# 3923 - Winchester M1 Garand
5/30/01
Bo, Quantico VA

Receiver: D288291 WIN-13, barrel D35448WRA (no date), Bolt 6528267 SA, Trigger Hsg: D28290-12 SA, Unmarked stock I know very little about the Garand and would like to be able to know what accessories (cleaning tools, sling, bayonet, ammo pouches, etc. . . ) that would have been issued to a soldier with this rifle. I would like to make this rifle "SL-3 Complete", that is, with all necessary equipment required for sustained combat operations. Is this rifle a WWII or Korea rifle. Is it OK to buy a WRA bolt and trigger housing as replacement, or does a gunsmith need to match the bolt to the receiver? What ammo do I use .308 30/06? Should I get ammo from CMP or is commercial ammo safer to use?

Answer:
Bo- Winchester only made M1 rifles during WW2, although they continued in service, and were often rebuilt as long as the Garand was in use, hence the frequent mixing of parts from different makers. All parts were made to be interchangeable and although it would be smart to have a gunsmith check the headspace if you put a WRA bolt in it, I doubt if there will be any problem. While it is possible that your rifle is one that was converted to .308, it is most likely still in .30-06. However, you should have a competent gunsmith check to be sure. Ammo from CMP is serviceable and I would not hesitate to use any of it for practice or plinking, but serious match shooters would have other recommendations. John Spangler

# 3924 - LG&Y Windsor, VT Musket
5/30/01

stamp eagle to the left of L. G. @Y. U. S. underneath the stamp eagle. Both are to the right of the hammer. 1862 stamp and to the left of the hammer has long and short range sites. The butt place is made of steel. The things to hold the barrel to the wood are screw together and is 3 of them. is this a true civil war weapon? if it is could you tell me how many were produce in the year 1862 and the approximate value

Answer:
Sir- Your musket is known as the Model 1861 Special. This was made by Amoskeag Manufacturing Company and Colt, in addition to Lamson, Goodnaugh & Yale. These three makers apparently had access to machinery to make internal lock parts identical to those used in the English Pattern 1853 .577 musket. This model was made at Windsor during the Crimean War (circa 1855-56) and machinery from the U.S. was used by Enfield to make their rifles with interchangeable parts. (Later, the machinery for the Australian Lithgow arsenal's .303 SMLE production was also provided by U.S. firms.) Most of the other features of the Model 1861 Special sort of form the transition between the standard Model 1861 .58 caliber musket and the improved Model 1863. LG&Y is one of many arms making firms in the Connecticut River valley involved in the firearms and machine tool industries which were intertwined in the emergence of the American system of interchangeable parts and the industrial revolution which earned our place at the head of the industrialized nations by 1900, and eventually resulted in our winning of WW1 and WW2. I do not have access right now to exact production figures for LG&Y for 1862, but think they made about 100,000 or so during the term of their contracts. Value depends on the condition, but is probably in the $500-2000 range. John Spangler

# 3979 - Winchester Model 67 Finger Groove Stocks
5/30/01
Mike Barrow Dover, De

After the finger grooves were deleted from the stock of the Winchester model 67 in 1935 were there grooves on any later manufactured model 67 rifles?

Answer:
Mike, collector interest in the Winchester Model 67 seems to have increased in recent years. Approximatley 383,000 Model 67 and 67A rifles from 1934 to 1963. As you already now, Winchester changed the model 67's plain walnut, pistol grip sotck with a finger groove in each side of forearm to a plain forearm without finger grooves in 1935. On October 25, 1937, another longer, differentley shaped stock with stud screw flush with the bottom of the forearm was authorized. None of my references mention the addition of finger grooves after they were dropped in 1935. Marc

# 3885 - Bridesburg Musket
5/26/01
Canada

Caplock bore .641" inside smooth bore 34" bore length 50" overall length Round tapered barrel Measures 1 1/8" across short flats at the breach a little over 3/4" at the muzzle Front sight small Brass (? ) blade about 1/16" high 1/4" long Rear sight none. 3/8 wooden ramrod held in a small band beneath the bore, and extending into a round metal socket in the fore end. no barrel band, the stock tapers to an end 11" ahead of the trigger guard barrel is retained with a small pin, not a wedge, and a single screw at the breach Lock bears the American Eagle with a sheaf of grain and a vine(? ) in its talons. 1864 is stamped to the rear of the hammer. US BRIDESBURG is stamped below the nipple just ahead of the eagle. Trigger guard starts off 1/4" round flattens out to 1" below the trigger, then returns to 1/4" round But plate is slightly curved one screw on top, one in the butt. Can you identify this arm? Could it have been used in the Finian raids?

