# 11646 - Head Stamp Information
6/27/2006
Nathan, Gallatin, TN

On the bottom of WWII era shells, there is a date (usu. stamped 40,41, 42, etc.) and a two letter initial. Can you tell me what the two letter initial is for?

Answer:
Nathan, the markings that you are asking about are called headstamps. To find out about headstamps, you should visit another web site that John and I host, the International Ammunition Association at http://cartridgecollectors.org/. Cartridgecollectors.org has just about everything that there is to know about headstamps and cartridge collecting. The site is used as a reference by collectors and law enforcement from around the world. Marc

# 11648 - Victory Model Revolver
6/27/2006
Johnny Springfield, Oh

It is marked U S Property G H . D. It also has 3 1/2 tons per (box symbol)It has a crown above the int B N P. It also has # 38'' and 767'' stamped on the barrel. When you flip the chamber out to eject the shells, it has 94394 stamped on the frame. Patented Feb 6 06 Sept. 14 03 dec, 29 14 Stamped on the barrel. With the supplied information, could you please tell me what type of pistol this is, what was it used for, and what is the value. The pistol has never been restored. It is in original condition. Thank you for your efforts in this matter.

Answer:
Johnny, you have a Smith and Wesson Victory Model revolver. The Victory Model is actually just a S&W Military and Police Model revolver with plain military type finish. The first Victory Model revolvers were manufactured on a contract for the British military. When the U.S. entered World War II, they took up the contract and a total of 800,000 revolvers were purchased for U.S. military forces and Lend Lease. Victory Model revolvers were serial numbered starting at 1 and all had the letter ''V'' preceding the serial number. Revolvers were manufactured with 2, 4, 5 and 6 inch barrels, in 38 Special and 38 S&W caliber. Those revolvers going to the U.S. military and Lend Lease had the initials of an ordnance inspector stamped on the frame (WB or GHD), and most frames also have the words U.S. Property stamped on the top of the frame. Grips were uncheckered walnut, and after the earliest production, all Victory Model Revolvers were parkerized. The number on the frame that is only visible when the cylinder is open is an assembly number. The serial number is stamped on the butt by the swivel, on the barrel visible only when the cylinder is open, on the back of the cylinder, and on the ejector, again only visible when the ejector is pushed open. All of these numbers matched when the pistol left the factory. If any are mismatched then the part has been replaced. The ''3 1/2 tons per (box symbol)'' and ''crown above the int B N P'' that you mention are British proof marks. The .38 S&W revolvers were Lend-Lease arms and because of the British proof markings, my guess is this what you have.

Values for Victory Model revolvers range from around $100 to about $550 depending on condition, markings and caliber. Revolvers chambered for .38 Special are more popular with collectors and shooters than those chambered for .38 S&W. If your revolver has a blue finish, it has probably been re-finished and value will be in the lower end of the range. Marc

# 11883 - Pattern 1853 Enfield Markings.
6/27/2006
Randy

Barnett over London on lock. J.Jones stamped into stock. G&C over crown over R on underside of barrel. Barnett underside of barrel. JJ underside of barrel. 68 underside of barrel. Crown over entwined GP over crown over V on left side of top of barrel. K over 52 on buttplate tang. III stamped inside ramrod channel. JJ inside lock plate. I recently bought this Barnett Enfield. Would you be so kind as to help me define these markings. Any general Barnett history and suggested reading would be appreciated.

Answer:
Randy- Barnett, in London was the maker. Or, more accurately the contractor who coordinated the delivery of the various parts from individual makers who specialized in a specific part (or parts) which the contractor then had assembled into complete arms. It was customary to identify each part so the maker could be identified in case of defects. AA crown as part of the mark indicates a government inspector of some sort, with the crown/GP and crown/V on the barrel being proof marks. Barnett, JJ 68 show the barrel maker and possibly sub inspector and inventory number. JJ repeated on the inside of the lock suggests that the JJ may be a "match mark" so the non-interchangeable parts could be matched up again with the other parts that were hand-fitted to them even if taken apart for finishing or other reasons. K over 52 on the buttplate are most likely unit "rack numbers". John Spangler

# 11877 - M1 Carbine Marked BLUE SKY
6/24/2006
Mike Saint Louis, MO

Barrel - Marked ''Underwood'' with numbers below it that look like 7 then a space and 43. Right below this is a ball with appears to be flames or a torch. Does have a bayonet lug. Barrel is also marked Blue Sky. (I know this means it is an import and the most defaced. The receiver is marked Postal Meter with the serial #1518520. The band connecting the Stock and barrel where the front of the sling connects is marked MMQ. The stock, right in front of the action has two holes on either side. Knowing this is an import, what could I expect selling this gun in the midwest and what was the purpose of the four holes in the stock?

