# 13165 - Shotgun Shell With A Wire Pin In Side To Fire
4/29/2008

I would like to know how I can some information on the old shotguns that fired by hitting the pin that came out of the shells. It looks like a wire pin that sticks up from the shell.

Answer:
Sir- These are called "Pinfires" and came into use about 1840 and lasted until about 1900 but their main period of used was about 1860-1890. The ammo is still seen occasionally for a few dollars a round or less, and the guns are sometimes found and tend not to bring very high prices because of the lack of ammo. John Spangler

# 12299 - Remington #4
4/29/2008
Elmer

Can you tell me when this rifle was made? Is this rifle worth anything as a collectible? It is in very good condition. Would appreciate any other information that you could give me on this rifle.

Answer:
Elmer, the No. 4 Rolling Block Rifle was Remington's smallest rolling block. Approximately 350,000 were manufactured between 1890 and 1933. Rifles were available chambered in .22 Short Long and Long Rifle, .25 Stevens (barrels marked "25-10"), or .32 Short or Long rimfire and a smooth bore barrel was introduced in about 1911. A 22 & 1/2 inch octagon barrel was standard but late in production round barrels were available. Finish was blue with a case hardened frame. When first introduced only solid frame rifles were available but a takedown version with lever release was introduced in about 1901 and a takedown version with screw type release was introduced in about 1926.

For the date of manufacture, Remington firearms manufactured between 1921 and 1972 have a two or three letter code on the left side of the barrel which identifies the month and year of manufacture. The first letter identifies the month, the other letter(s) identify the year. If your rifle has this code, please send it and I will look it up for you. If there is no code on the barrel, the best we can tell you is that it was manufactured between 1890 and 1921.

There is some collector interest in this model but they do not seem to be fast sellers. We listed one in our catalog about a year ago that we were selling on consignment in the $500 - $600 range. It never sold and we had to return it to the owner. We do not have to return consignment firearms to the owners very often so possibly our price was too high. Marc

# 12298 - Winchester Legendary Lawmen
4/29/2008
John

I have an oportunity to purchase this gun. It is NIB, the box and sleeve are ragged and tattered. When was it manufactured, and what would a fair price be.

Answer:
John, the Winchester Legendary Lawmen commemorative was only manufactured in 1977, production total was 19,999 rifles so this is not a rare gun. Issue price for this model in 1977 was $375. The current blue book value is $495 if the rifle is in flat new condition, comes with the original box, all of the original paperwork, and if it is unfired. Deduct about $100 if the box or any of the paperwork is missing. If the box is in poor condition, it may be appropriate to deduct $25 or so. If the rifle has been fired, value is about the same as it would be for a regular 94.

I am not a big commemorative fan, in my opinion, commemorative firearms are poor investments and I almost never willingly purchase them. Although some commemorates have pretty hefty book values, actually selling them for listed prices is just about impossible, even for the few relatively scarce models. For comparison, in 1977 you could have purchased a surplus Colt military 1911A1 for around $150 - $200. Now they are selling in the $2500 range. Marc

# 13164 - Pistol Storage In A Safe
4/26/2008
Dennis

I enjoy your website! Could I get your opinion please? Is it better to store handguns that are in a gun safe...in silicon treated case (like Bore-Stores) or just in the safe, out of any case? I have some older collectable handguns that are stored in a safe and I want to be sure I'm storing them properly. I appreciate your knowledgeable advice. Thank you.

Answer:
Dennis- Glad you like the site. In my opinion, either method will provide satisfactory protection from environmental hazards. However, most people tend to stuff their safe full (until then can convince their spouse they need another one to commence filling, etc) so using some sort of case may provide the best protection from damage from bumping other guns. I use a magic marker and record my collection ID number (or you can put model and serial number) on the case so that it helps when looking for something. Some people use neat racks specially made for use in safes, and they can provide very efficient use of space. Other people use foam padding cut into about 8" x 10" pieces and just fold those over each pistol to keep them from hurting the neighbors- this uses less space than the usual padded zipper type cases. John Spangler

# 13163 - A.W. Spies Muzzle Loader
4/26/2008

My father in law has an old percussion cap musket. It is not in the best condition. The stock is broken as well as the firing mechanism. I am trying to identify it. The only markings I can find are AWSPIES and WARRANT stamped on it. It also has a wooden tamping bar. It has smooth bore. I have seen later models that have metal tamping bars. Do you have any ideas?