Answer:
Sir- Your gun started off as a standard U.S. Model 1861 .58 caliber rifle musket with a 40 inch barrel. It is one of 98,464 delivered by Alfred Jenks & Son 1861-65. After the Civil War these flooded the surplus market and surplus dealers shortened them and bored them out smooth for use as shotguns. They have little value to collectors other than as parts or as decorators. It is remotely possible it was a gun used by the "Fenians" in their raid on Canada, and subsequently altered. Most likely it was purchased at a surplus auction and converted, then shipped to Canada for sale. John Spangler

# 3887 - GEW 91
5/26/01
Russ Brilliant, Al.

How common are these rifles and what do you know about history?

Answer:
Russ- Although the Gewehr 91 was called a rifle, it was actually carbine length basically the same as the Krabiner 88 (Kar 88) except for a distinctive stacking hook. These were adopted for issue to foot artillerymen of Prussia, Saxony, and Wirttemberg on 15 March 1891. They were latter issued to specialized units like airship units prior to adoption of the Kar 98 az in 1908. Most GEW 91s were placed in reserve in 1909-1910 and reissued during WW1. Total production numbers are not known, although 18,574 had been delivered to Bavaria by May 1893. Production took place between 1891 and 1896, mainly by Schilling and Haenel. They seem to be uncommon on the collector market. John Walter's "The German Rifle" is an excellent source of information and details on all German rifles 1871-1945, and highly recommended. John Spangler

# 3984 - Springfield 86c Rare?
5/26/01
Jim Canaan, CT USA

Patent No: 2094-577, "7" stamped on barrel near receiver I've never seen another one of these, and cannot find this model listed in any catolog that I've had access to. Is this a rare bird?

Answer:
Jim, get ready for an Antique Road Show moment! I was also unable to find any information on your rifle. This lack of published information is due to the fact that there is little or no interest in these rifles. The blue book often gropes these together in a catch-all 'under $100.00 in value' heading. Is your rifle rare? Possibly. Is your rifle valuable? No. Sorry to have this little bit of fun at your expense, remember that there two types of Antique Road Show moments. Some people love to see rare and valuable treasures identified. This may be a sign that I have a sick sense of humor but sometimes my favorites are the other kind. Marc

# 3900 - Springfield 1878 Rifle 40773
5/23/01
Clifford, Vandenberg AFB, Ca

Mark in stock below left side of receiver, some form of an oval stamp My father gave me this firearm. It is complete with a leather carrying strap, cleaning rod and "triangular" 18" bayonet. The only part missing is the piece at the end of the stock, and end cap I presume. 20How rare is this firearm? What is its approximate value?

Answer:
Clifford- Your .45-70 caliber Model 1873 "trapdoor" rifle was made in 1876. The oval marking on the stock is an inspector's "Cartouche" probably the script letters ESA for Erskine S. Allin, the Master Armorer at Springfield, and also the inventor of the "trapdoor" system. These were the standard arm of the Indian war period and some were used during the Spanish American War in 1898. They are fairly popular collector items, with value depending on condition and any changes or upgrades done after they left the armory. $600-1500 is an approximate range. An original sling and bayonet probably ass about $150-250. About 50,000 of this rifle were made, but the total number of .45-70 trapdoor rifles is more like 560,000. These are still legal in Kalifornia, but some idiot politician (elected by Kalifornians) may decide that it is too dangerous for you to own since it has an evil assault bayonet on the end, or a child might strangle themselves with the sling, or be frightened by the sight of a gun (except when misused by a sleazy Hollywood actor/actress). John Spangler

# 3922 - French Mle 1866/74/80 Rifle
5/23/01
Kelly, Morganton, NC

Mle 1866-74, F G 54134 P. G, M (CIRCLED) AND G (CIRCLED), S 187420On the chamber it has the following numbers RS 67962, K 68520 M 97514 Please, can you tell me anything about my gun? My grandfather collected guns and when he passed away all the grandchildren got one, and this was the one I received. I would like to know any information about it. Thank you. I forgot to mention that I know NOTHING about guns.

