# 14530 - Unknown Rifle
4/30/2013
Debbie Walker Buna Texas

( BarrelFab.NatD`Armes De Guerre Herstal Belgique )(Bolt # 3664 Buehler)( Btm. of magazine plate S92 and below # 2775) Inherited gun years ago , was told it was brought back from WW-2 by my Dad ( he died when I was 5 )any information about gun would be appreciated

Answer:
Debbie- I regret I cannot help much with this one. My best guess is that it is a Mauser sporting rifle which was either made that way, or converted in Germany, rather than a conversion done to a military rifle after being brought to the U.S. Also, may American troops stationed in Germany after WW2 had custom sporter rifles made by the talented German gunsmiths, so that may be part of its history. In any case, it is probably a very solid and reliable rifle with lots of potential for use as a hunting rifle for several generations. Use it and enjoy it. John Spangler

# 14627 - CZ
4/30/2013
Tinstar, Willow, AK.

CZ trade mark I have a single shot hand gun. Stamped with Champion, TK14,10080. Has two barrels, a .22 LR & .22 short. I am looking for info. regarding origin and value.

Answer:
I was not able to find much information on this pistol. A quick internet search results in several CZ models that bear the Champion name. "Pistols of the World" indicated that CZ sold a single-shot target pistol with a hinged barrel and external hammer, that exhibited revolver-like configuration. It was marketed as the Champion but has rarely been seen outside Czechoslovakia. Sorry that I could not be of more help. Marc

# 14688 - Model C Olympic Info And Value
4/27/2013
Terry

Missing rear site (I think) has front Peep site (I think). Was my grandfather's gun. Have no idea when he bought it. Would like to know when it was manufactured, the original purchase price and current market value. Gun is in Fair condition. Thank you.

Answer:
Terry, Page-Lewis Arms Company started business in 1921 with about 150 workers. The Page-Lewis factory was located in manufacturing facilities that were previously used by the automobile company, Stevens Duryea. The first shipment of Page-Lewis rifles left the factory in July of 1921.

Page-Lewis introduced the Model A Target Rifle, the Model B Sharpshooter, and the Model C Olympic Rifle in 1921. All three rifles shared the same type of under lever, falling block action which was fabricated from steel plate, and housed the lockwork inside the breechblock. A single coil spring was used to drive both the hammer and the trigger and the butt was attached by a large longitudinal bolt. Rifles could be dissembled by use of a take-down bolt which lay beneath the frame ahead of the trigger guard.

The Model C Olympic was manufactured from 1921 to 1926, it had a 24 inch barrel, folding aperture sight on the tang and a combination bead-and-globe/blade front sight. The Model C forearm was slightly longer and fuller than the A or B. Model C barrel markings read: PAGE- LEWIS ARMS COMPANY CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A. .22 L.R. Markings on left side of the frame read: MODEL C OLYMPIC, and markings on right side of frame read: PAT. APL'D FOR.

My blue book does not have a listing for Page-Lewis so it is a little more difficult than usual to give you a value for your rifle. I checked some of the bigger auctions sites on the internet and average value for the Page-Lewis models that were listed seems to be about $250. Marc

# 14529 - Remington Model 1903A3 Markings
4/27/2013
Bob Cross Lanes, WV U.S.A.

Barrel RA(Fireball) 2-43 On the Remington 1903A3, does the RA (Fireball) 2-43 take the place of the digit code found on the left side of the barrel next to the receiver located on other types of Remington barrels and is this barrel correct to the SN? On the 03A3, does the front blade have a “R” or letter height designation with no “R” on the rear sight. Also looking for the Lower Band with swivel and Stacking Band with swivel, original Remington stamped with the ''R'' Thank You Very Much Bob

Answer:
Bob- On the military contract rifles, Remington marked the barrels as specified by the Ordnance Department, with the RA/flaming bomb/month-year. Remington’s use of the B-L-A-C-K-P-O-W-D-E-R code for dates on the left side of the barrel was strictly for their commercial production. (Don’t ask me how to decipher the code, I get confused every time; but the good folks at the Remington Society of American explain it well enough for me to understand at their site: http://www.remingtonsociety.com/rsa/questions/barrelcodes I think the front sight blades only had a letter code for the height, not the “R” to indicate made by Remington. Most of the rear sights have the “R” marking, but it is hidden in an obscure spot and easy to miss. Cannot help with the parts. John Spangler

# 14686 - Remington Mod 11 Info And Value
4/23/2013
Alan, Fort Walton Beach, Fl

I have a Remington model 11. I have been told it is pre world war II because the medal is stamped. Not trying to sale it because it was a gift and I have a habit of collecting old guns, however was wondering what year it was produced and how much it was worth?

