# 11906 - Unknown Folding Trigger Revolver
4/29/2006
Tom, Rosemount, MN

Frame: Crown over ''R'', Crown over ''C'', 5-point star over ''AR'' Cylinder: Star over ''AR'', ''C-F'' inside 2 merged circles and unreadable 8-9 letter word ending in ''NNE''. What make is this 5-shot pocket revolver? What caliber does it shoot. Two gunsmiths tried a 32 cal. Auto in the 1.04'' long cylinder but it was just a little too small to except this diameter bullet.

Answer:
Tom- The markings you describe are French proof marks, so this probably takes an obscure metric cartridge. It may be rimfire, or may be centerfire, but some of these used pinfire ammunition which can be detected by a small notch at the edge of each chamber which allows the "pin" to stick out the side of the cylinder. Also, the hammer will smack down on the side of the cylinder rim, not directly into the back of the chamber. The rimfires usually have a knife blade type nose to hit the rim, while centerfires usually have a rounded point to hit the center of the primer. I suspect your revolver is a 7 or 8mm caliber, but that is just a guess. In any case, this folding trigger design was popular in the late 19th century when all ammunition was made with black powder, and it would be dangerous to try to fire it with modern smokeless ammo, even if you can find some to fit. John Spangler

# 11902 - Harpers Ferry Raid Brown Bess
4/29/2006
Sam

1833,number 1 We have a brown bess that was raided from the armory at Harpers Ferry by John Brown I was wondering if I could get an estimate on the value of this gun.

Answer:
Sam- A little bit of knowledge can be a very dangerous thing. A fact or two, some speculation, and some guesses can result in mass confusion, especially for people trying to answer questions. First a brief history lesson. John Brown, the abolitionist, raided Harpers Ferry Armory in 1859, seizing some arms, and other arms were more or less issued to some of the locals to fight the raiders until Marines under the Command of Robert E. Lee (then a U.S. Army officer) showed up to end the situation. Only a few arms from that raid remained in civilian hands, and Brown and his followers were all capture or killed, with Brown being hung at Charles Town, [West] Virginia soon after. Thankfully lawyers were not allowed to prolong justice for decades back then, they merely held a fair trial and took the guilty SOB's out and carried out the sentence without making some scumbag lawyer filthy rich from the public treasury for the rest of their life. More history- In 1861 the Armory was seized by Virginia state forces for the Confederacy, but the arsenal was set on fire before they captured it. Many arms were recovered from the burning arsenal and later used by the Confederates, and the musket making machinery was taken for use in Confederate arsenals. That pretty well covers the "raids."

The arms stored at Harpers Ferry were (by 1859) almost certainly all regulation U.S. model muskets, although some old foreign made arms had been stored there in the early years. Brown Bess muskets were British made arms with brass buttplates and trigger guards and about .75 caliber barrels. The name "Brown Bess" derives from the "browned" finish used on some of the early production, and while the name stuck, the finish changed and most made after the mid 1700s had bright finished barrels, not brown. Model 1816 muskets are somewhat similar in size to the Brown Bess, and some of these had bright finished barrels, while others had a brown lacquer type finish on the metal, but not a blue finish. In addition to the Model 1816 muskets made at Harpers Ferry, they also had a separate "Rifle Factory" where they made Hall breech loading rifles. The Halls had a brown finish as well, but not blue. Both 1816 Muskets and Model 1819 Hall rifles were being made at Harpers Ferry in 1831. This assumes that the 1831 you list is a date on your gun, and that it is marked Harpers Ferry. The value of your gun will depend on (a) what type of gun it actually is, and (b) the condition, and (c) the nature of the documentation available to connect it with John Brown's raid at Harpers Ferry. It probably would have a premium in value over one with no such history, but the amount of the premium will depend greatly on how well it is documented. John Spangler

# 11558 - Colt Agent Value
4/29/2006
Richard, Vancouver, WA.

looking to sell and would like to know the manufactured date and any interesting tidbits. From I can see on net it is a pretty desire revolver... Thank you