Answer:
Mike- BLUE SKY was the name of an importing firm in Arlington, Virginia that imported tens of thousands of Garands and M1 Carbines from Korea in the 1980s. Some had a bit of original finish, but most were well used and given a quick refinish job on the metal parts before being shipped to the U.S. I believe at the time of the biggest glut on the market, the carbines were wholesale priced at $69 or $89 and the Garands were as low as $119. They were mostly good shooters. The overall condition, often with stocks made in Korea from some junk wood (or ratty original stocks), refinish job and the excessively deep and large import marks kept them from catching on with most collectors. Today the import stigma seems to have worn off a bit, and we see the carbines priced in the $300-500 range. The four holes in the stock are a mystery to me. These will sometimes be seen with two holes on the left side in the area by the receiver which were for a grenade launcher sight. I have no idea what holes on the right side would be. John Spangler

# 11846 - Foehl & Weeks
6/24/2006
Dave, Colville, Washington

On the top of this pistol above the cylinder is the word Perfect. Also on top of the barrel it lists the make, Philadelphia, Pa., USA, and a pat. date of Feb. 24, 1881. There is no other markings. What is the manufacture date and approximate value range?

Answer:
Dave- According to Frank Sellers' American Gunsmiths the firm of Foehl and Weeks operated in Philadelphia, PA, and across the river in Camden, NJ from 1889 to 1900. They were successors to the Deringer Pistol Company, and made single shot rifles and cheap double action revolvers. Values o their products would be very modest as there is not really any collector interest in such things. John Spangler

# 11643 - Winchester Mod 62 Tang Markings
6/24/2006
J. D. Harker , Lebo Ks.

''Winchester'' is stamped on the metal strip behind the hammer that holds the stock on to the receiver My friend just sold this rifle even though I advised him not to because of the marking behind the hammer. I sense a value here, can you tell me what this stamp means, I have never seen one in this location before on any other rifle of this type. Thank You

Answer:
JD, the "metal strip behind the hammer that holds the stock on to the receiver" is called the upper tang. "The Winchester Book" by George Madis indicates that upper tangs of Winchester Model 62 rifles were marked "WINCHESTER TRADEMARK MADE IN U.S.A." up to serial numbers near 14600. By serial number 17600, tang markings are rarely found except for on some rifles that were made for export. Your serial number falls well within the range of rifles that should have the tang markings. My records indicate that the year of manufacture for a Winchester Model 62 rifle, serial number 3581 is 1932 which is the first year of production for this model. Although the tang marking will not add any value, collectors will often pay a premium for a first production year rifle, if condition warrants it. Marc

# 12154 - EMGE Value
6/20/2006
Matt

lower left frame ''67 with what looks like a feather or antler'' upper left frame '' looks like the German eagle with the letter N under it'' left side of bbl. ''same German eagle with the letter N under it'' I know the firearm is inexpensive, but does the markings make it worth more? If so could you give a value. The firearms bluing is very good about 90-95%.

Answer:
Sorry Matt, the markings are just proof marks, they do not add anything to the value. Marc

# 11642 - Marlin Model 81 Value
6/20/2006
Tyler Rexburg Idaho

How much is this gun worth it has no serial # please help.

Answer:
Tyler, inexpensive 22 rifles and shotguns that were manufactured before the gun control act of 1968 often were not serial numbered. My references indicate that the Marlin Model 81 was introduced in 1939, it was a bolt action rifle with a 24 inch barrel that would chamber .22 S, L, or LR cartridges. The tubular magazine which was mounted beneath the barrel had a capacity of 18-24 cartridges depending upon the type of ammunition being loaded. The 81 came with an adjustable rear sight and weighed about 6 pounds, it was discontinued in 1940 when the 81-B was introduced. The 81-B can be distinguished from the original Model 81 by it's new-style stock, plastic trigger guard, and by the safety catch on the right side of the stock behind the bolt handle. Model 81 values are modest, I would expect to see one offered for sale at a gunshow in the $75 or less range. Marc

# 11834 - Mauser 1871/84 Made At Spandau
6/20/2006
Rick, Newcastle, Wa

I received this gun as a gift several years ago. I know nothing about the manufacturer, when and what they were used for. Obviously Military and German. Is there any value to this weapon, my insurance agent said they will not cover it unless I have an appraisal and schedule it