Answer:
Alan, about 300,000 Model 11s were made between 1911 and 1948. The design was based on the John M. Browning patents granted on the dates marked on the barrel, it was very similar to the Browning shotguns. Remington made these for U.S. sales under license from FN.

Remington firearms that were manufactured between 1921 and 1972 have a two or three letter code on the left side of the barrel that can be used to determine the month and year of manufacture. The first letter identifies the month, the other letter or letters identify the year.

If your shotgun has the code on it's barrel, you can follow the Remington Dates of Manufacture link on the OldGuns.net navigation menu and enter it to get your date of manufacture. If your shotgun does not have the code on the barrel, then it must have been manufactured between the year that the model was introduced (1911) and 1921.

As for value, although it is an excellent design, there is not much collector interest in the old Remington Model 11s and sportsmen don't want them because they can't use steel shot. Values in the blue book are in the $100 to $300 range but it has been my experience that except for those that have U.S. markings, they are hard to sell. Marc

# 14527 - Springfield Krag High Serial Number?
4/23/2013
Sheila Watson

1903 Cartouche The Serial Number is 487858 and in all my research the serial number list for this gun ends with 484000

Answer:
Sheila- There are a number of rifles with serial numbers above 484,000 listed in official Army records. A few extreme cases may be transcription errors or misreading of deeply stamped numbers, but 487858 is not impossible. Check extra carefully under good magnification, and it may be that the 487 is actually a deeply struck 437.

In any case, it may be an oddity, but probably nothing that even a fanatical collector would be very excited about. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14669 - Frankenstein 1911 / 1911A1
4/20/2013
Roseland NJ

United States property. ''SB'' under mag release. ''P'' on top of slide in front of rear site. On top of frame (without slide on) in front of hammer there is a ''G'' and closer to the mag opening above the ''G'' is an ''M''. the last marking in on the top of the right slide rail where a ''8'' is next to the feed ramp. There is also a ''C'' on the mag base plate. I haven't been able to find any information on this firearm, or the serial number. All I was told that it could be a true 1911 from 1918, but that wasn't confirmed. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Answer:
Roseland, my references indicate that the frame of your pistol is a model 1911, that was manufactured by Colt in 1918. If the slide says "Remington Rand" on it, it was manufactured by Remington Rand between 1942 and 1945. You have what collectors call a parts, or Frankenstein gun. These are guns that are made up from parts of other firearms. Collector demand and value of Frankenstein guns is much lower than it is for firearms that are in original condition. I often see Frankenstein 1911/A1 pistols being offered for sale at gunshows in the $350 to $500 range as shooters. Marc

# 14510 - “W. Baker, Port Gibson” Musket
4/20/2013
Sam, Fallston, Maryland

under hammer has ''W. Baker Port Gibson'' in oval Do not know anything about the musket, been in family forever but missing hammer and in bad shape but kept due to being used in a battle or something. Trying to find out anything, maker, caliber, est date. Have pictures.

Answer:
Sam- Pictures would be a great help on this one. My guess is that it is indeed a souvenir from the battle of Port Gibson, which you can Google to learn more about. My hunch is that the gun might be one of the Austrian Lorenz muskets which were imported and used by both sides. I encourage you to do some genealogy research and figure out who in the family may have been in the Civil War and keep it for the history. John Spangler

# 14666 - JC Hggins 85 Value
4/16/2013
Jacki, Maplewood, MN

What can you tell me about this handgun. Age? Value?

Answer:
Jacki, it seems like I just answered a question about a JC Hggins 85. You must not have followed instructions and checked old answers before submitting your question. A quick internet search reveals that the J. C. Higgins Model 85 pistol was manufactured in France for Sears by Unique (Manufacture d'Armes de Pyrenees Francaises) of Hendaye. The Model 85 is Unique's Model Corsair.

Manufacture d'Armes was formed in 1923. Prior to 1939, Unique firearms were marketed mainly to domestic defense, police and military sales. After 1945, the focus of the company gradually turned to the target pistols. When Unique went out of business, Bob's Gun Parts of Royal, Arkansas bought all the remaining inventory of Unique pistols parts.

Collector interest for firearms with the J. C. Higgins brand name is not high. I would expect to see a Model 85 selling at a gunshow in the $100 range. Marc

# 14506 - M1903 Spr. With Lyman Cocking Piece Rear Sight
4/16/2013
Olympia, WA

Muzzle 09 - 1 In 1915, Springfield placed peeps on some 1903, one of which was 477500 (1911). Mine has a cocking piece flip up peep and Trophy's book shows that peep on a 1903. Also, mine does no appear to have been drilled for the standard military sight. The stock has been shortened but according to several gunsmiths, the work appears to be original. Any chance anyone knows the serial numbers of the 1903s that were modified by the Arsenal with peeps in 1915??

