# 14057 - Lee Enfield Mark III
4/30/2011
Pennsylvania

It has a crown with g.r below it says 1940 Sht L.E III and the star of David also says England and number 24759. and a couple other stamps with the crown and say G.B What is the price range for this gun, and was it used in ww2 not sure if model number is the 24759 or if that's the serial number. I am new to collecting just received this great gun from my pap looking to restore it. Thank you for your time

Answer:
Sir- The 24579 is the serial number. The model is “Short, Magazine Rifle, Lee Enfield, No. 1 Mark III” in .303 British caliber. Rifles of this model were made from about 1907 up into about 1942 in England, and later in Australia, and even into the 1960s in India and Pakistan. The No. 1 Mark III* variation omitted the magazine cutoff and was made from about 1916 until the end of production in lieu of the predecessor model.

I suspect that yours may have been made in the UK by BSA, which is usually marked on the butt socket near the other markings. If made elsewhere it should include the name of the maker on the butt socket.

Value depends on condition, amount of original finish, stock markings, and if it was ever “sporterized.” I have seen examples at gun shows priced from $65 up to several hundred dollars, depending on those factors.

One of the SMLE Enfield rifles is a common starting point for a beginning collector. They are inexpensive, fun to shoot, and represent the main battle rifle of the British Empire during WW1 and WW2. Depending on how your interest develops, you may want to expand your collection to include examples of the main infantry rifles of other nations during WW1 or WW2. Or, you may find it interesting to pursue different models of the .303 Enfield, or even tracking down an example of the No. 1 Mark III from each of the many makers. The best reference book on Lee Enfields is Ian Skennerton’s “The Lee Enfield.” There are several dealers who specialize exclusively in Lee Enfields and their related artifacts. John Spangler

# 14133 - Burgsmuller 22
4/30/2011

Came with factory made wood box custom fitted and lined with red & green floral designed cloth covering. Screw heads have some rust. It looks very similar to model 4864 shown on page 60 listed in Burgsmuller`s catalog of 1910 I purchased from Amazon.com. Approximate value. source for sale.

Answer:
References indicate that Burgsmuller is a name used by Regent of Germany. The German gun is supposed to be a small revolver that resembles the Colt Police Positive. These were sold in the 1955 to 1970 period by Karl Burgsmuller of Kreiensen. The name has also been used on an inexpensive Spanish-made 'Eibar' type automatic.

No matter which one you have, there is not much collector interest in this kind of pistol, values will be modest. Marc

# 14132 - Trigger Shoe On An M1914
4/26/2011
Robert Holland / Dallas,N C

The trigger has a wide (1/2'') add on finger pull with 2 allen set screws. Is this something that has been added or did it come from Norway this way. The mfg. year is 1942, or that number is stamped on right side of slide. Thanks

Answer:
Robert -the pistol did not come from the factory that way. I am 98% sure that the item you are asking about is a `trigger shoe` that was added by some former owner. Marc

# 14056 - Ross Rifle Calibers
4/26/2011
Jim, Hawk Hills, Alberta, Canada

I purchased a Ross 303 at a farm auction. At that same auction was a sister gun to the one I bought. A Ross in 270 caliber. I have gone through all of my gun books and done research on the web but can fins no mention of a Ross rifle in 270 caliber. My question is, do you know anything Ross rifles in 270. I am thinking of making an offer to the fellow who won the bid on this rifle. I would like to own both rifles as the were both owned by the same neighbor. I would like to know anything you may be able to tell me about this rifle, but the present value is of special interest to me. I would also like to know if this 270 is 270 WCF or is it something unique to Ross as was the 280 Ross. I do know that Ross produced rifles in 303 British and 280 Ross.

Answer:
Jim- The Ross Rifle Company of Quebec, Canada made a number of different rifles. Best known are some of his military rifles used by the Canadians (and 20,000 during WW1 by the U.S. Army), which were all in .303 British caliber. Also well known are his sporting rifles made in .280 Ross caliber, a rimmed cartridge based on the .303 British case. A very few rifles were made in .256 Mannlicher, .370 Express and .35 Winchester, but I cannot find any mention of any Ross rifles made in .270 caliber, nor of a .270 Ross cartridge. The Ross company ended operations during or shortly after World War 1.