Answer:
Rick- First, most homeowner insurance policies are either nearly worthless when dealing with guns, or charge outrageous rates. If you only have a few guns, or use them mainly for shooting, then the policy from the NRA is your best bet, and you automatically get a small amount of coverage free with your membership. You can buy more at reasonable rates. If you have a lot of guns, mainly collector pieces, not shooters, then check with the good folks at Collectibles Insurance Agency http://collectinsure.com and get a policy from them. They are great people and have some of the best rates in the business and are very good about paying claims (which hopefully you will never need to find out). Both Marc and I have out business inventory and personal collections insured with them and are happy to recommend them to other collectors. Your rifle's value depends on condition, but I see near new examples offered at gun shows in the $1000-1800 range, and used examples in the $300-800 range. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 11831 - M2 Carbine Value
6/17/2006
Roy, Walton, WV

Winchester barrel ,Rockola rear sight, R.I.A stamped on receiver under rear sight above a serial number of 650. I have a M2 .30 cal. Carbine in excellent condition stamped R.I.A. on the receiver under the rear sight, with a serial number of 650, the barrel is stamped Winchester, and the rear sight is a Rockola. This gun is a Korean War bring-back which I received from the Officer whom it was issued to during the war, it is not a parts gun nor a lend lease gun. I would like to know the value of this weapon and its origins.

Answer:
Roy- This sounds like a very interesting gun with an interesting history. However, if it is an M2 carbine (or just stamped on the receiver "M2") then it is considered to be a "machine gun" and subject to all sorts of registration and licensing stuff. If you do not have the paperwork from BATF to show that it has been registered, then it has no collector value and can only get you in trouble. There is a bill pending in Congress that would allow registration of SOME "veteran bring back" guns, but that bill may not be passed for years, if at all. Only the receiver is "bad" and you can strip all other parts and keep or sell them without getting into trouble, at least in your state. This is just my understanding of complex legal issues, but you need to check with a competent lawyer if you want legal advice. John Spangler

# 11822 - Austrian Made Siamese Mauser
6/17/2006
Wilsonville

On left side of breach WAFFENFABRIK STEYR AUSTRIA. Bolt handle knob has a chrysanthemum & a flaming bomb on the bolt handle with the #s 5E8997. I need to know if this is actually a Siamese Mauser, & if so , is there any ammo available?

Answer:
Sir- Based on your description, we are not able to figure out what you have. The "Siamese Mausers" were made in Japan and are loaded with markings in a very unusual looking Thai language script filled with curly-cues. Steyr made lots of guns for the export market but we cannot help with this one. As far as ammo, you need to have a competent gunsmith make a chamber casting to exactly identify the caliber. Maybe it will be something common you can find, but it may be a very obscure caliber that you will never find ammo for. John Spangler

# 11641 - Navy Replica Value
6/13/2006
Jeremy, Erie, Pa

Their I a navy theme on the cylinder. Also it is stamped engaged may 1843 around the cylinder across it is stamped PATENT NO. with no numbers. The only barrel markings are CAL .36 NAVY MODEL-MADE IN ITALY on the other side it says BLACK POWDER ONLY underneath the numbers 50027 match the pistol grip. The barrel and cylinder are blued the grip is wood and the rest has a brass coating. Also on the left side of barrel it is stamped KI. I inherited this pistol and had wondered if it is a replica. I am not sure what brand or how old. I will never sell but also how much it is worth? Sorry for the lack of information. Thank you for your time.

Answer:
Jeremy, the "MADE IN ITALY" markings are a dead-giveaway, your revolver is a replica. Thousands of this type of revolver have been imported into the USA since the late 1960s. I often see them offered at yard sales for around $50. Marc

# 11628 - Mauser .25
6/13/2006
Chris, Annapolis, Md.

I have recently been offered this pistol but don't know very much about it or what it may be worth. I have seen this same pistol in 7.35mm at about $400. Is this a reasonable price to offer for this gun in 6.35mm?

Answer:
Chris, the little .25 caliber Mauser pistols were well made but there is not much demand for them. I do not like the caliber and would not pay $400 for any .25 pistol unless I had a buyer who was willing to pay at least $500 for it. Marc

# 11815 - Sharps & Hankins Carbine
6/13/2006
Jeff Hardy, Clinton, Iowa

Sharps and Hankins carbine, dated patent 1859, Philadelphia, one marking 999 Danel Where would serial number be on the rifle, any approx. value? Condition is poor to average, internal rust (heavy), some external, stock complete but damaged and refinished poorly