Answer:
Kelly- We are glad to hear that you have a reminder of your Grandfather and his interests. This rifle is a French military rifle, made at the French arsenal at St. Etienne. The key markings are 1866, 1874 and 1880. It was probably made in 1874, but to the specifications for the Model 1866, then converted to the Model 1874, and then updated again in 1880. The model 1866 was known as the "Chassepot" and was a "needle gun" that had a long firing pin that would stick out about 2 inches from the front of the bolt. This was needed to reach the primer which was seated against the back of the bullet, but there was a paper cartridge attached, instead of a brass case to hold the primer and bullet in position like modern ammunition. This was the first French breechloading rifle, and although clumsy and crude by today's standards, it was hot stuff in 1866. In 1874 they adopted the "Gras" system which was little more than the Model 1866 rifle with a short firing pin and a modified chamber to use regular metallic cartridges. I believe the 1880 modification was related to improved sights, but may be wrong on that. These rifles became obsolete in 1886 when the French were the first country to adopt a small bore smokeless powder rifle, the 8mm Lebel. The older rifles were then shipped off to France's colonies in Africa, Asia and elsewhere. Many were used by colonial troops in WW1. While these are not real valuable collector items, they are quite interesting and historic old guns. A ballpark value might be in the $200-500 range depending on condition. French arms are an interesting collecting field where prices are reasonable and there is a nice variety. The challenge is to find examples in good condition. I find French guns to be pretty consistently unattractive, but some people so not share my enthusiasm for Springfields, so we are free to collect whatever we like. Hope you enjoy your rifle, and that it inspires you to find out more about the events in which it may have been used. John Spangler

# 3981 - Winchester Model 1892 Value
5/23/01

Manufactured by the Winchester repeating Arms Co. New Haven Conn. U. S. A patented Oct.14, 1884. this is found on the rifles barrell. a No.4 on the lever housing. what is the rifle worth

Answer:
Winchester manufactured about 1,004,067 Model 1892 rifles form 1892 to 1941, my records indicate that the year of manufacture for your rifle serial number 796036 is1915. Model 1892 values can range anywhere from $100 for an example in poor condition with no finish and broken or missing parts to over $15,000 for a musket in excellent condition with a 30 inch round barrel, full length military style forearm and military style rear sight. Marc

# 3880 - 20mm Mk 12 Aircraft Cannon
5/19/01
Ron, Anza, California

another number is stamped on the breach - d7139416-14 found two of these guns in the wreckage of what I think is a Sabre jet. The site has been abandoned for many years and shows evidence that the government has gone through it. Although the guns are useless ( the barrels are bent in a U shape from the impact) I'd like to know if they can be traced back to identify the exact aircraft that they came from, for historical purposes

Answer:
Ron- The D7139416-14 number is probably a drawing number or part number. I am pretty ignorant about a lot of things, including aircraft armament. However, that never stops us from providing information or even uneducated guesses. I think the Mk 12 is a 1950s-60s vintage gun, prior to adoption of the Gatling/Vulcan type guns. The "Mark" designation indicates it was a navy designed gun, and while it could have been used by the Air Force as well, my hunch is that it might be a Navy aircraft. The Navy used a variant of the F-86 which may have had 20mm instead of the .50 caliber guns of the F-86. I believe that both the F-8 Crusader and A-7 Corsair used the 20mm guns. I would recommend against keeping any fully automatic gun as a souvenir, even in rusted, busted, twisted, relic condition unless you get BATF confirmation IN WRITING that it is no longer considered to be a firearm subject to their rules. It may be possible to trace the specific aircraft through old records, but that would probably need to start with aircraft type, then aircraft serial number and involve Safety Center accident investigation records, Specific documents on serial numbers of stuff on a stricken aircraft were probably trashed shortly after the accident. A pilot probably lost his life in that wreck, practicing to defend our freedom. Treat the crash site with the respect it deserves. John Spangler

# 3884 - M16 Rifle Date Of Introduction
5/19/01
James

I received training on the M16 (in addition to the M14) in Basic during the first half of 1966, but have been called a liar by an ex-officer who "knows" that can't be true because all M16's were being sent to Vietnam. This training was at Ft. Dix, NJ and as I remember, my weapon had a uniformly black finish. Can anyone confirm/substantiate this, please?