Answer:
Sir- The Lyman cocking piece rear sight was a commercially available product, not made exclusively by or for Springfield Armory. Hundreds, perhaps thousands were sold for use by civilian sportsmen and gunsmiths, and installed on M1903 rifles of all vintages.

Brophy’s 1903 Springfield book covers one, serial number 477500, which is listed in Ordnance Department documentation as being a rifle tested with such a sight, but I can not find any documentation that other rifles were fitted with such sights by Springfield, nor tested, so in my opinion it was a one of a kind item, tested, rejected and then likely shipped off to Springfield for the museum.

If your rifle were in full military configuration except for the sight, I might be inclined to support the idea that it was a “spare” made up for the trials or something. Remember, the standard military rear sight was mounted on the barrel sleeve, not attached by screws to the receiver, so removal of the sight sleeve would not leave any evidence of it being there (other than the longitudinal groove for the pin which kept the sleeve from twisting on the barrel. So, in my opinion this is not a military altered rifle, but a later “sporterized” project. John Spangler

# 14662 - Winchester Model 77
4/13/2013
Terrie - Indianapolis, IN

Can you tell me when this rifle was manufactured by the serial number?

Answer:
Terrie, Winchester manufactured the Model 77 Sporting Rifle from 1955 to 1963, total production reached about 217,200. The first Model 77 (serial number 1,001) was delivered to warehouse stock about April 21, 1955 and was shipped May 13, 1955. The Model 77 was 40.35 inches in length, weighed 5.55 pounds empty and had a 22 inch barrel. The stock was plain walnut with a semi-beavertail forend and a checkered composition type buttplate. The receiver top was milled with rails for scope mounts, the trigger guard and floorplate were nylon. Model 77-s were available with either a detachable box 8 round magazine or a 15 round tubular magazine under the barrel. The box-magazine version was less popular than the tube- magazine version and was discontinued in 1962. Originally model 77 serial numbers were located on the front right corner of the receiver, in late 1955 the location was moved to the left side of the receiver, then toward the rear of the receiver. Rifles manufactured after 1959 were not numbered. Marc

# 14503 - Polish Mauser Information
4/13/2013
Phila., Pa.

Is there any book on Polish Mauser armories, inspectors and proof marks.goldenrob5@netzero.com

Answer:
Sir- I do not know of any books devoted to Polish Mausers. The best options would be Robert Ball’s “Mauser Military Rifles” which is extremely comprehensive, although not quite as down in the weeds detail as some of the markings. There is also a recently published books on the Polish Vz35 Radom Pistol (I don’t recall the exact name and author) that will likely get into a lot of detail, and while it is aimed at the slightly later pistol, some of it might be applicable to the earlier rifles, or have some bibliographical sources listed that would help you. John Spangler

# 14661 - Value For A Rusty Dreyse
4/9/2013
Dorothy

Rheinische Metallwaaren-Maschinenfabrik I just need to know how much the gun is worth and some history. It is an all original gun never been touched or remade.

Answer:
Dorothy, Waffenfabrik von Dreyse was founded about 1842, they initially made the famous Needle Gun for the Prussian army, the Dreyse concern had also made needle pistols and cap lock revolvers. The Dreyse Model pistol 1907 was broadly based on the 1906 Browning pattern without the grip safety.

Model 1907 pistols are usually marked DREYSE RHEINMETALLABT SOMMERDA on the left side of the frame, with an 'RMF' monogram on the grips. Early models may be marked DREYSERHEINISCHEMETALLWAAREN-UND MASCHINENFABRIK ABT SOMMERDA, while a few made in 1914, after adoption of the Rheinmetall acronym, omitted 'Dreyse' completely. Many Dreyse pistols were purchased by police forces, including the Royal Saxon Gendarmerie.

There is not much collector interest in Dreyse .32 pistols, values are usually in the $150 or less range, value for a rusty pistol is in the $75 range if you can find a buyer at all. Marc

# 14500 - Remington-Lee Rifle
4/9/2013
Tom, Hammond, La.

elevated front site, notches in stock, Received this gun from my dad who has passed away, the only paperwork I have is a shipping invoice dated 6/9/1945 that states it is a Remington 45-70 used by Army and Navy from the seventies to the Spanish American war. I was wanting some history on it and just to see what it is worth. The only thing on the left side of the barrel is the 23 s , which is what I put for the possible serial number. Thanks for your time, Tom