Answer:
Richard, the Agent was a variation of Colt's Cobra that combined the short butt of the Courier with the Cobra's short barrel. Colt sold a hammer shroud with Agent revolvers as a standard accessory. Pertinent serial number information in my references covers Colt Cobra, Aircrewman, Courier & Agent serial numbers from 1950 to 1978 but it does not list any numbers with a leading "0" or a "W" prefix. This leads me to GUESS would be that you have a second issue revolver. First issue Agents were manufactured from 1955 to 1972 and second issue Agents were manufactured from 1973 to 1986. The easiest way to tell first issue and second issue Agents apart is that first issue revolvers have a non-shrouded ejector rod while second issue ejector rods were shrouded. Agent revolvers made after 1982 had a matte finish. Blue book values for first issue revolvers range from $160 to about $500 depending on condition. Values for second issue revolvers range from $155 to about $400 again, depending on condition. Marc

# 11553 - FN Browning 1922 With Holster And Capture Papers
4/25/2006
Steven

(H) Left front of slide followed by eagle over swastika followed by flat wing symbol over WBA 140, directly beneath this is another flat wing symbol over WBA 140. Another flat wing symbol over WBA 140 directly over eagle over swastika on left side frame between trigger housing and top corner of the left side grip. ''MR'' on front left side of trigger guard but it looks like the ''R'' is open at the top..maybe wear but looks crisp. The right side has the serial# 33247C on front part of slide, 3247C on barrel extension, 3247C on frame above trigger guard, eagle over swastika over 3247C on bolt(rear of barrel) viewed through the ejection port. Original magazine with FN seal on right side of mag with eight steel rounds. Have holster described as green colored canvas with brown leather trim, leather flap, right side leather mag pouch, leather belt slide loop with words ''Gustav Reinhardt'' (followed underneath) ''BERLIN'' (followed underneath) ''1941'' (followed underneath) eagle stamp over the number ''7''. Inside the leather flap is the words ''Nurfr Pistole 37M(Ung.) Kal.7.65mm'' all underlined. My grandfather took this gun and holster from a Nazi officer at the Battle of the Bulge. I also have the military capture enemy equipment certificate. The question is...I would like to find out all I can about the gun from the markings and serial number. Where produced, plant, special issue, how many produced, if certain lots were given to specific sections of the Nazi officers, special meanings, value, etc. Don't want much do I...I would never sell it, has special meaning to me coming from my grandfather especially because he was one of the guys to land on the beaches of Normandy on D Day and fight through the Battle of the Bulge and various other conflicts then staying to transport the people out of the concentration camps, finally coming back to the states in '46.

Answer:
The Belgian FN 1922 pistol was manufactured by Fabrique Nationale D'Armes De Guerre, Herstal (Liege), Belgium for military and commercial sales for several years prior to the German takeover of Belgium in WWII. After the occupation, the German designation for the pistol in 7.65 mm (.32 Auto) was "Pistole 626(b)". "Pistole 641(b)" was the German designation for pistols chambered in 9 mm Kurz (380). The (b) was the abbreviation for Belgian (Belgium). Another Heereswaffenamt name for the weapon was Die Lange Browning Pistole (The Long Browning Pistol). Prior to liberation in September, 1944, the Germans assembled or manufactured 363,200 of this model.

Yearly production under German occupation was:

1940 .......... 200
1941 .......... 45,000
1942 .......... 69,000
1943 .......... 166,000
1944 .......... 83,000

FN Model 1922 Serial numbers were in the 70000 range at the time of occupation. After the occupation the Germans continued with the numbers that were already in use. The Germans used serial numbers with digits and no letter suffix on some pistols to numbers as high as 100000 and even 200000, but the majority of serial numbers were reduced to a maximum of five digits with a small letter added:

a - with the second 100,000,
b - with the third 100,000,
c - when production exceeded 300,000.

FN 1922 pistols procured by the Germans should have the following markings:

Serial number:

• Right side of the frame above the trigger.
• Right side of the chamber (barrel), on the inside rear of the slide.
• Right side of the slide extension (at muzzle).

Military Acceptance Stamp (eagle over WaA103, eagle over WaA140 or eagle over WaA613):

• Stamped Two or three times on the left side of the slide and/or frame.
• Sometimes stamped on the upper left side of the trigger guard.
• Stamped once or twice on the left side of the chamber (barrel).

Military test proof (eagle over swastika in a circle):

• Left side of the slide.
• Upper left side of the frame above the trigger.
• Right side of the chamber (barrel).