Answer:
James- I can confirm from personal knowledge that officers are not always right. (Hey- I were one, okay?) Although I am not a fan of the M16 in any of its ugly configurations, it has been a pretty good gun for our troops. The first large scale contract for M16 rifles was made on 4 November 1963 for 85,000 XM16E1s for the Army and 19,000 M16s for the Air Force, with first deliveries in the spring of 1964. On 30 June 1967 Colt sold manufacturing rights for the M16 to the government and contract were let with people other than Colt. While most early M16 rifles may have been destined for Vietnam, it is likely that the Army kept a small number for training, perhaps only for a limited test of instruction methods at one location or for a brief period. You were there, and know what you did or did not do. Tell the officer "Buzz off, sir!" and get on with life. John Spangler

# 3839 - Refinished & Mismatched M1911
5/19/01
Joe, El Cajon, CA

On the slide: Patented Apr 20, 1897, Sept 9, 1902 Dec, 19, 1905 Feb 14, 1911. Colts PT FA MFG CO, HARTFORD CT USA. On the frame behind the trigger are the initials E. E. C. On the other side it reads Model of 1911 US ARMY, No. 17725 and the #4 stamped on the trigger guard where it meets the frame. John, I'm hoping you can help me out. This was the first gun I ever purchased and I would really like to know more about it. As best as I can tell this was made between 1912 and 1913. What perplexes me is that it does not say Property of the US Government, but the serial number does not make it appear to be a commercial model. In addition, the nickel leads me to believe it was refinished. It is in excellent shape except for a few small pit marks. Can you estimate what this gun might be worth and tell me any history of it that you can? If in fact it was refinished, what is you opinion on returning it to its original blue finish? Thanks for you help and I will be happy to make a donation to the NRA!!!

Answer:
Joe, John is not available right now, so here is what I can tell you.

The E.E.C. markings on your frame are the initials of Major Edmund E. Chapman. Major Chapman was the army ordnance inspector for the 21,676 M1911 .45 Pistols manufactured by Remington-UMC during WW1, in late 1918 and early 1919. The Army directed Remington to start with serial number 1, so they duplicated the numbers Colt had used in their earliest production. Remington-UMC serial numbers are a bit larger so experts can easily tell them apart. The E.E.C. marking on your frame indicate that it was manufactured by Remington-UMC. Even though your frame is of Remington-UMC manufacture, the other parts are probably a mix of Colt or later WW2 pieces.

Charles Clawson's "Collector's Guide to Colt 45 Service Pistols Models of 1911 and 1911A1" indicates that your frame should have the "United States Property" marking on the left side of the receiver, an eagles head over I38 stamped on the left side of the trigger guard and an eagles head over E28 (the final inspectors mark) stamped just below E.E.C.

Most likely when the pistol was refinished, the owner had the "United States Property" markings removed. I would place the value of a re-finished and mismatched 1911 pistol to be in the $300 shooter range. Refinishing the pistol to it's original blue will not change the value much. Marc

# 3865 - Springfield Model 1888- Parts Correct?
5/16/01
David;Liverpool. England

No Inspectors stamp; medium coloured stock not dark. 1888 ramrod bayonet; Buffington sight;Butt trap;usual Springfield Proof marks;usual Springfield stamp & Eagle on Lockplate; Breechblock stamped1873 Ploease can a Springfield enthusiast tell me if this Rifle has been restocked or is original as it appears to be (in fine condition) stock only has an AG or AH stamped in behind tail of triggerguard also trigger guard is 2 piece type not as 1888 model. I understand the early 1888 models may have been made up from various earlier parts. Many Thanks ---- David

Answer:
David- In my opinion your rifle has had some parts changed over the years for unknown reasons. The serial number is correct for the ramrod bayonet Model 1888. There were only about 65,000 of these made, and most of those with serial numbers close to 500,000 are pretty consistent in having matching late parts. There are a number of oddball variants with low to mid 300,000 numbers that may be recycled M1884 experimental ramrod bayonet models, or other rebuilt rifles which sometimes have a mix of older and newer parts. The absence of an inspectors cartouche on the stock indicates that either the stock was refinished (during an arsenal "clean and repair" overhaul or by a later owner) or that the stock is one issued as spare parts and installed on a rifle where the stock was broken in service. Normally we would expect to find a one piece trigger guard and 1884 dated breech block on your rifle, but as these parts are interchangeable with the earlier parts, they could have been replaced at almost any time. Few people considered "trapdoors" to be collectible guns until the mid 1970s, and many of the rod bayonet models were cut up for hunting use, making them a lot scarcer than many people realize. Anyone interested in learning more about these rifles should get both volumes one and two of "The .45-70 Springfield" by Al Frasca, and check out his great web site at http://www.trapdoorcollector.com. John Spangler