Answer:
Sir- Adam W. Spies was a firearms retailer in New York City who operated from 1823 to 1863, and the business continued under that name after his death, until 1877. This could have been a fowling piece for hunting, or a musket for a militia man, or a combination gun as many were used for both purposes. Value is likely very minimal due to the condition, but it is an interesting piece. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 12291 - Savage 101
4/26/2008
Tina, Reynolds, Georgia

Indian head on both sides of grip. What year was this gun made and was there many of these handguns in circulation? I would really like to find out as much information as possible. Thanking you in advance.

Answer:
Tina, Savage introduced the Model 101 in 1960, it was the first Savage handgun to be manufactured since the Model 1917 was discontinued in about 1920. The Model 101 is a single shot pistol, chambered in 22LR with a 5.5 inch barrel, adjustable sights, and wood grips. The 101 looks like a Frontier-style single action revolver, but the barrel and 'cylinder' are a single unit which swings out of the frame for ejection and reloading. Savage discontinued production of the Model 101in 1968. Values for Savage 101 pistols range from $50 to about $100 depending on condition. Marc

# 12282 - Post War MAB
4/22/2008
Chris, North Hills, Ca

Hello This gun is in very good condition It was given to me by my uncle who got it from my grandfather who fought for the U.S in WWII and I was just wondering if it had some type of value Thanks

Answer:
Chris, the MAB Model D was a French firearm, produced by Manufacture D'Armes Des Bayonne. It was commercially available from 1933 to 1940, after the occupation of France, it was manufactured for use by the German military. The serial range for German occupation pistols is approximately 47000 to 97000. Pistols produced under German occupation have German markings, these pistols have some collectors interest and their value can go as high as $550. Your pistol is outside the serial number range so it was probably manufactured after German occupation ended. Value for MAB Model D pistols without German markings are in the $200 range. Marc

# 12272 - Why The Clear Smooth Grips?
4/22/2008
Neal, Valencia, CA

None I inherited this little pistol from my Dad, who brought it back from Europe after the war. Unfortunately he's not around anymore to find out any details. I have researched it pretty extensively on the web, but my question is regarding the grips. They are clear plastic. I haven't seen any of these pistols with clear, smooth grips, and I'm looking for more information. Thanks.

Answer:
Neal, this type of clear grip is often seen on pistols that were brought home from WWII. The story usually goes that the grips were made by GIs in their spare time using Plexiglas from aircraft windows. Marc

# 13162 - Old Percussion Rifle Found In Riverbank
4/22/2008
Amber

I have sent emails to several different people asking about a gun that was found about ten years ago. It was found in Oregon along the Mckenzie river under the water level! Due to mother nature and age a lot of the markings on the gun are rubbed off and the trigger guard is missing! My question is there are a few markings that are visible!! The barrel says something along the lines of two abbreviated letters followed by cock & muzzy. Underneath that is a large B and to the left of all this are a few numbers including an 8 that I cant read. The gun is a approximately 56 inches overall with a barrel length of approximately 32 inches. Its a percussion rifle octagon barrel steel with silver covering the edge of the stock. There is also a justice lockplate engraved with what looks like a bird and a few other designs. I have even tried taking it into an appraiser and here is what he said \" Yeah its old but its not worth anything, I'll buy it from you but I will most likely throw it away\" So I have a good feeling it might be worth something! I could care less on how much its worth cause frankly the condition of the gun is not so fair. I would like to just know possible or roughly who made the gun and where it came from. After some research I did find that the gun looked an awful lot like 19th century sporting rifle but the name of the creator(s) did not match!! I do know that on most older guns the name on the barrel was the name of the person that finished the gun but after looking up cock & muzzy on the computer it just gave me detailed descriptions on how to load a muzzle and about the trigger! So please any information would be great even a rough idea of a name would be great!!

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this and i hope I gave enough information to help you out with my request! Cant wait to hear back about this! Thank you again!!