Slide marking:

FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE (left side)

Magazine:

FN trademark (and) 7.65 mm or 9 mm (right side)

Specifications:

Total Cartridge Capacity: Ten with one round in the chamber if caliber is 7.65 mm and nine if caliber is 9 mm Kurz.

Barrel Length: 4.5 inches.

Overall Length: 7 inches.

Weight: 25 ounces.

Action: Single action, semi-automatic, blowback operated, no positive locking of the breech. The slide does not remain to the rear after the last cartridge is fired.

Safety: Thumb lever on the upper rear of the frame; lever up for SAFE and down to FIRE. A grip safety is located on the rear of the frame. The pistol cannot be fired unless a magazine is inserted. The magazine safety was omitted at some point during the occupation.

Sights: Fixed front and rear.

Grips: Two piece checkered walnut. Some early occupation pistols have two piece checkered black hard rubber grips with the FN trademark.

Finish: Commercial blue, the quality of which degenerated with the war years.

Magazine Release Catch: Located on the base of the frame to the rear of the magazine well.

The markings on your holster "Nurfur Pistole 37M(Ung.) Kal.7.65mm" (only for pistol 37M) lead me to believe that the holster was originally intended for use with the Hungarian Model 1937. Stills book "Axis Pistols" indicates that all the reported M37 holsters bear Luftwaffe acceptance stamps; however, it is probable that some of the jhv 43 variation went to the German Army. I was unable to find any useful information on an eagle over 7 Heereswaffenamt accptance stamp.

All in all it sounds like a really desirable rig. Values for Nazi marked pistols have been increasing recently. I would estimate that value for your pistol with the holster and capture papers would be in the $1000 or more range. Glad that you have decided to keep it in the family. Marc

# 11551 - Nice 1908 Pocket Hemmerless
4/25/2006
John Huntsville Al.

I think I found out the year this was made (1934) if my info is correct. This weapon is in first class shape. There is no box or paper work with this weapon. I would like to know any info on these you have including how much something like this is worth.

Answer:
John, the Colt 380 Hammerless Pocket Model (Model 1908) was Introduced in 1908. The model was basically the same as the earlier Model 1903 but was chambered in .380 (a cartridge specially designed for it by John Browning) rather than .32. The .380 chambering was available until 1945, but it was less popular than the .32 version and only 138,000 were made. Now days the pistols chambered in .380 are much more popular with collectors than those chambered in .32 and they sell for a premium. Model 1908 values can go as high as $900 depending on condition. If the pistol has U.S. property markings, double that. Marc

# 11887 - Colt SAA Value
4/25/2006
Wayne Midland TX.

Has Stag Handles . Gun is at lest 90 percent. What it is worth.

Answer:
Probably a lot, but since the stage grips are almost certainly not original, that suggests that it may have been refinished, and this could reduce the value to not very much. Evaluating SAA Colts is a very specialized field, and you should probably pay for a competent appraisal on this one from a specialist in that area. John Spangler

# 11884 - Springfield Musket Marked EASTOVER
4/21/2006
Larry , Atoka, Okla.

In front & behind the rear sight, is the word EASTOVER, also the same is stamped under the butt plate 3 or 4 times Any idea what ''EASTOVER'' Is other than a persons name Thank You

Answer:
Larry- I really do not have any accurate information on the meaning of "Eastover." I suspect it may be related to a business that had the gun, perhaps a merchant ship, a freight company, hardware store, or similar operation. It may have been a gun for defensive use, or maybe one that they rented out or something. John Spangler

# 11881 - Montana Armory Marked Winchester
4/21/2006
Joe Yakima, Washington

Stamped on the buttstock are the words; Montana Armory,Bozeman,Mt. Would like some info on these markings if possible and where I could have it valued. Thank You

Answer:
Joe- I have no information on the "Montana Armory" and cannot even be sure about what model rifle you have. This sounds interesting and worth further research with someone with expertise in Montana related arms. John Spangler

# 11544 - Savage 32 Auto
4/21/2006
Josh, Hamilton, MI

Pat. November 21, 1905 My grandpa received this pistol as payment for raking a lady's leaves when he was twelve years old. The gun had been kept loaded and not fired since before her husband died over thirty years prior. Thinking that the magazine spring would be ruined, he attempted to fire it, and it shot all nine rounds without missing a beat. He would like to know when it was manufactured and its approximate value (it does have a very small amount of surface rust, but the original bluing is about 90%). Any information you could give, or where to find some, would be appreciated.

