2009
Fred, Middletown, OH

When was my Walther manufactured and where?

Answer:
Fred - with the information that you have provided, it is impossible to tell you anything. Marc

# 13544 - 1903A3 Value
3/21/2009
Larry, Phoenix, Az

Inherited from my grandfather - has ''REP'' on right side of barrel - Remington 30-06 bolt rifle - takes stripper clips - has ''diopter'' peep site. Value?

Answer:
Larry - value depends on condition, it can range anywhere from $150 for a badly sporterized rifle to around $1000 for examples in like-new condition. Marc

# 13412 - W8A140 Marking?
3/17/2009
Gary, Ft. McCoy, FL

Waffenampt stamp with W8A140 underneath. (Not WAA140) Another larger Eagle without anything underneath. The markings are on left side of receiver and slide. Fabrique Nationale D'Armes de Guere. Herstal Belgique. Brownings Patent Depos. Left side of slide. Letters MP on left side of trigger guard forward of trigger. Weapon was made in Nazi occupied Belgium. However I have not been able to determine what information the ''W8A140'' implies. Nor the letters MP. Can you help? Thanks, Gary in Florida.

Answer:
Gary, the marking you identified as a W8A is probably WaA 140. It was assigned to an officer of the German military responsible for the final inspection and acceptance of firearms made at the FN factory in Belgium. When he agreed the pistol had met all of the requirements for acceptance then the stamp was applied. The other two letters were assigned to Belgians working in the FN factory and they were also inspecting the firearms and marking them, but WaA 140 had the final word. Each of German arms (and ancillary equipment) makers had inspectors. Those at Mauser began with 655 and then 135, Walther was 359, etc. Marc

# 13402 - M2 Ball Alternative Ammunition
3/17/2009
Scott

I see you have some .30 caliber ammunition listed as “M2 BALL ALTERNATIVE” headstamped SL 43. Basically my question is, what is M2 ALTERNATIVE?

Answer:
Scott- The standard caliber .30 Ball, M2 ammunition used bullet jackets made of "gilding metal" which is a copper alloy. To reduce consumption of critical copper supplies the M2 Ball (Alternate) was approved for use during the period late 1942 to early 1944. This provided for use of a mild steel for the bullet jacket clad with a copper alloy (gilding metal) on the outside to minimize bore wear, and on the inside to minimize tool wear. For all practical shooting purposes there is no difference between the two types, but there will be a slight attraction for a magnet on the M2 Alternate due to the steel in the jacket. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 13401 - Colt Singles Action Cavalry Model Value
3/14/2009
Ken

I have a US martial Colt SAA revolver in the 131 thousand serial range. This still has the 7 and one half inch barrel. All parts have the same serial with the exception of the cylinder. All parts are marked with R.A.C. inspectors mark, with a mixture of other letters and numbers stamped on the grip frame. There is not much left of the blue giving the pistol a dull nickel looking finish. Further, this one has been researched and authenticated by the Colt Historian and a letter is in possession. Can you give me a ballpark figure as to what these guns are valued at these days? Mechanical condition is excellent as is the bore. Thank you for your time.

Answer:
Ken- Sorry, we cannot help much with that one. Sounds like a nice gun, assuming that it is all correct. Many of this model have been very skillfully restored or faked. The best insurance there is to send it to John Kopec to do a letter on it detailing if the parts are correct and unaltered. Most buyers will insist on a Kopec letter. The Colt letter is nice, but really does nothing more than confirm that a gun with that serial number was shipped to the military, and it cannot address the possible changes or alteration in parts.

Values on these are in the several to many thousand dollar range, depending on condition, and we do not deal in them so we are not qualified to do an appraisal for you.

There are several qualified appraisers who can put a value on it, if you ship it to them, and that would be your best bet if you want an appraisal, and are prepared to pay for one. If you just want to get the most for it when you sell, put it in a reputable auction and it will bring whatever the fair market value is.