The .270 Winchester cartridge was introduced in 1925 for the Winchester Model 54 rifle, so it is almost certain that the Ross rifle is one that was later converted to the excellent .270 caliber by an owner, not factory work.

In my opinion a Ross converted to .270 caliber might be a nice shooter, but a lousy investment. John Spangler

# 14055 - International Flare Signal Co. Flare Gun
4/23/2011
Phil, Henderson, NV

This flare pistol is brass with a steel barrel. It has Mar 1943 stamped on it. Also, there is a 1/4'' thick rope hooked to it for hanging in the cabin of the boat (I assume). What would this flare gun be worth?

Answer:
Phil- The 37mm flare gun made by International Flare Signal Company of Tippecanoe City, Ohio, was made during WW2, but apparently only for use by merchant marine use, not Navy contracts. They are a robust design, and were packed in a “Number 52 Marine Distress Signal Kit” often placed in lifeboats. The rope lanyard was to be attached to the shooter or the boat, so the gun would not be lost overboard. The kit was packed in a metal container with the pistol and 12 red parachute flares.

As far as values, I usually see flare guns offered around $150-250 from most of the makers. We really need a good book, or even website, about flare guns, but I do not know of any yet. John Spangler

# 14131 - Secert Service Special
4/23/2011
Ernie e

Is blue top break 5 shot top of barrel says FOR 38 SMITH WESSON CTGS on side says SECERT SERVICE SPECIAL has 4 diamond crystals on handle grip Would like to know the value of it and what kind of gun it is was told it was a SMITH WESSON then some one else told me it was a OWL would like to know year also...... if you could tell me make model caliber from what I have told you that would be great..........

Answer:
Ernie - I am afraid that your revolver is not a Smith & Wesson, the Smith & Wesson markings only indicate the cartridge that the revolver is chambered for. Secret Service Special is a sales or trade name that was used by Chicago gun-dealer Fred Biffard circa 1890-1910 on revolvers made for them by Iver Johnson and the Meriden Firearms Company. There is not much collector interest in this type of gun and values are modest. I would expect to see one being offered for sale at a gunshow in the $50 to $75 range. Marc

# 14052 - German Drilling Value
4/19/2011
Ron ,Mineral Wells, W.V.

Silver, deep engraving .Bone trigger guard . Leopold Flip on , flip off scope also open sights ,2 triggers ,leather shoulder strap .High grade walnut stock . I was just wondering if you can give me an idea of its worth . Thank you

Answer:
Ron- Franz Kettner operated in Suhl, circa 1891-1939, and has a reputation for making high quality sporting arms, especially double barrel and multi barrel shotguns or combination arms with both rifle and shotgun barrels. The three barrel guns are called “ “drillings” (“dri” being Kraut for “three”). Most of the three barrel guns had two shotgun barrels over a rifle barrel, but if a buyer wanted two rifle barrels over a shotgun barrel, Franz would be happy to make it. (9.3 x 74mm Rimmed was a very popular rifle cartridge for combination guns, although not easy to find for shooting.

Value is pretty much an individual decision between you and a buyer. Realistically, it will probably be a tiny fraction of what it would cost to get a similar gun made today. The buyer who likes the caliber, looks and feel, might possibly pay several thousand dollars. The casual collector who thinks it is a "neat gun" and pretty enough that his wife won't complain too much might reluctantly go $1,000 or so. They are really beautiful examples of the gun makers’ art, but just don’t bring a lot of money. John Spangler

# 14106 - MAB Model F
4/19/2011
Teri, Fern Park, Florida

What can you tell me about this gun? Also, I was wondering if you knew where I could purchase a clip for it.

Answer:
Peter, Manufacture d'Armes de Bayonne (MAB) began business in 1921. From 1940 to 1944 the factory was under German supervision and control. MAB pistols were produced for German military and police use and were marked with the usual German acceptance stamps. After the war, production of commercial pistols was resumed. The MAB model F was introduced in 1950, it was basically the same design as the earlier Mode B except that it had an open-ended slide which could be fitted with barrels of lengths varying from 2.65 to 7.25 inches. Target sights of different degrees of quality, accuracy and complexity could be ordered to suit the purchaser's needs. Model F grips are extremely well raked, this made the pistol easy to point naturally. It is said that the Model F was a first-class target automatic when fitted with one of the longer barrels available at a reasonable price.