Answer:
John, the Savage Model 1907 auto pistol was manufactured from 1907 to about 1917. Pistols were available in .32 or .380 and came with blue finish, fixed sights and exposed cocking piece. The serrated 'hammer' at the rear of the slide (actually the top surface of the cocking piece) allowed the pistol to be thumb-cocked. The cocking piece will help to distinguish the 1907 pattern from later Savage pistols. Early .32 caliber Model 1907 pistols with serial numbers lower than 10980 came with metal grips later pistols had hard rubber grips. Values for Savage Model 1907 pistols ranged from $100 to about $350 but they are usually slow sellers. Marc

# 11540 - Winchester 1895 Pricing.
4/18/2006
Michael, Dallas, Texas

20 years ago I received this rifle and several shotguns from my grandfather when he moved into a retirement community. I was wondering what the book value would be on this model.

Answer:
Michael, pricing for collectible Winchesters can be complex. Values can vary greatly depending condition, provenance (if any), originality and special features. A quick and dirty price range would be $600 to over $5000. To get an accurate estimate, you should have an expert examine the rifle in person . Try taking it to a gunshow, ask 3 or 4 different dealers about it who have similar merchandise for sale on their tables. Marc

# 11534 - Marlin 36 A-DL
4/18/2006
Gregg

Stamped ''Marlin Safety'' on top of receiver. Lists Marlin Firearm Company, New Haven, Conneticut, Est. 1870 on top of barrel. This was my Grandfather's rifle, passed on to me after my father died. When I try to look it up in gun reference books, I can never find the model number. Yet, the model number and serial number are correct, and are stamped into the gun. Help? Can you tell me anymore? Even when I search the Marlin site, and enter the serial number, it comes back as an invalid entry. I have had it examined, and the model number and serial number are original and authentic.

Answer:
Gregg, Brophy's Marlin book shows a picture of the barrel legend that you describe. Brophy indicates that Model 36 ADL barrels and some Model 36A barrels were marked in this manner. I was also able to find that serial numbers with a small case "c" prefix were manufactured in 1946, and numbers with a large case "D" prefix were manufactured in 1947.

The Marlin Model 36 ADL was a deluxe Model 36, it came with a case colored receiver, checkered pistol grip buttstock and forearm, fancy pistol grip cap and Winchester type quick detachable swivels with a 1 inch leather sling. One reference indicates that less than 50 of these rifles were manufactured in 1941 only. Another reference indicates that the model was manufactured in 1940 and 1941 and again 1945 and 1946. Either way, the 36 A-DL is a fairly rare model. Values in the blue book range from $255 to over $1150 depending on condition.

Since Model 36 ADL rifles were not supposed to have been manufactured in 1947, your "D" serial number leads me to believe that you have a Model 36A - third variation. If your rifle does not have the fancy checkering, and swivels, this is probably the case. Model 36A third variation rifles were available in .30-30 Win. or .32 Special. They had a blued receiver with sandblasted top and no upper tang markings. Rifles were supposed to have an "A" model suffix and the deluxe rifle was supposed to have an "ADL" suffix. Sporting carbines had an "SC" suffix, and the regular carbine has "RC" suffix. Model 36 A values range from $135 to around $500 depending on condition. Marc

# 11880 - 1873 Springfield Trapdoor
4/18/2006
Mike Middlebury, IN

I have a Springfield 1873 complete with cleaning rod, sling, bayonet and bayonet belt scabbard. The belt hook for the scabbard appears to be brass and has a circle with US inside of the circle, where the brass meets the leather. It appears to have been made in 1875. Can you tell me where it was manufactured and what military unit it was assigned to. Thanks, Mike

Answer:
Mike- Sorry, there is no available history on your rifle. All features sound original, but the bayonet scabbard is the Model 1885, and the rifle was made about 1877, although this would have been a typical combination issued in service after the 1885 scabbard was adopted. John Spangler

# 11871 - M1816 Serial Number On Bayonets
4/14/2006
Jack

I have observed similar alpha-numeric codes on both the breech of the Springfield M1816 Musket and on some M1816 bayonets. The code consists of two letters, both upper and lower case, one on top of the other. I have observed letters from A to t. The two numbers are centered on the letters, to the immediate right. For example, on a US/TA marked bayonet I find "A/f 73" on an 1830 dated Springfield M1816 I find "M/S 34." The codes I have observed on bayonets are located between the mortise and the forward end of the socket. Reilly says these are a serial numbering system on page 43 of his American Socket Bayonets and Scabbards. While his description explains the use of ONE letter, it fails to explain TWO letters. Do you have any idea of how to read these serial numbers? Many thanks.