Answer:
Amber- The lock markings are probably Hitchcock , Muzzy & Company who worked in Worcester, Massachusetts from 1846 to 1857. If the lock says Justice, that would probably be Phillip S. Justice of Philadelphia, PA who worked circa 1860-1865.

Just because a gun was made at a certain item, that does not really tell much about when it was left in a location. It could have been shortly after it was made, or 20, 50 or even 10 or 150 years later.

Value is probably not a lot as average condition examples of that general type of percussion rifle from the mid 1800s only bring a few hundred dollars. A relic gun will bring much less and is very hard to sell as there are only a few people who seem to want to buy those. It is an interesting relic and fun to speculate as to how it got there, and when, but if someone offered me $100 for it, I would take the money as quickly as I could. If they offered $50, I might have to think about it for a few minutes before taking it. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 13161 - Pennsylvania Rifle Works Fowler
4/19/2008
Tom

I purchased a antique Pennsylvania percussion shotgun it has a 36 in barrel hex barrel at breech round barrel past breech. Supposedly made mid 1850s?

Can you tell me anything that may help me better id it?......Or advise who I can contact? The shotgun does have mfg marks of \"Pennsylvania rifle works\" on the hardware to the left of the hammer....also engraved with flying geese or ducks in the same location. Eagerly awaiting your response!

Answer:
Tom- Sounds like a nice gun, and typical of a fowling piece of the period 1830-1850. The only info I have on Pennsylvania Rifle Works is that it was located in Philadelphia and run by G. Dunlap. John Spangler

# 13160 - Searching For Family Heirlooms
4/19/2008
Sean BC, Canada

Hi There, I'm looking for the best place to start searching for my Great-Great Grandfathers service pistol(s) from the US Civil War. My Grandfather's name is Capt. George Timothy Heritage of the 39th Illinois Volunteer Regiment out of Bloomington Illinois. Our family is in possession of his medals and battle saber as well as his ceremonial dress sword. When I was a child I was told that his pistol(s) were in the possession of a distant relative in Florida. My Grandfather apparently tried to obtain them back in the 1960's but Canadian law wouldn't allow then across the US-Canada border unless they were permanently disabled. Of course, this would have decreased their value immensely and my Grandfather gave up his attempt out of frustration. The story tells that they were sold to a collector after that. Could you steer me in the right direction for trying to locate these weapons? I know this could be a fruitless attempt but I think I owe it to my late Grandfather to at least try. Thanks in advance for any help you may be able to provide.

Answer:
Sean- Unless you have the make, model and serial number(s) to identify the specific pistol(s) you are looking for, your quest is hopeless.

Even if you can positively ID them, the odds of finding them is nearly impossible. To do so, you would need to get very lucky and spot the gun(s) if advertised on line (by running a Google search weekly); or by subscribing to auction catalogs from every place that sells guns and looking through every item listed. That is the easy part. You can run "wanted" ads in gun collector publications, and hope that maybe someone would recognize the serial number as one in their collection. There are hundreds of gun shows in the U.S. every year, and there is no practical way to prowl through those looking for a specific gun.

Still, occasionally miracles will happen. A number of years ago the guy next to us at one of the best gun shows in the country discovered his long lost ancestor's sword for sale on a table less than a hundred yards away! Good luck, you will need lots of it! John Spangler

# 12263 - Shapleigh King Nitro
4/19/2008
Kenneth Coal Hill, Arkansas

Patent Pending and Shapleigh King Nitro Do you know who made this gun and about when

Answer:
Kenneth, "KING NITRO" is a tradename used by Shapleigh Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri on shotguns that were manufactured for them by the Crescent Fire Arms Company.

# 12262 - Hamilton Model 27 Info.
4/15/2008
Woody, Asheville, NC

What can you tell us about a Hamilton rifle model # 27. Like when it was made and value, if any. Thanks

Answer:
Woody, the Model 27 was a tip-up design that was loaded by setting the hammer at half cock and then turning a small bolt upwards to release the barrel, thus allowing it to "tip-up". Barrel lengths varied from 14 7/8 inches to 16 inches. Frames were made of stamped sheet steel and blued as was the barrel. Stocks were thin birch with a walnut finish and slightly rounded edges. The left side of the frame was marked " The Hamilton Rifle No. 27, .22 cal. Patented Oct. 30, 1900 - Aug. 13, 1907 Mfd. by C. J. Hamilton and Son. Plymouth, Mich., U.S.A." The Model 27 was in production from the early 1900s until 1930 and it was Hamilton's most popular rifle. There are no remaining factory records in existence that would tell us the quantity that were produced, but most likely, it exceeded half a million.