A replacement magazine for your pistol may be hard to find, I recommend that you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page at the following URL:

http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm

Good Luck - Marc

# 14116 - Cadet Revolver
4/16/2011
Charles Roanoke Rapids, NC

On one side of barrel Pat. date April,23 1878 and on other side has name Cadet. Just wanted to know what kind it is. How much is it worth. It is a 7 shot revolver with a octagon shape barrel

Answer:
Charles, I checked Several reference books including Flaydermans and Pistols of the world. The only revolver that I was able to find that bore the model name `Cadet` was manufactured by Iver Johnson. The Iver Johnson Cadet was a small, inexpensive solid-frame revolver with a 2.5in barrel, fixed sights, round butt and no ejector. The Iver Johnson Cadet Cadet model was offered in several configurations:

• Eight-shot chambered for 22LR
• Eight-shot chambered for .22WMR
• Five-shot chambered for 32
• Five-shot chambered for 38

None of these configurations match your revolver which you indicate has a seven shot cylinder. My guess is that you have an inexpensive `Suicide Special`. These were very cheaply made guns of poor quality, made circa 1870 to the early 1900s. As the name implies that they were sufficiently durable and accurate for a single short range shot, or possibly would blow up if fired at all. Values for this kind of revolver is modest, they usually sell in the $100 or less range. Marc

# 14050 - Ammunition For .69 Caliber Musket
4/16/2011
Peter Houston TX

there is a VP on the barrel apart from that is states ''Harper's Ferry 1845'' I have purchased some 600 Ball ammo but I do not know how much powder to put into a charge

Answer:
Peter- Your best bet would be to consult with people who actually shoot these instead of collectors like us. A quick Google check shows that some shooters use as little as 70 grains of powder and others as much as 110 grains. I do not have a period ordnance manual or Dean Thomas’ definitive study of Civil War ammunition “Round Ball to Rimfire” handy, but they would probably provide the “official” answer.

However, the quality of black powder varies greatly, and the grain size (Fg, Ffg, Fffg or Ffffg) also need to be considered since they affect the rate of burning. Also, the “windage” or gap between the ball diameter and the bore diameter will impact the pressure generated in the barrel when fired.

And, if you are using a black powder substitute (Pyrodex, etc) instead of “real” black powder remember that they are measured by volume, not weight.

Therefore, we decline to try to tell you exactly what powder or charge to use. Some idiot may decide that dirty old black powder is too messy, and try to dump an equal charge of smokeless powder into a muzzle loader, and the resulting explosion of the gun would probably make the shooter a Darwin Award winner. John Spangler

# 14115 - Model 1892 Serial Number Location
4/12/2011
Matt, Conyers GA

Where is the serial number located?

Answer:
Matt, over one million Winchester Model 1892 rifles were manufactured between 1892 and 1941, the model was first listed in the July 1892 Winchester catalog and factory records indicate that the first delivery to warehouse stock was made on May 3, 1892. The Model 1892 was devised as a companion rifle that would chamber popular center fire handgun calibers 44-40, 38-40, and 32-20. The 25-20 chambering was developed especially for this model and was added in August 1895. The 1892 was the same basic design as the earlier Model 1886 with a slightly simplified mechanism and some component parts scaled down in size to handle the smaller handgun calibers. Your Winchester's serial number should be stamped on the front edge of the bottom of the receiver close to where it meets up with the wood of the front handguard. Marc

# 14047 - Krag Rifle History
4/12/2011
C J, Katy, Texas

The receiver is marked ''U.S.'', and below that ''Springfield Armory''. I'm am mainly interested in date of manufacture and where I might go to find out the service history and history after service. This rifle was ''sporterized'' after military service.

Answer:
CJ- There is no documented history available on that serial number. However, there are a mix of Model 1898 rifles and Model 1899 carbines overlapping in that range. Check the marking very carefully to see if it is 1898 or 1899. If the latter, it may be a carbine, not a cut down rifle.