Answer:
Jack- I would differ with Bob Reilly's use of the term "serial number" to describe these. To the best of my knowledge these would be better termed "match numbers" as they were intended to identify a bayonet and the musket it was fitted to. Remember, muskets during the M1816 era were delivered as a "stand of arms" including the musket, ramrod and bayonet, and packed in arms chests holding twenty stands of arms. Also, the M1816 muskets were not "interchangeable" (The M1842 was the first of the muskets to be 100% interchangeable between Springfield, Harpers Ferry and the contractors.) Thus the alphanumeric system was needed so that when a chest of 20 muskets was opened, they could pass each musket out along with a bayonet to fit it without having to try each one on and juggle them around until they found the right combination.

It is possible that the National Armories and/or contractors used some sort of sequence (A1-A20 for the borts chest, B1-B20 for the next etc, or some other system by month or cumulative number made or something. I do not know of anyone who has claimed to have figured it out yet, so we can all make our own guesses. John Spangler

# 11870 - STEN Gun Value
4/14/2006
Kay

Can you tell me the approximate price of a WWII Sten Gun Mark II ? I know a lot of the price depends on the condition, but I would just like a general idea.

Answer:
Kay- Value depends on what type of Sten you are talking about. Dummy guns seem to run in the $150-250 range.

Live guns that are transferable with proper BATFE paper work are probably about $3,000-5,000. These must be sold through a dealer who is licensed to deal in "class 3" firearms, and you need to have written permission from BATFE before transferring it to anyone..

Live guns that are not registered with BATFE can only get you in trouble, serious trouble. You need to read the info at http://www.armscollectors.com/faq.htm#ClassThree John Spangler

# 11523 - Remington Mod 11A
4/14/2006
Sam

Remington Arms Co. Inc., Remington Ilion Works, Ilion New York. Made in USA. ’Brownings patents: Oct. 9, 1900, Dec. 17, 01, Sept. 30, 02, June 16, 03, Feb, 13, 06. ’Imp Cyl; this inscription in along the top of the barrel towards the frame. ’Code on barrel is ''REP''. This gun belonged to my grandfather. ’I would like to know the model of the gun, when it was made and the estimated value of the gun.

Answer:

Sam, first I have to tell you that we are not shotgun experts at OldGuns.net, our main focus is military firearms. We sometimes list sporting shotguns for sale in our catalogs but we do not have a lot of interest in collecting them and are by no means experts in this field. Having said that, it sounds like you have a Remington Model 11. Remington manufactured about 300,000 Model 11 shotguns between 1911 when they were first introduced and 1948 when the model was discontinued. "REP" is not a good date code so I can not say for sure when your shotgun was manufactured. I can tell you that "P" is a year code for 1923 and "PP" is a code for 1945. Is it possible that you read the code incorrectly, or is there another code somewhere else?

Model 11 values depend upon grade, barrel type and condition. You probably have a standard Model 11, they were called the Model 11A and had a checkered walnut stock. Model 11A shotguns could be ordered with plain, solid rib or vent rib barrels.

• Values for shotguns with plain barrels range from $125 to $315
• Values for shotguns with solid ribbed barrels range from $145 to $425
• Values for shotguns with vented ribbed barrels range from $185 to $470

Higher grade Model 11 shotguns came with fancier wood, more/better checkering and a higher grade of finish. Values for the higher grade shotguns can reach as much as $1000. Let me know if you can find another date code. Marc

# 11519 - Model B Value
4/11/2006
Harold IL

My mother gave me this pistol after my father died in 1977. He had received it when my mothers dad died in 1964. It is in very good condition, and I have an extra magazine and a brown leather Triumph holster that was with it. I would like to know when it was manufactured and an approximate idea of its value. I had a gun dealer at swap meet look at it about 10 years ago, and he said '' Old .22s like that aren't worth much. I have looked on the Web and found a few of these with 4'' barrels that were priced from $675.00 to $895.00, with no extras.