I was unable to find a listing for this rifle in any of my gun value books but "boy's rifles" like this have some interest among collectors. I would expect to see an example in good condition sell for $300 or maybe even more. Marc.

# 12253 - Unknown Belgian Revolver.
4/15/2008
Steve

Has an E over LG and a star below LG on chamber. Also looks like a backwards P with something above it. Has WEBER ?????? ZURICH on top of the barrel. Just got this revolver. Looks like a copy of a bulldog. Nickel is in excellent shape. Can you tell me anything about it?

Answer:
Steve, my reference books do not have any information on Weber revolvers. The proof marks sound like they are Belgian, possibly the revolver was manufactured there and marketed through a Zurich retailer. It is probably one of a huge number of revolvers made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and sold through various retail outlets. This type of firearm falls into the category of "old guns" that no one seems to be interested in as shooters, but collectors do not want them either. Generally these were basic inexpensive simple guns which sold at modest prices and still have little interest or value on market today. On the retail market they usually sell in the $25-125 range depending on condition and general appearance for use as a "wall hanger" over a fireplace. Please be warned that most of these are not considered safe to shoot. Sorry that I could not tell you that you have acquired a real treasure, I hope that you did not pay too much. Marc

# 12858 - Krag Rifle With M1905 Bayonet
4/15/2008
Brian, Waterloo, IL

''P'' under stock, ''JLC 1903'' or something like that (letters are in unusual typeface), ''u'' on mid barrel strap I was wondering what I have here. It's been passed to me from my mother. The stock is full length and has a very nice finish (both metal and wood) I also have a bayonet that fits it as well. It's marked ''SA'' 1918 serial #806314.

Answer:
Brian- Your rifle is a standard Model 1898 .30-40 Krag infantry rifle. The stock markings indicate it was made in 1903 and accepted for military use after inspection by J.Sumner Adams (JSA). The bayonet was made in 1918 for a M1903 Springfield rifle, and while it fits the Krag perfectly (the M1903 bayonets were developed from the Krag bayonets) this type was not intended for use with the Krags. It is a bit curious to find this combination, which I would ordinarily dismiss as a random pairing up of two items from different sources. However, a number of rifles in the general serial number range were used by Army Engineers in support assignments in France during WW1. Since this specific number is not listed, it is not clear if that was among those used there, or if it was somewhere else. Nor is it clear if the M1905 bayonet was issued to those troops, of if they had the old Krag bayonets. So, this combination does raise some interesting questions, but provides no real answers. John Spangler

# 12854 - Joslyn 1862 Carbine
4/12/2008
Chris, Hawthorne, NY

[loading block] B.F. Joslyn Patent, October 8, 1861, June 24th 1862, 284 [right side plate] Joslyn Firearms Co., Stonington, Conn. Gathering from the info on your site, I presume that this would be a model 1862? It was left to me by my grandfather, and I was trying to find out some more information. The barrel and loading block do appear to have a rusty coating. Should I do anything to preserve it? Thanks.

Answer:
Chris- Based on the patent dates and serial number I think this is the Model 1862, which as a hook on the right side of the breech which you grasp to open the breech. The later M1864 model had a spring loaded button the side instead of the hook for opening the breech. Many of the early Joslyns were used by New York cavalry units, and you are located in New York. Some soldiers took advantage of the opportunity to purchase their small arms at the end of the war, and it could have gotten there that way. If you have any Civil War soldiers in your family tree, you may want to check to see what units they were in, and what they were armed with as this may have a great deal of sentimental value. (Or, your neighbor could have bought it out of an old Bannerman catalog 75 years ago, which would be much less exciting.) John Spangler

# 12851 - James Merrill Muzzle Loading Rifle
4/12/2008
Dustin, Landrum, SC

The writing looks to me to be in an Old English font or a French font. Octagon barrel. This gun has been in my family for generations and we are all avid hunters. We have done a fair amount of research and have found nothing about this gun. I am interested in knowing if you have ever heard of this gun smith or company it was made by and an approximate value.