That is about all we can tell you, John Spangler

# 14045 - J.L. Galef & Sons Pistol
4/9/2011
Lacie, Powell, WY

On left side of sun on barrel is Galef and son with the Cal. and serial number. But it also has an English style cursive T with a circle around it on the left, On the right side on the hammer is a floral pattern I have looked all over the internet looking for J.L. Galef and son 45 Cal. Pistol Muzzle loader and I can not find anything. I have no clue when this was made, where it was made, how much it is worth. It was given to me by a friend that just wanted to get rid of things and also had no clue about it. It has one hammer on the right side. The stock is wooden and there are screws holding it together it has a pin further up on the barrel where the stock meets it that lets you pull the barrel out to clean it. Can someone help me out and let me know what I have here? To me it looks like a pirate gun. I would just like to know something about it. Thank you

Answer:
Lacie- J.L. Galef & Sons operated in New York from the 1920s well into the 1980s as an importer and distributor. They seem to have been involved mainly in less expensive arms, not the exotic high end pieces, but not total junk either. The modern muzzle loader fad was in vogue starting in the 1960s, so I think your pistol probably dates from around that period. There is not really any collector interest in these, but shooters may like them, especially as an inexpensive gun for a beginner, or perhaps as a decorative item. Value is probably whatever you can get for it, but set your expectations in the under $100 range. John Spangler

# 14127 - Need Replacement Part
4/9/2011
Darrin, Prudenville, MI

Ranger Model 35, .22 short, long or long rifle Recently I have received my grandfathers old rifle from his estate, the rifle itself is still on good shape but the bolt is in very poor shape. The bolt had fallen through the floor boards twenty some years ago and had been lost until the family cleaned up after grandpa passed. I have searched the internet for parts but can not find a parts dealer for this particular rifle. To my knowledge it was manufactured by Stevens Arms and sold under the Sears Roebuck and Company name between the years 1930 and 1948. Imprinted on the barrel is Ranger Model 35, .22 short, long or long rifle, in my searching on the internet I found that the model number through Stevens Arms was Stevens Model 66A. Finding the bolt to restore his old rifle is very important to me, because this is the only thing I have of my grandpa, and I never got to see him before he passed due to me being in the military at the time. Any information that can be given to aid me in locating a replacement or compatible bolt would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Darrin, thanks for your service. It looks like you have done your homework and you know what kind of bolt to look for. It may be difficult to find a replacement bolt for your rifle, you could start by checking with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Gun Parts Corp has allot of parts for old guns. If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page at the following URL:

http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm

You can also try posting an add in online classifieds like Craig`s list. A friend of mine found a bolt for a Marlin 22 by posting a free add in a local online list (KSL.com). Good luck - Marc

# 14109 - British Export M1917 S&W
4/5/2011
George, Aliquippa, Pa.

Barrel is stamped with British proof marks, A crown over BNP,455'',760#,under that is6 TONS PER sq.''. Stamped on left side plate, SS3, various other British proofs on cylinder and left side of frame. I would like to know the year of manufacture. The cylinder has been reamed out to 45 Colt. Do you think that this gun was issued to the British military? Thank you.

Answer:
George, my records indicate that the month and year of manufacture for serial number 13827 is January 1918. Because of the need to expand the U.S. Army when we entered World War I, and shortage of the automatic pistol, U.S. Model 1911, the military contracted with Colt and S&W to provide revolvers chambered for the rimless 45 ACP cartridge. Since the cartridges were rimless, they had to be loaded with a "half moon" clip which held three rounds. The `S` marking that you mention, leads me to believe that your revolver is likely a pistol made for the U.S. military, if the marking has an eagle head above the letters it was accepted by the U.S. military.

In 1940 after the disaster at Dunkirk the U.S sent many 1917 revolvers back to England. Some were re chambered for the 455 Ely cartridge which was the standard British service cartridge. The `BNP,455` proof mark would indicate that this was done to your revolver. S&W and Colt also sold some revolvers to the British that were not converted.

The crown over BNP,455 markings are British proofs applied by the British government to firearms that were to be exported. British export firearms were proof fired and stamped with the pressure generated by the proof cartridge. These markings indicate that your revolver was in England and was it exported sometime after the end of World War II. Marc

# 14044 - Peabody 1862 Patent Rifle
4/5/2011
Ken

Peabody Patent made in 1862 by Providence Tool Company Providence RI This rifle appears to be civil war vintage. Curious of its value

Answer:
Ken- Peabody rifles are an interesting design. Although patented in 1862 noe were actually used in the Civil War, with production actually beginning around 1866 with first sales to Canada. Those rifles used the same .50-60 caliber rimfire cartridge used in the scarce Joslyn rifles made in 1865 at Springfield Armory, the first metallic cartridge rifles made at Springfield.