Answer:
Harold, approximately 65,000 High Standard Model B pistols were manufactured between when they were first introduced in 1932 and 1942 when the model was discontinued. Records indicate that your pistol (serial number 52034) was manufactured in 1940. Model B pistols had fixed-partridge type front and rear sights, checkered hard rubber grips with or without the H.S. monogram and 10 shot magazines. Both 4« and 6_ inch barrel lengths were available on this model.

When High Standard went out of business in 1985, demand and values for their pistols sky-rocketed. Now 20 years later demand seems to have peaked. Although I still see dealers asking exorbitant prices for High Standard pistols, I don't often see them selling. The blue book lists prices for Model B pistols between $120 and about $550, and I think that range is fairly realistic. Marc

# 11517 - Value For A Tired Nambu Pistol
4/11/2006
Brad, York, PA

Japanese Imperial Army symbol and some Chinese Symbols (unknown) I have what seems to be a Japanese Grandpa Nambu, from the leaf-spring actioned trigger, in poor condition. It is missing a clip and the rear sight, but I was wondering what this gun might appraise for considering only 2400 were ever manufactured. Any clues or suggestions would be appreciated? Thank you!

Answer:
Brad, the Grandpa Nambu is very similar to Papa Nambu, except that it has a smaller trigger guard and fixed lanyard ring. All Grandpa Nambu pistols are slotted for a shoulder stock and were issued with 2 matching cherry wood based magazines. If you have a Grandpa Nambu, the blue book lists values between about $1500 and about $5500. Since so few pistols were ever made, locating replacement parts will be a problem and even if you do find the parts the gun will be a mis-match. In my opinion the poor condition and missing parts will place value in the lower end of the range or even below.

If you have a Papa Nambu instead of a Grandpa Nambu, blue book values range from about $500 to about $1500. Marc

# 11869 - M1903 Springfield Maker
4/11/2006

I just bought a very customized 1903 in 30.06 and wanted to know where and when it was made. The action says US 354370 with the markings of REP 28 on the barrel. This rifle is in superb condition and was probably re-done. Trigger Guard is all Machine Steel "Not Stamping" with little wear anywhere. Action is very solid with 2 stage trigger. Thanks for the help

Answer:
Joe- It sounds like the maker name may be hidden by a scope mount on the receiver ring. A serial number in that range could be from Springfield, in which case it's a "low numbers" which many people consider unsafe to shoot. It may also be from Rock Island Arsenal and if so, it would be a "high number" without the questionable heat treatment problems associated with Springfields in that number range. (Both places started with number 1 and worked up.) REP28 is merely a heat lot for the steel used to make the barrel, but that is probably a WW2 vintage barrel.

Many of the guns with double set triggers were converted to sporters in Germany for American troops stationed there from 1945 until the 1970s. Superb work, but no collector value, only as shooters. That is about all we can tell you. John Spangler

# 11513 - 760 Gamemaster Value
4/8/2006
Dan, Roseburg, Oregon, USA

I was wanting to know the approximate value of the Remington 760 Gamemaster 30.06 in toady's market?

Answer:
Dan, it has been my experience that this model usually sells in the $200 to $350 range. I have also found that slide action hunting rifles are not as popular as other action types and they are usually slow sellers. They often sell to left-handed shooters who are getting a little desperate to find a rifle just before deer season. Marc

# 11868 - Missing Annie Oakley Gun
4/8/2006

i had read one time that there is a remaining rifle belonging to the annie oakley family that has become lost. i'm taking it that it had once belonged to annie and the family has all but one. can you describe which rifle it is? i havnt been able to find that site recently. do you have any information on that lost rifle? thank you

Answer:
Sir- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. By the way, that key on your keyboard marked "shift" is how you make CAPITAL letters. Capitalization is part of reading and writing English, and failure to use it gives people very negative impressions of people.

There are a number of Annie Oakley guns in museums and private collections, most well documented.

The field of firearms associated with famous or notorious people is highly specialized and requires considerable expertise to research and document such items, or a high degree of gullibility to accept what others tell you. We view any claim of association with a famous (or notorious) person as highly dubious, and simple do not get involved with such items.