# 3862 - Winchester 1873 .22 Caliber Rifle
5/16/01
Dave, Ft Jones, CA

This is an octagon barrel, Winchester 22 long, all original Are the serial numbers consistent with all 1873s, or are the .22calibers different. I also have a round barrel .22 that I need internal parts for, is this going to be difficult? Thanks very much, Dave

Answer:
Dave- I am pretty sure that Winchester ran all the serial numbers for the Model 1873 in a single series, regardless of caliber. The best reference for details of parts changes and what will fit and the like is a great book by Art Pirkle in the North Cape Publications' "For Collectors Only" series. The Model 1873 is covered in "Winchester Lever Action Repeating Firearms- Volume 1: The Models of 1866, 1873 and 1876." Price is a very affordable $20, and you can order a copy from IDSA Books or Rutgers Book Center (see our links page) or your local bookstore. The author, Art Pirkle, is also a dealer in parts for old Winchesters, and he may be able to supply some of what you need, or recommend another source. I don't have his number handy, but I believe he is located in Yuma, AZ. Frank Higginson on our links page is another excellent source for parts for old Winchesters and Colts. John Spangler

# 3982 - Marlin 336RC Value
5/16/01

White circle with black dot in the center, looks like an eye ball wondering the worth of the rifle. also serial number is worn. letter E and 36 the first to numbers is all I can see.

Answer:
Marlin manufactured the 336RC carbine from 1948 to 1968 in .30-30 Winchester, .32 Special and .35 Remington calibers. Values for Marlin 336RC carbines range from $75 to around $250 depending on condition. If your rifle has had so much wear that the serial number is not legible, it will probably fall in the lower end of the range. Marc

# 3857 - Springfield Model 1851 Cadet Musket
5/12/01
Bill, Cupertino, CA.

Eagle with US under hammer Springfield 1852 behind hammer I posted a question about gun two days ago and wanted to add additional information. - The gun has one band holding wood to barrel. - Has two eye holes which the ramrod goes through and then into the wood stock. - Wood stock is about half length of barrel. Question is this an 1851 model? Is this a stock musket? Most Springfields have three bands? How may of these were issued? What are good resources for information? Thanks again, Bill

Answer:
Bill- Unfortunately, Springfield often was making several models at the same time, and used similar markings. In 1852 they were busy making both the .69 caliber Model 1842 muskets, and also .57 caliber Model 1851 cadet muskets. The former had 42 inch barrels and the latter only 40 inches, so it sounds like yours has been cut down. Except for caliber the Model 1851 Cadet Musket was visually identical to the Model 1852, just slightly reduced in overall size and weight for use by cadets at West Point (and a few other military schools that received arms from the Ordnance Department.) Springfield made about 172,000 of the .69 caliber version but only about 4,000 of the .57 caliber Cadet Musket. Despite their relative scarcity, there is not much collector interest in cadet arms, and the values tend to be far less than for the standard infantry arm that saw widespread use during the Civil War. The value of yours would probably be mainly for parts, or for someone looking for an inexpensive old decorator or perhaps even something to shoot. Without seeing some photos or knowing more about the condition, my guess is that it might bring about $200-350 if you can find someone who likes it. John Spangler

# 3855 - Springfield Model 1840 Parts
5/12/01
Andy

I have a U. S. MUSKET MODEL 1840 SPRINGFIELD ARMORY FLINTLOCK .69 rifle that I found in my grandfather's basement after he passed away. The rifle is missing the flash pan and the hammer. I was wondering if you could steer me in the right direction to finding parts to restore this rifle. Any suggestions? Thanks.20-Andy

Answer:
Andy- The Springfield Model 1840 was the last of the flintlock smoothbore muskets made for the U.S. Army. While 30,421 were made, nearly 27,000 were later converted to percussion, so surviving examples in flintlock are extremely scarce and desirable collector items, and bring fancy prices (compared to the percussion conversions). Original parts will probably be impossible to find, but there are some excellent quality reproduction parts available. However, collectors are vary wary of paying a premium for these in original flintlock if there are any signs of them having been reconverted to flintlock. A new hammer and pan would probably scare most collectors away, and unless they were installed by a truly skilled restoration expert, would probably not add much to the value of the gun, and may actually decrease it somewhat. In short, I would leave it alone. If you insist on going ahead, the parts are available from S&S firearms (see out links page) and a few other places that specialize in antique gun parts. Personally, I would avoid ordering from Dixie Gun Works as their quality is very erratic and I have often been disappointed, despite low expectations when dealing with them. John Spangler

# 3838 - Yet Another One
5/12/01
Terry , Ellwood City , PA

I've never heard of a ROHM GMBH, Is this a German make? An old friend passed this on to me and I was just curious as to it's age and if it was safe to shot. It looks like a western style revolver and holds 6 shells. The handle is brown plastic. Thanks for any information on this pistol.