Normally when people only provide partial serial numbers I trash their inquiries as being kook black helicopter types afraid to provide the full number for fear that someone will conspire against them. I was feeling generous tonight so decided to answer anyway. John Spangler

# 13440 - Pistol Ident.
3/14/2009
Frank, Ocean City, NJ

I have a handgun, circa WWII. Nazi leather holster with eagle above swastika. Wood grips. Selbstladepistole Cal: 7,65 D.R.G.M. G.v.N.. Crown marking above letter ''N''. Number ''31'' on trigger and actual gun. Small lever which rotates between ''S'' and ''F''. What do I have?

Answer:
Frank, you probably have a Mauser Model 1934 self loading pistol (Selbstladen) or automatic pistol. But it is possible it is one of the other makers of firearms in Germany. The S and F stand for the German words safe (sicherheit) and fire (feuer)..Pictures would help here. Marc

# 13436 - Browning Handgun
3/10/2009
Terry, Saint Clair Shores, Mi, US

Eagle over a circle? I have a Browning 9mm marked '' Fabrique National D'Armes De Guerre'' ''Herstal Belgique'' ''Browning Patent Depose'' with original leather holster marked '' bnz 1944'' '' P 35 (b)'' The gun has dark wood checked grips and is in pristine condition. The barrel, slide and body have an Eagle over a circle? stamped on them. Do you have any history on this weapon? It was brought to the US after WW II and has only been fired once or twice since then. Also, what would a value be for insurance purposes and is this a collectable piece? Thanks, Terry

Answer:
Terry, you have a Browning High Power made by FN at their plant in Liege. The eagle markings are German WWII firing proofs and the pistol should also have German inspector's markings on the left side of the slide, frame and on the barrel (probably not visible without disassembly). If the pistol is early with an adjustable rear sight, and with a slot to hold a shoulder stock it will be worth considerably more than the later models without these features. Replacement cost for an early pistol will probably run around $1500, and for the later model around $1000. Let us know if you would like to sell. Marc

# 13398 - Selling Guns At A Gun Show
3/10/2009
John

Just curious, I know you have a broad knowledge of firearms and their history. Have you ever taken any to a CrossRoads of the West gunshow or attended one as an exhibitor? I have several old rifles primarily rim fire and of course my 1938 Carcano. Still no luck on finding en clips for it. There"s a gun show in Costa Mesa this weekend and I am considering going to see if I can find some and learn more on what I have. Appreciate any opinions on this matter

Answer:
John- I have attended probably an average of 3-5 Crossroads shows a year for the last 20 years. Plus lots of others by other sponsors as well, all over the country. I have never been to any of their Kalifornia shows, but in general they attract large crowds, and have lots of dealers with a good assortment, although light on serious collector guns.

If you take your guns, figure out what you want for them. You can take one or more in and they will check them at the door to be sure they are unloaded, put a safety tie on them and a tag so you can get it back out if you don't sell it. They will stamp your hand when you go out, so you can get back in with a different gun, or after showing someone what you have in the car. Carrying more t

han one at a time is a real pain, unless you can talk a friend/wife/kid into hauling guns too. You can wear a cardboard sign on your back (or back and front sandwich board style) listing what you have and the prices, so people will know and you won't have to lug all of them around with you, only 1 at a time. Or, you can use a pencil or something that will fit in the muzzle and tape a sign to that for just the one you are carrying. Be prepared for people to offer less, so maybe jack up your asking price to start. I believe that all gun sales have to be made to or through a dealer in Kalifornia, and people there can explain how that works, as I don't know the details. DO NOT TRY TO EVADE THE HASSLE OF OBEYING THE LAW! They have undercover cops working trying to set up innocent people to do stuff like that. It is a lot easier for them to get convictions that way than going out and busting drug dealers and illegals with guns. Most states do not require the foolishness of going through a dealer as long as buyer and seller are residents of that state. However be sure that the prospective buyer is at least 18 for a rifle, 21 for a handguns, and a resident of your state, and does not have any convictions for a felony or domestic violence or any other prohibiting factors (drug user, mental case, dishonorable discharge, etc) or you would be in trouble too. Good luck. John Spangler

# 13397 - 1.10 Inch 75 Caliber Drill Round
3/7/2009
Dave

I have a 75 caliber drill round also marked 1.10mk.I dated 2-43 with an anchor emblem and the stamping R.R.A.NC or NO across top of bottom it has DRILL AMMUNITION . I have been trying to identify this round and what it was shot from. The entire round is 12 inches long. Would you please help or direct me where to find this information? Thanks.