The Peabody design features a falling block action, operated by a lever, with the front of the block tipping down for loading and extraction, very similar to the Martini actions. Unlike the Martini, the Peabody used the traditional side mounted lock mechanism with an external hammer. It was a pretty good design, but had only modest sales, with a total of about 112,000 made circa 1866-1871. Some of the users included small number with the militias of Massachusetts, Connecticut and South Carolina, and (again, in limited numbers) by the Armies in Canada, Switzerland, Romania, and Spain. These are made in many different calibers, and had minor differences in sights and fittings, so it takes a bit of study to tell exactly which model you have. The best reference on Peabody rifles is an out of print book by Ed Hull “Providence Tool Company Military Arms.” However, there is an excellent resource on line by Keith Doyan at http://www.militaryrifles.com/Peabody&M/Peab&Mart.htm

As far as value, the demand on these is weak and varies greatly with caliber, condition and exact model. Figure a few hundred dollars at the low end, and maybe $800-1500 at the top end. John Spangler

# 14107 - Colt Parts Gun?
4/2/2011
Brian, Chatham, IL, USA

VP in a triangle on the left side of the trigger housing, 7267718 N M at the end of the barrel, Government Model COLT AUTOMATIC CALIBER .45 on the left side of the slide, COLT`S MFG. CO.HARTFOD CT. USA Right side of the slide. Gold Medallion on the walnut grips. Is this a government rebuild ?? Ser # says its a Gold Cup National Match Super 38 but its a 45 ?? Is it a standard conversion model?? What would it be worth in fair to good condition ??

Answer:
Brian, Wilson's Colt`s serial number book indicates that `Super 38 Model Including Super Match 38` serial numbers did not have any letters in them until 1969. They started at 1 in 1929 and ended at 202188 in 1968. In 1969 and 1970 the serial numbers for this model started with the letters `CS`. Wilson's book does not show any production of this model after 1970. Serial numbers for Gold Cup National Match pistols in .38 all end with `NMR`. Serial numbers for Gold Cup National Match pistols in .45 manufactured between 1957 and 1970 (10 - 37025) all have an `NM` suffix. I could not find any serial numbers listed in the book for 1911/A1 pistols that end with `MR`.

The Colt`s `Verified Proof` marking on the left side trigger guard does indicate that the frame was manufactured by Colt but none of the markings that you have provided would indicate that your pistol is a government rebuild. The serial number on the frame is different than the number on the barrel so my best guess is that the lower half and the upper half of the pistol were matched up sometime in the past after the pistol left Colt`s factory, it is impossible to guess how or why. If the pistol is a parts gun, most collectors will not be interested in it, value will be as a shooter. Marc

# 14075 - Sucker Bait Fake Bogus Impossible Gun
4/2/2011
Charles Browne, Tomball, Tx

OK I came across an old Remington Arms saddle rifle. History on it says it dates back to Custer's Last Stand and it was passed down from family to family from Col. Hyde from Custer's Last Stand (Actually taken from there). Some nicks and dings but in above average condition. Has U.S. Cavalry stamped on Stock but I can't find a serial number. It does say Patented OCT 22nd 1807 or 1887. My question how can I find out more about this rifle?

Answer:
Charles- A quick history refresher: General George A. Custer’s tactical errors led to his defeat at the Little Big Horn on June 25, 1876. The 7mm caliber cartridge used in Remington rolling block rifles was the 7mm Spanish Mauser, which was invented by Mauser in 1892 or 1893.

I have no idea who Colonel Hyde might have been. But, I do know that no branch of the U.S. military ever used 7mm Remington rolling block rifles. While the basic rolling block action had been invented before the end of the Civil War, and a few in .50 caliber were used by the U.S. Army on an experimental basis circa 1872-1873. None of these were serial numbered. I also know that it was against regulations to place unit markings on U.S. military arms, but it was occasionally done. Usually, it was the same number/letter/number pattern used on other equipment, indicating the regiment, company and soldier number of an individual it was assigned to. An exception seems to be the 10th U.S. Cavalry which did mark some arms “10th CAV”. Any other marking I would consider to be highly suspect.

Bottom line is that here we have a gun in a caliber not invented until 15 years after Little Big Horn with suspect markings, attributed to an officer who may or may not have ever existed, or if real, may or may not have had any connection to the Little Big Horn. Despite what the seller might tell you, I would not purchase this gun at any price. John Spangler