Answer:
Rohm GmbH, of SontheimlBrenz, W. Germany. manufactured a range of pistols which they marketed under their own name and at least a dozen other names as well. Their firearms were cheap (Saturday night special) type revolvers, manufactured for sale in the U.S. prior to the Gun Control Act of 1968 which severely curtailed the importation of this type of pistol. There are a variety of things that commonly go wrong with these cheap import pistols, I would strongly advise you to have it checked by a competent gunsmith before attempting to fire it. Marc

# 3847 - Lebel 8mm Rifle Ammunition
5/9/01
David Syracuse, NY

ETts Continsouza Mle-M-16MA C 1916 Received gun from my grandfather with limited ammunition. The ammunition I do have is 8mm full metal jacket. I was also wondering if a lead bullet was available. I would like to know where to find some more.

Answer:
David- The French service rounds were all full metal jacketed. Soft point or lead bullet ammo would be commercial stuff or reloads, if you can find any. Old Western Scrounger on our links page is a good place to try. They specialize in oddball and obsolete ammo. Surplus French military ammo will be a lot cheaper, but it is Berdan primed and cannot be reloaded easily, so it may be better to pay the higher initial cost for good stuff if you plan to reload it. I must add, that it is a mystery to me why anyone would want to shoot one of those little French carbines. They are short, unattractive, and probably ferocious kickers. Besides, most are in pretty well abused condition which would make me very nervous about the safety of the whole exercise anyway. John Spangler

# 3846 - Fon Du Lac 1838 Gun
5/9/01
Patricia, Dimondale, Michigan

"Fond Du Lac, Wis" and "1838" are all I can read on the barrel. The barrel is smooth bore but hexagonal on the outside. The stock has a compartment for caps. Can anyone tell me anything about this weapon? ? ?

Answer:
Patricia- Frank Sellers book, American Gunsmiths is the best reference on gun makers in the United States. However, it is arranged alphabetically by makers' names, and then gives information on what is known about their location, dates, etc. Someone with a lot of time could sit down and go through several hundred pages with about 20 names per page looking for Wisconsin makers who might have worked at this period. Your local library can probably request a copy on interlibrary loan if you wanted to do the research. It sounds like a typical gun of the period made for farmers and settlers out in the wilds of Wisconsin or other frontier locations. John Spangler

# 3829 - Springfield Model 87A
5/9/01
Dennis, Cascilla, Ms

pat 2094577 2224758 2229099 227157620automatic in long rifle only I know this doesn't have a lot of value but could you tell me something about when it was made and what else maybe approx. value

Answer:
Dennis, there is not much interest in theses rifles and hence not a lot of information about them has been published, they are not even listed in my blue book. I can't tell you when your rifle was manufactured, I can tell you that value is in the $50.00 range. Marc

# 3834 - Winchester 1873 Value
5/5/01
Bob, Orrs Island, Maine,

KING'S IMPROVEMENT Weapon is complete, bore is a mirror, undamaged with dust cover, wood excellent, fully operation, request approximate value, thank you very much

Answer:
Bob, Winchester manufactured the Model 1873 from 1873 to about 1924, total production reached 720,610. My records indicate that your rifle was manufactured in 1886. The Model 1873 was similar to its predecessor, the 1866 but had an iron receiver and mounts. Winchester offered the Model 1873 in 32-20 Winchester, 38-40 Winchester and 44-40 Winchester calibers. Standard rifles were equipped with a 24 inch barrel, overall length was 43.75 inches and weight was 8.87 pounds empty.

Collectors recognize 3 different models of 1873 rifles, each with a different value.

First model 1873 rifles have serial numbers between 1 and 30,000, a sliding thumbprint dust cover that is on 2 guides which are an integral part of the frame and no caliber markings.

Second model 1873 rifles have serial numbers between 30,000 and 90,000 and an improved dust cover which is held in place by two screws.