Answer:
Dave- Your round is the U.S. Navy 1.1 inch Anti-Aircraft round. The 75 caliber is part of the Navy custom of designating guns by both the bore size and barrel length, the latter expressed as calibers, in this case 75 x 1.1" would be about 82 inch barrel. While not needed for the 1.1 inch where they only had one type, they had numerous types of 3 inch and 5 inch guns so it was necessary to distinguish between the 5"/25 caliber, 5"/38 caliber and 5"/54 caliber, etc. ammunition. The 1.1" drill rounds are not common and I think we got something like $100 for the last one we sold. These guns were not very good, and were removed from most Navy ships prior to the end of WW2 and replaced by 40mm Bofors guns. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 13383 - Thumb Trigger Smooth Bore?
3/7/2009
James, Belhaven, N.C.

I have been told that some of these were produced smooth bore. I am doubtful. IS this true?

Answer:
James, none of my references list a smooth bore version of this model. Possibly one of our visitors will have better information than I do. I will add any additional information that comes in to this answer. Marc

# 13366 - Colt Year of Manufacture
3/7/2009
William, ST MARYS, GA

On the left hand side of the frame is stamped, ''Government Model'' This was handed down from my grandfather to me. I wanted to know what year this was? Thanks

Answer:
William, the year of manufacture for C117376 is 1919. Hope this helps - Marc

# 13437 - Commander Year Of Manufacture
3/3/2009
Mike, Big Spring, TX

COLT'S MFG. CO HARTFORD CT. U.S.A. Date of manufacture? Maybe Korean War Era? Value? Just found your site. You are now bookmarked. Thanks.

Answer:
Mike, glad that you like our site, hope that you come back often. Records indicate that the year of manufacture for 13417-LW is 1951. Value for your Colt ranges from about $400 to over $850 depending on condition. Marc

# 13514 - Walther PP Appraisal
3/3/2009
Scott, Canfield, OH

Walther(in Banner) Waffenfabrik Walther, Zella-Mehlis(Thur) Walther's Patent Cal. 7.65 m/m Mod PP- rt side. Two stampings rt side, eagle over N. Serial # stamped twice rt side. Gun obtained from estate. Where can I obtain info & proper appraisal in order to help settle estate.

Answer:
Scott, we are happy to make available the service that you have requested. Each firearm answer that we provide takes us 1 to 3 hours to research and document. We can provide information on current market value (appraisals), identification, explanation of important markings and general make/model information. Our price for this service is only $25.00 per firearm, a real bargain when you consider the time and effort involved.

Sorry but we can not "trace" or provide the specific history of individual firearms. This kind of information is often expensive to obtain and is only available from the original manufacturer's records as a "factory letter".

If you wish to proceed, we need some good, clear pictures of your firearm/s with distinct close ups of all markings that might aid us in identification. Before we begin we also need your credit card information, with your name and address or some other form of payment. Credit card information can be submitted to us by using our secure order form at:

https://oldguns.c3.ixwebhosting.com/ofsecure/ofsecure.php

Marc

# 13396 - High Price Luger Pistols
3/3/2009

I read in a magazine that WW2 German Lugers can range from a few hundred dollars to $500,000. What would make a German Luger worth at or close to the high-end value? Thank you.

Answer:
Sir- High end Lugers will be extra special exotic well pedigreed presentation pieces- Maybe something like a gold and jewel encrusted gun presented by Adolph Hitler to Herman Goering or something like that, accompanied by numerous photos and documents showing it was personally seized by a famous U.S. General, and in perfect condition with a fancy presentation case.

There may be a Luger somewhere in the world that would approach anywhere near the $500K figure, and only a few dozen that are in the over $10-20,000 figure, but millions that are in the few hundred to maybe a few thousand range. I believe the world record for a single gun was $920,000 paid for a very rare Walker Colt in superb condition.

You can probably check some of the on line auction sites like Rock Island Auctions to see what some of their estimates are on the high dollar pieces, and read their descriptions, and possibly prices realized on ones that actually sold. John Spangler