Answer:
Dustin- James H. Merrill was a prolific inventor of breech loading firearms during the Civil War era. However, they were not muzzle loaders, although some used percussion caps for ignition, and many were used in the Civil War and could explain their presence in your neck of the woods. If your terminology is a bit off, that may be a possible match. I have no info on James K Merrill. John Spangler

# 12250 - Marlin Model 18
4/12/2008
Cecil Flora, MS. USA

I am trying to find some sort of info on how much this gun is worth and when it was made. It has been in a family collection for 70 or so years. It is in excellent condition blue is intact and sharp details on wood finish. has a really nice octagon barrel. Any help you can offer would be much appreciated. Thanks a lot Cecil

Answer:
Cecil, the Marlin Model 18 Sporting Rifle (also called the Marlin Baby Featherweight Repeater No. 18) was the first of the slide-action Marlin repeaters. The design was Patented by Lewis Hepburn in 1904 and marketed by Marlin from 1906 to 1908. Model 18 rifles had a solid-frame with an exposed hammer and could be ordered with a round, part-octagon or octagonal barrel. Later guns offered a easily detachable butt that was marketed as a take-down feature. Rifles were chambered for 22 Short, Long or Long Rifle rimfire cartridges which were held in a half-length tubular magazine located beneath the barrel. Stocks were a straight wrist butt with concave buttplate and a plain slide handle in front, and sights were spring-leaf and elevator on the rear with an open bead at the muzzle.

Blue book values for this model range from about $95 to over $450 depending on condition. If your rifle is in really excellent condition maybe you would be able to get a little more from the right buyer. Marc

# 12248 - PP Info
4/8/2008
Don

There are several; Wa359 on left side of slide, and left side of frame near the trigger Under what looks like an eagle. Also and eagle stamp on the chamber on right side near the ejection port. Pistol was given to me about a week ago. Our friends' husband passed away and she didn't want it in the house anymore. It's in super condition with an original holster. The holster is dried to not keeping the leather oiled, but still in pretty good shape. Could you help me and let me know what it might be worth? Also the year of manufacture and possible history about the pistol? I didn't know you had this site, and a friend of mine told me to write to you and that you could help. Thanks for your assistance. Don St. Aubin

Answer:
Don, W.W.II vintage PP pistols like yours were manufactured by Walther from 1940 to 1945. Early PP pistols were made with a High-polish commercial grade blue finish but as the war progressed the quality of finish was degraded to speed production. The Wa359 markings that you describe are military acceptance stamps, they should actually read WaA359.

Collectors classify military procured PP pistols into several variations:

• First variation pistols had eagle over "359" military acceptance stamps, high-polish blue finish, side mounted magazine release button, and were in the 165126P-168190P serial number range. Estimated procurement was about 1,000.
  
• Second variation pistols had a bottom mounted magazine release button, high-polish blue finish, eagle over "WaA359" military acceptance stamp and were in the 198359P- 199812P or 202005P-202472P serial number range. Estimated procurement was about 1,500.
• Third variation pistols had a high-polish blue finish, eagle over "WaA359" military acceptance stamps, side mounted magazine release button, and were in the 216305P-234705P serial range. Estimated procurement was about 13,000.
• Your serial number ( 360617P) falls into the fourth variation block. Fourth variation pistols had a lower quality military-blue finish, eagle over "WaA359" military acceptance stamps, side mounted magazine release button, and were in the 235879P-368899P serial range. Estimated procurement was about 66,000.
• Late fifth variation pistols were stamped with the "ac" Walther code on right hand side of the slide. They had a low quality military-blue finish, eagle over "WaA359" military acceptance stamps, side mounted magazine release button. Some of the last production pistols had mismatched numbers, and no proofs or legend.