No Wells Fargo stagecoach would have had room for any passengers if they carried all the shotguns attributed to them. Custer's command would have been the best armed in history if all the guns from that action were totaled up. Jesse and Frank James must have had daily deliveries of guns from all the big makers of the period to fill up their armory. However, some stories may actually be true. Now, if someone can just figure out how to separate the truth from the BS we can all buy one of the real ones. John Spangler

# 11867 - Savage 99 Date Of Manufacture
4/8/2006

I inherited an old rifle of my Father's, in good condition, and knowing nothing about guns, wondering if you could give me some info on it. It's a 300 Savage sp model 99, lever action, safety on right hand side, serial no. 412562. My son-in-law took it to a local gunsmith, who claims this gun was manufactured between 1840-1860, and was used for buffalo hunting. Any info you can give me on this would certainly be appreciated

Answer:
Sir- Your local gunsmith has a great sense of humor, or he is an idiot. (Or maybe you made a typo and meant 1940-1960, but the hunting buffalo part doesn't sound like it goes with a 1940-1960 date.)

The Savage Model 1899 or later just the Model 99 was introduced in 1899, a modification of the very similar Model 1895. I believe it is still in production, and popular with many hunters. I do not have a date listing for Savage, but mid 1900s sounds about right. Values tend to be rather modest unless it has some special features, or is in like new condition. I usually see Model 99s offered at gun shows in the $250-450 range. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 11507 - Grey Ghost P.38?
4/4/2006
Robert

Left side of slide is marked P.38 followed by byf, and 44 under that. On the right side, it has a proof mark of WaA135,and next to that it has a star which looks like it was stamped over another mark. In front of the locking block on the barrel there is a WaA proof mark. On the locking block, it has a serial number, and on the side of that it has an eagle and a star. Right behind the locking block on the barrel there is also a star. The grips are made of metal. The finish of the gun and grips are blue. All numbers match except for the grips. There is also a 4 on the front sight. The clips are marked jvd. I would like to know what I have. Is this a common pistol? How many of these did they make? A friend said that it was a gray ghost, the finish is blue. Thank you very much. Rob

Answer:

Rob, I am afraid that you do not have a Gray Ghost. Gray Ghost. P.38 pistols were assembled from Nazi parts left over after WWII at the Mauser-Werke, Oberndorf Factory by the French. Gray Ghost slides are marked on the left hand side with the letters "SVW 45" which were assigned to the Mauser factory in January, 1945. They have gray(ish) metal grips and a gray finish, hence the name "Gray Ghost".

You have a Mauser (byf) P.38 that was manufactured by the Germans in 1944. After WWII your pistol was probably taken into service by the French and that is probably where it picked up the metal grips and the French "*" markings.

Mauser byf 44 P.38 pistols should have the following characterestics:

Serial number -

• Stamped on the slide just forward of the safety lever
• Stamped on the frame above the trigger
• Stamped on the front of the barrel group below the round section of the barrel.
• The last three digits are on the base of the barrel locking block.

Left side slide -

• P.38.
• byf (The letters byf was the manufacturer's code assigned to the Mauser factory in February, 1941).
• Serial Number
• Year of manufacture

Magazine-left side -

• P.38

Military acceptance stamp eagle over "WaA 135"-

• Stamped twice on the right side of the slide
• Stamped once on the left side of the frame above the trigger
• Stamped on the left side of the barrel group
• Stamped on the right side of the barrel locking block
• Stamped on the upper rear of the magazine.

Military test proof eagle over swastika-

• Stamped on the right side of the slide between the two stampings of the military acceptance stamp
• Stamped on the barrel group
• Stamped on the barrel locking block.

Total 1944 production for Mauser P.38 pistols is about 155,000.