Answer:
Tom- The Remington-Lee bolt action rifle is the basic design which was adopted by the British and modified slightly to become the famous Lee-Enfield rifle in .303 British caliber which served the Empire for about 90 years in various forms. However, here in the land of its invention, it got much less respect and admiration, and was only made from about 1880 to 1907. Small numbers were purchased for use (mainly trials) by the U.S. Navy (Models 1879- about 1,300) and Model 1885 (about 1,500, and also the U.S. Army (about 770 rifles). A total of about 100,000 were made of all models, mainly military types for the export market and some for militia use. A small number were made for sporting sales, but they were not very popular. The U.S. military purchased arms have a variety of U.S. and inspector markings, while those for other users did not. If yours is NOT marked U.S., then while it may be similar to some used by the U.S. Army and Navy, it is not actually one of them. The difference in value and demand are considerable, with the US marked examples running about $675 in NRA antique good condition, and the others more like $425 for comparable rifles. Carbines will bring more, and of course higher condition levels will drive all prices higher. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14499 - German Or Austrian Flobert Target Rifle
4/6/2013
Chris, St. Louis, Mo

I have a rare German/Austrian Flobert. 4mm caliber, second (hair) trigger, large stock, 8 inch barrel. Nice wood, engraving sides. I am looking for any information on this gun. Can send picture if wanted.

Answer:
Chris- It sounds like you have one of the “Zimmerschuetzen” rifles which were indoor target rifles popular in Germany and Austria from the late 1800s to mid 1900s. These were usually very well made, nicely decorated, and deadly accurate rifles. Such indoor shooting was sometimes on dedicated shooting ranges, but many bars had smaller indoor ranges for patrons to demonstrate their athletic skills to friends and impress the frauleins. Think of it as sort of a Germanic counterpart to the sport of throwing darts in some other countries, all taken very seriously by the participants, but claimed by the cynical as just excuses to hang around the tavern drinking beer trying to pick up women. But, they are very nice rifles. Tom Rowe has several volumes of books out on Schuetzen rifles, but I am not sure if they get into this type or not. Other than that, I am at a loss to recommend a source of further information. John Spangler

# 14660 - What's It Worth?
4/6/2013
Zack, Spokane, WA,

What's it worth and would id like to know some specifics

Answer:
Zack, I am not sure how you think I would be able to give you specifics or the value of your Winchester based on the information that you provided. The least I need to know is the condition and the serial number of your rifle. It is doubtful that your Model 94 is made of stainless steel, it is much more likely that there is no finish remaining so the rifle looks shiny like stainless steel. Value for a Model 94 with no finish can be as low as $100. It can go up from there depending on year of production, special features and several other factors. Marc

# 14657 - Spesco 22 Parts
4/2/2013
Ddiedra -SC- Portland -SC- OR -SC- USA

Says it was made in Germany, but it also says the manufacturer is the Spesco Corporation in Georgia I would like to find parts for this gun

Answer:
Ddiedra, if memory serves me correctly, Spesco imported all sorts of inexpensive firearms from overseas (Japan, Germany, Italy etc.). My research indicates that your pistol was probably manufactured by Gerstenberger & Eberwein of Gussenstadt, West Germany. Gerstenberger & Eberwein manufactured of a line of cheap handguns that were sold in the USA in the late 1950's and early 1960' s prior to the Gun Control Act of 1968. Most were junky Saturday night special types with values in the $50 or less range. Parts for this revolver will probably be hard to find. In my opinion, it would be a waste of time and money to try to repair this .22. Marc

# 14495 - Hembrug And Spandau Rifles With Japanese Marks
4/2/2013
Susan, Greensburg, Ky.

Spandau 1917, has 8049 stamped under the stock, GEW98 and the other Hambrug 1915 stamped on the left side I recently acquired 2 World War 2 Rifles from my Father one has Spandau 1917 on it and the other has Hambrug 1915 . The numbers I find on the Spandau is 8049 on one side and Japanese markings on the other. Hambrug has 4898T. can you help?? thank you very much.

Answer:
Susan- Neither one is a from Japan or WW2. Let’s start with the Hembrug rifle first. It was made at the Dutch arsenal at Hembrug, the Netherlands, in 1915. It is a Mannlicher type design, originally made under contract by Steyr in Austria, but at Hembrug after 1904, all made for the 6.5 x 53mm Rimmed “Dutch or Roumanian” cartridges. Not common, but not in much demand, and the very similar Austrian and Hungarian Mannlicher rifles and carbines are common and very cheap.

The Spandau rifle dated 1917 is a German Gewehr 1898 infantry rifle in 8mm (7.92 x 57mm) Mauser which was the standard German rifle of WW1. If there are oriental looking markings, then I suspect that they are Chinese rather than Japanese. The Chinese purchased huge numbers of new and surplus rifles after WW1 and these remained in use during WW2 against the invading Japanese army, and afterwards in the Chinese civil war as Mao Tse Tung’s Communists eventually defeated Chiang Kai Shek’s Nationalist Chinese forces. In the 1980s hundreds of thousands of rifles were sold off by the Chinese, mostly in very ratty condition, but still interesting historical relics.

Values will depend on condition, but I don’t think either one of these will be a great treasure. John Spangler