Blue book values for fourth variation military issue PP pistols like yours are in the $150 to $550 range depending on condition, add another $75 to $150 for the holster if it bears military markings. If the or holster is not military marked, values will be in the $25 - $50 range. Marc

# 12243 - Beretta 75
4/8/2008
Edmund

A pistol Slide left side is: ''PIETRO BERETTA'' followed immediately in smaller font with ''GARDONE V.T. CAL. 22 L.R.'' Slide right side is: ''MOD. 75 - MADE in ITALY''. Frame right side is: serial # (just in front of grip). In front of slide pin/lever (to release slide for disassembly) is ''SMCNTAGG101'' stamped in a 90 degree curve. In this the S might be a 5 and the last figure (1) is not clear. Finger guard right side is an illegible small symbol or figure which might be a W. Also is ''PSI'' and ''XXII''. (the II appear as two vertical lines). Grip appears to be dark brown plastic. Grip top left & right side is ''BERETTA'' contained within the 3 circle/up-arrow insignia. Grip in lower half left side is ''JAGUAR'' Grip right side is a knight's armor head atop a shield. The shield is pointed at the bottom. Shield upper left is a ''J'', upper right is a ''L'', and at bottom is a ''G''. Center of shield is a bull's eye shape with the words ''ARMS AMMUNITION'' appearing in a circular pattern within the bull's eye. I've had this pistol since the mid 60's and have not been able to obtain any information on it. I believe is was a kit which contained two/three barrels of which I have only the long barrel. I would like what ever information is available as well as locating a short barrel and a magazine.

Answer:
Edmund, Beretta introduced the Jaguar in the mid 1950s, the design was a streamlined version derived from the earlier Model 1934 with a cross bolt safety and an external hammer. By changing the return springs, Jaguar pistols could be adapted to fire either .22 Short or .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridges. The Model 72 was the European designation for the Jaguar and Models 73, 74 and 75 were .22 rimfire variants with barrels of various lengths, designed for use as inexpensive but reliable target pistols.

None of my reference books mentioned Jaguar pistol kits that came complete with different length interchangeable barrels. For extra parts, I 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. Home this helps. Marc

# 12811 - Jobson Percussion Rifle
4/8/2008
David, Decatur, Georgia, DeKalb

''F.(or J) A.(or H) Jobson Maker''; silver mounts; crescent and four pointed star on cheek piece; raised cheek piece same as to pg. 100 ''Notes on Southern Long Rifles, Vol 2'' by Noble; single screw. lockplate purchased manufactured marked 'cincinnati'' (sp); possibly purchased trigger guard etc. engraving added; set trigger. Octagon barrel, half-stocked. Is there any other record of 'Jobson' possibly working in Perry, Georgia circa 1840-60.per Noble as above; ''Jobson,Perry,Georgia'',''silversmith, possibly gunsmith''. Are there any other known examples of work by F.A.Jobson? My father acquired this rifle in the 1930's in Milledgeville Ga. 20 mi. distant from Perry, Georgia. Cemetery shows Jobsons buried in Perry; infant J.H. possibly grandson; 3 CSA b. 1830's, sons or nephews? Search reveals Francis A. Jobson serving with Layfayette Volunteers; honor guard for the General at the time of his visit to Milledgeville in 1825; from Twiggs County. Any leads on Jobson or examples of attributed rifles appreciated

Answer:
David- Frank Sellers’ American Gunsmiths has no listing for Jobson at all, nor any Hobson that might be a possible match. Sorry we cannot help. John Spangler

# 12809 - Colt .40 Caliber Bullet Mould ( Mold )
4/5/2008
Ray, Coupeville, WA

Colt's Patent on sprue cutter. I have acquired a Colt's Patent double-cavity brass mould that measures .40 caliber, not .36 or .44. It casts a round ball about .395 diameter, and a rebated heel conical ball with 4 driving bands, also about .395. The only markings are ''Colt's Patent'' on the sprue cutter. It closely resembles a .31 caliber early style ''Baby Dragoon'' mould in my collection. It has obviously been used a lot. I can't find any reference to a Colt .40 caliber percussion revolver, other than the First Model Paterson Ring Lever Carbine, but the mould for it was the traditional one with 3 wooden handles. I have heard that Colt made a prototype of it's 1851 Navy in .40 caliber, but I can't find any reference to it anywhere. Does anyone know what I have?