Third model 1873 rifles have serial numbers higher than 90,000 and a dust cover rail which is integral with frame.

Your serial number (214546B) falls into the third model range. Values for third model 1873 rifles are between about $1000 and over $4000 depending on condition. Marc

# 4085 - Old Rifle Question
5/5/01
Jeff

I came across a very old rifle. Don't know anything about it. Any help would be great... kjobenhavns toihuus 1879 serial number is 56026. Gun has m-1867 located left side below funny looking crown.

Answer:
Jeff- Your rifle is a Remington rolling block rifle. model 1867, made in 1879 at the Royal Danish Arsenal in Copenhagen, Denmark. These are still seen frequently on the collector market, and I think we have one listed on our collectible firearms page. Values vary according to condition and minor details that collectors find interesting. Thanks for contacting Antique and Collectable Firearms and Militaria Headquarters. John Spangler

# 3826 - Luger History
5/5/01
Andrew/Salinas/Calif.

Top of slide "byf" 36Numbers 71 everywhere Has letter "N" above the last letter of serial number (1) Is there anyway I can trace the history of this gun?

Answer:
Andrew, it sounds like you have a nice WWII vintage Luger that was manufactured by Mauser. OldGuns.net gets questions like yours requesting that we trace the history or specific firearms quite often. Unfortunately, I know of no existing records which could be used to trace the history of individual German WWII firearms and I do not think that any exist. OldGuns.net is always looking to purchase good Luger pistols, let us know if you ever decide to sell. Marc

# 4081 - Early 1903 Springfield.
5/2/01
Tom

receiver: Springfield Armory model 1903 260,433
barrel near front sight: RIA flaming bomb 11-04
stock near receiver: 7K C.C.V.
stock underneath near trigger: fancy P with a double fishhook like stem I have an early 1903 Springfield, from the various info I get in general literature I am dealing with a lot of discrepancies. Can you tell me about this rifle and its date of manufacture? Was it made at Springfield Armory or at the Rhode Island Arsenal?

Answer:
Tom- Your rifle was manufactured at Springfield Armory, Springfield, Mass sometime about 1906. The barrel was made at Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island Illinois, about November 1904.

Although they did periodtic tests to verify interchangability of parts which could possibly account for the mixing of parts there is a much more likely explanation.

At the end of WW1, several hundred thousand M1903 rifles found to be unserviceable were broken down into component parts and shipped back to the US as parts for use in later rebuilding/overhaul. Some rifles were also rebuilt at Ordnance Depots in France. Since parts are all interchangeable, they could have been assembled together at almost any date after 1906. I am sure there would be collector interest in this as a representative early rifle, but not as highly valued as one with all matching parts. John Spangler

# 3837 - Bacon Arms Company
5/2/01
Bob, Little Hocking, Oh

I need any information on a bacon handgun. Manufactured 1855-1860. Need information on bacon company and how many were produced and value. thanks Bob

Answer:
Bob- Bacon made a lot of guns of several different models, and you did not give us enough information to figure out what you might have. "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and their values" would be your best source for information on the company and to figure out exactly what you have. Every gun collector should have one or more copies of this superb reference. Happily, we offer this on our books page. This is regularly priced at $32.95 but we sell it for $30.00 postpaid in the US. John

# 3814 - Model 95 Winchester
5/2/01
Ed, Gallatin Gateway, MT. , USA

This gun is a lever action and the cartridges (5 I believe) stack up on top of one another in the magazine. Very good condition. Dates on gun are 1895-1907. Has a 'B85' or 'B35' near serial #. I recently inherited the gun and would like some historical information, as well as when manufactured, and any comments on value. Thanks for your help.

Answer:
Ed, Winchester factory records indicate that the first delivery of Model 1895 rifles to warehouse stock was made on February 1, 1896. Winchester manufactured 426,000 Model 95 rifles between 1896 and 1931 when the model was discontinued. The Model 95 was developed specifically for (the new then) high-power small-caliber smokeless cartridges and it was the first successful box type magazine lever action repeater design. The Model 1895 was initially offered in 30-40 Krag, 38-72 and 40-72, later chamberings included .30-03, .30-06, .303 Brit., .35 Win., .405 Win., and 7.62mm Russian. The OldGuns.net Winchester Manufacture Dates program (see the link located in the left hand OldGuns.net menu frame) tells me that your Winchester was manufactured in 1930. Model 95 values range from $600 and $3500 depending on condition and variation. Marc