There is some collector demand for Gray Ghost pistols but my preference would be, and I think that most collectors would rather have a P.38 that was actually manufactured by the Germans before their defeat in 1945. I have seen Gray Ghost. P.38 pistols in new condition listed at over $800 but I don't know how fast they are selling. If I had a pistol like yours, that has both German and French provenance, I would probably list at around $600 to $700 if it were in excellent condition. Marc

# 11501 - Model 06 Value
4/4/2006
Gary, Adrian Michigan

New Haven Conn...Pat-June 26,88. Dec6,92. Nov. 27,06. May 30 1911 I found this gun in my grandfathers storage and it is in mint condition and was wondering if it is worth the asking price of $1200 offered by two different collectors

Answer:
Gary $1200 seems a little high to me, the blue book tops out at about $900. Marc

# 11866 - Who Designed M1903 Springfield
4/4/2006
wayne

i nead help trying to find a specific person that made the 1903 springfeild.. all i want is a name! i have been looking for a wial for a school project and i nead help...please help wayne

Answer:
Wayne- First, I hope they teach spelling how to use capitals in your school, and if you want future correspondence to be taken seriously you better use them.

The Model 1903 Springfield was not designed by a single person, but is the result of several committees and boards over several years, each making changes or modifications. Most of the basic features are based on the bolt action designs of Peter and Paul Mauser in Germany. William S. Brophy's "Springfield 1903 Rifles" has an excellent summary of the development of the design. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 11865 - Stupid Question
4/4/2006

Have a colt revolver with the number 12057 on it with a k beneath. Can you identify?

Answer:
Sir- My car license plate is FCW 864. What kind of car do I have? Maybe the psychic hotline can help you out but we sure cannot. John Spangler

# 11864 - War Trophy Or Stolen Property?
4/1/2006
Allison

If a gun was stolen by an American soldier during WW1 from Germany would it need to be returned if the original owner provable? Don't know how else to ask.

Answer:
We are not lawyers, but I am a historian.

He "stole the gun" if he illegally took it from a lawful owner. Under the rules of war, captured enemy military property becomes the property of the winning side. Sometimes this is stretched to include guns seized from civilians to prevent their use by criminals or guerillas. Often, all sorts of guns and other military items under the control of the winners are allowed to be sent home as souvenirs. This is true even today in Iraq and Afghanistan, although due to federal laws passed in the last 50 years most guns are no longer allowed to be brought home, but lots of other goodies are. The circumstances above are much different than something like breaking into a jewelry store or private residence when no one is watching, and running off with the jewelry or money or artwork.

For all practical purposes, the above would be true, any gun except something that might fall under the category of "national treasures" (e.g.- a well documented gun that personally belonged to King Someone the 4th in 1735) looted from a museum. For nearly every other gun, it would be nearly impossible to determine the owner, or find their heirs. Even if that were possible, most European countries now have paranoid gun control laws which effectively prevent private ownership of any gun without extensive bureaucratic licenses, club memberships, hunting permits or other nonsense. In my opinion you most likely have a legitimate war trophy which can be legally retained by your family as a reminder of the service and sacrifices of one of your family members.

Please do not get "stuck on stupid" and fall for the nonsense from the "blame America First" idiots who think we should apologize for overthrowing that nice little Austrian paperhanger with the funny moustache who was just a little misguided and misunderstood when he ordered the murders of millions of innocent civilians in the death camps. The horrible Huns behavior in the first World War was not much better, and there is no need to apologize for whipping their butts either.

John Spangler

# 11863 - Early Artwork Showing Guns
4/1/2006
Mike

I have a wood cut of a knight using a firearm by Sebastian Brandt from 1502. I believe it may be one of the first pictures of a firearm in Europe, but i can find no info at all relating to the first pictures of firearms in Europe. Can you help at all?

Answer:
Mike- I do not have any readily available info about artwork showing firearms, although I recall seeing some that was very early, but I do not recall where, or what dates.

Here is a time line of historical firearms dates, and it appears that firearms were fairly widely known in Europe by the late 1400s. http://armscollectors.com/gunhistorydates.htm

# 11503 - Walther Model 5
4/1/2006
Patrick

When was it manufactured, it is about 90%, the only thing ''wrong'' is the bluing is wearing. What is the $ Value?

Answer:
Patrick, references indicate that the Walther Model 5 was manufactured only in 1913. The Model 5 was an improved version of the earlier Model 2, built to a slightly higher standard of workmanship and fitted with fixed rear sight. The model 5 can be most easily distinguished from the Model 2 by the slide inscription which reads 'Walther's Patent Cal 6.35' on the Model 5 and 'Selbstlade Pistole Cal 6.35 Walther's Patent' in the Model 2.

The blue book lists values for Model 5 pistols between $150 and about $500 depending on condition. I would expect to see an example like you describe sell in the $250 range. Marc