Answer:
Ray- Your mold certainly sounds like a very interesting one, but I do not have a good explanation for what it really is. I think you need to check with some of the advanced folks in the Colt Collectors Association. My best guess is that it is a mold that was made in .36 caliber and that a later owner modified to cast .40 caliber bullets. The four driving bands sounds like a late 1800s- early 1900s style. John Spangler

# 12808 - P1853 Enfield Questions- Confederate?
4/5/2008
Bob, Lapeer, Michigan

POTTS & HUNT LONDON on outside lock Plate ''CS'' faintly stamped on lock plate, butt plate, and trigger guard. Inside lock plate stamped ''P&H'' and Frith (Possibly George Frith who is listed as a London gun lock maker in ''The Index of British Lock Makers''). Normal London commercial proof marks on top left edge of barrel breech. Underside of barrel stamped ''Barnett'' and has a Stylized ''B'' stamped just in front of the ''Barnett'' (Presumably the Barnett Logo). ''14.4'' stamped 9'' from breech on barrel bottom. Small government crown inspection mark over ''VA'' on barrel bottom along with ''7 over 294'' below the nipple. Barrel bottom and ramrod groove both stamped ''\ lll'' to match components. Question #1 Although London gun makers used various components in their guns, would Potts & Hunt have been likely to use a Barnett barrel? Question #2 I have been able to identify most of the markings on the P1853, but what in world would be the meaning of the ''14.4'' stamped on the bottom of the barrel? The inevitable Question #3 Given that this is a London Enfield with minimal Crown inspection marks and lightly stamped ''CS''s is their any hope that it could be a legitimate Confederate weapon?

Answer:
Bob- I applaud your diligent research and thoughtful questions. Unfortunately, I cannot add anything useful that is based on much more than conjecture. On guns made "by the trade" I suspect there was much mixing of parts/sharing of sources with no firm patterns of which subcontractors would be found on arms delivered by any single maker. The 14.4 may be some sort of piecework number, a lot number, a date, or indication of which worker did some aspect of the manufacture on that part. While it is possible that the CS marks are legitimate, I am extremely skeptical. It is not impossible, but neither is it impossible that you will win the lottery. John Spangler

# 12239 - Savage Model 1903
4/5/2008
Doug

 I'd be greatful for any info on this gun?manufacture date? anything

Answer:
Doug, the Savage Model 1903 is reported to have been a good design, it featured a round-back receiver with a sliding safety on the upper tang and a box magazine which was inserted just in front of the trigger guard. Standard configuration had a ribbed slide handle, a shallow pistol grip type buttstock which Savage would checker to order, and a crescent-shape butt plate. Swivels could be fitted on the butt stock at the rear and at the front by using a special strap which encircled the barrel. Special order options included barrels as much as 30 inches in length, and gold or silver plated metalwork.

There are no records available on this model to give me the year of manufacture from your serial number so the best I can do is to tell you that the Savage 1903 was introduced in 1903 and discontinued in 1922 after about 13,000 rifles had been sold. The blue book sets values between $90 and about $350 depending on condition. Marc

# 12240 - Why No Colt Anaconda?
4/1/2008
Norman Riverside, CA

No Ten years ago my father gave me this wheel gun shortly before he passed. He said it would be the only weapon I would need to protect my family. When ever I read about the qualities of fine 44 Mag pistols the Colt Anaconda is never mentioned. I find it to be a highly accurate revolver and has been very dependable. Is it as good as, say, a Colt Python? Is there a reason why it isn't mentioned much in the popular gun magazines? I am not interested in it's value. Than you in advance for your help. Casey M Thank you in advance for your help

Answer:
Norman, the Anaconda is Colt's large frame double action revolver. It has a nicely designed and contoured wrap-round grip, transfer bar safety system, red ramp front sight, adjustable white outline rear sight, ventilated rib and handsome full length ejector rod shroud like that of the Python and King Cobra. Over the years, Anaconda revolvers have been available in both .44 Magnum or .45 Long Colt chambering with 4, 6 or 8 inch barrels and matte, Realtree Grey camo, or bright stainless steel finish. Colt introduced the Anaconda in 1992 and discontinued it in 1999, it was re-introduced again in 2002 but now it is only available through the Colt Custom Shop.

I do not know why there is not much mention of the Anaconda in popular gun magazines. I do remember reading some un-flattering reviews from gun critics when both the Anaconda and the King Cobra were first introduced, but it was so long ago that I don't remember the details. The criticism could have been that they were too expensive or that the actions are not quite as smooth as that of the legendary Python. I personally own an Anaconda and a King Cobra, both revolvers are my first choice over my comparable S&W and Ruger revolvers when I go out plinking. I have found my Anaconda and King Cobra to be excellent quality, highly accurate, reliable and pleasant to shoot. Marc

# 12238 - Savage 99E 308
4/1/2008
Bryan

Back in the 1960's, I swapped my Winchester 94 .30 caliber for this Savage 99E .308.  (Maybe not a wise move, I don't know.)  I have been told that the Savage 99 is considered a classic and it's no longer being produced.  I hunted with it for years in Vermont, loved it, but it's time to move on and I will be selling it. I would like to have an idea of what it might be worth - wholesale and retail - and what year might it have been manufactured.  It is in good condition, but the stock needs refinishing.  It has a Bushnell Custom-X 3X-9X Vari-Power scope mounted on it.

Answer:
Bryan, available serail number information for Savage 99 rifles stops in 1950 at 566,000 so the most that I can tell you is that your 99 was manufactured after 1950. My reference books do not list a Savage 99E rifle that was chambered in 308. I did find a carbine that came equipped with a 22 inch barrel that was available in 308 and a 99 EG rifle that was also available in 308. Savage manufactured the carbine from 1960 to 1982 and they manufactured the rifle from 1946 to 1960. There is not a lot of collector interest in Savage rifles of this vintage so whether you have a 99E or a 99EG probably won't matter much anyway to most prospective buyers. Buyers will probably just be looking for a good rifle to hunt with. I would expect to see an average Savage 99 hunting rifle that is chambered in 308 with scope sell at a gunshow in the $250 to $350 range depending on condition. Wholesale buyers usually have a 30% markup. Marc

# 12789 - Winchester 1894 Carbine- US Marked
4/1/2008
Joel, Warrenville, South Carolina

US Flaming Bomb, US 34 on lower tang As a collector of mainly US Military Firearms from the Springfield 1884 to the present, ( and one who can thank you very much for adding several to my collection over the years), I noticed your Model 1894 US Carbine for sale. I first saw this in Canfield’s Book, as you mention, and thought that would be a plum to have in my collection, but with only 1,800 marked, and many fakes, I thought it would be pretty hopeless to obtain. However, after about a year of searching, I located one in 2002. My weapon came with a handwritten letter from George Madis of Brownsboro, Texas on his own stationery. To paraphrase part of his letter…he states, “I have carefully examined this rare carbine and have determined it is all original as made by Winchester and the U.S. and Ordnance Dept. markings are also correct and original. Records indicate this serial number was assigned to the Model 1894 in 1919….the saddle ring and its retaining stud are correct and original. Straight grain walnut was used for stocking this Winchester, and it remains in excellent condition, showing some use but no abuse. The buttplate is correct and original, as are all parts on the gun. The front sight-blade is the Lyman style with a copper (bead or head, cannot make it out), pinned to the sight-base which was forged as part of the barrel. A carbine style rear sight was provided, and it has graduations….Near the trigger on the lower tang is the marking 34; this was an assemblers mark. The barrel and tang markings as well as all other markings are all correct and original. Winchester proof marks are seen….Because these 1894 carbines were purchased by the U.S in very low numbers, and due to the low survival rate, martially marked 1894’s are among the rarest of Winchesters… So I guess I am trying to figure out from what you have as a selling price of $1295 and what I have, is there a big range of value? Mine has a fairly decent barrel with not the strongest grooves, but definitely not shot up. I do not know what mine is worth, maybe you can hazard an idea, but thinking of just 1,800 in the first place, wouldn’t that almost make this, and yours, a very valuable addition to anyone’s collection?

Answer:
Sir- Sounds like you have a nice gun. Value will be whatever the buyer and seller can agree on, but these are extremely scarce guns, and a desirable addition to either a U.S. military or a Winchester collection. Madis is correct in all the details in his letter, except for the date of manufacture, which he has about 1 or 2 years too new (an error in his data which is being corrected by more recent research in the Winchester records at Cody. John Spangler