Answer:
Jeff- There are several different Sharps & Hankins carbines and a rifle, and we are not sure which one you have. About 700 rifles were made in 1861-1862 with a 33 inch barrel for Navy use. A total of about 8,000 carbines with 24 inch barrels were made during the Civil War, mostly for the Navy with a leather cover on the barrel to protect it from salt water corrosion. About 200 without the leather covers, but still having 24 inch barrels were made for the Army. Another 1,000 carbines with 19 inch barrels were made for Army use, mostly by the 11th New York Volunteer Cavalry. Values vary for all of these, and of course condition is a major factor, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Based on your description, it is probably in the few hundred dollars range. Serial numbers are usually found on most major parts, and should be fairly obvious. John Spangler

# 11808 - M1903 Springfield History
6/10/2006
Greg, Perry, Georgia

This gun was passed down to my father from my aunt. It is perfect condition. It looks like it did the day it was made. It came from my aunts 3rd husband who passed away several years ago. He was retired military. He was a pilot during WWII and during his career he achieved significant rank as an officer. I was just wondering if there was any way that I could find out the history of this gun or its value.

Answer:
Greg- Just as your aunt decided that a couple of husbands were no longer serviceable and needed to be replaced, the military often decides that some rifle parts are no longer serviceable and need to be replaced. After overhaul the rifles look like new, but collectors value them differently than one that has all the original parts. Without a lot more information we cannot tell if your rifle is a high dollar all original, or a multi-overhauled example that looks great but would be worth less. Your rifle was probably made in 1918, and the barrel date should be something close to that. The only known source of information on specific serial numbers of U.S. military arms is on our other site http://armscollectors.com on the Springfield Research Service page. There is no history listed for your rifle, so you already know all that is known. John Spangler

# 11798 - P. O. Ackley Rifle Records
6/10/2006
Pat, Missouri, USA

Reinhart-Fajen Stock: Walnut with Ebony endcap on forearm and pistolgrip. Left-hand P.O. Ackley action Is there a way to get records about P.O.Ackley custom built guns? I would like to know if the 6800 stamped on the action was an identification number. I have heard that he only made 50 left-hand actions, is that accurate? How could I obtain a copy of that record?

Answer:
Pat- I do not know if any P.O. Ackley records have survived. While he made good solid rifles, ranging in quality from very utilitarian to somewhat fancy, I have not seen any real collector interest in any of them. Shooters still value them, but the rifles of the 1950s and 1960s have stocks that do not seem attractive (or as comfortable) as more classic designs. Fajen was a stock maker, but most of their production seems to have been for the amateur gunsmith or hobbyist market. Left hand actions seem to be greatly loved by the lefties among us, but I have no idea how much (if any) that adds to value. Maybe the BATFE has the old Ackley production records and would release them in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, but they reportedly have a reputation for being uncooperative in such efforts, so don't get your hopes up. John Spangler

# 11623 - MAB 22
6/10/2006
Neil Lakewood Co 80214

Left side made in France, 22 lr. with a z or a 2 How old ,what type history and how much is it worth ?

Answer:
Neil, a model number would have helped me to provide a better answer to your question. If you have the papers that came with the pistol, the model should be listed somewhere. My guess is that your pistol is a MAB Model F, these were introduced in 1950. The Model F as a modification of the earlier Model B in .22 caliber and with an open topped slide. Pistols came with barrel lengths varying from 2.65 inches to 7.25 inches. Target sights of varying degrees of quality could be fitted to suit the customers needs. There is not much collector interest in French firearms, this is possibly due to the French reputation for cowardliness and treachery. The general history for French military firearms is dropped twice fired never. Since this is a commercial model who can say. Marc

# 11622 - Precision Small Arms PSP-25
6/6/2006
Bob, Grand Junction, CO

Charlottesville, Va I acquired a small pistol with no manufacturer info on it, but with the PSP-25 and the city, Charlottesville, Va. on it. I am trying to find spare mags for it and have thus far been stumped. Was hoping you could help out as well as giving me the value of the gun just so I can either cry or smile due to the amount I gave for it. Thanks

Answer:
Bob, the PSP-25 was manufactured by Precision Small Arms from 1989 to 2002. It was a small .25 ACP, single action semi-automatic design that was based on the Baby Browning. Pistols came with checkered black polymer grips, all steel construction and selection of several finishes including polished blue, black oxide, brushed satin white nickel (Nouveau satin), and highly polished white nickel finish (Nouveau mirror). Since the pistol is no-longer in production finding extra magazines may be a problem. Try Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at http://www.gunpartscorp.com/. Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page and at the new forum at WWW.ArmsCollectors.com. Since the design is based on the Baby Browning, you might want to give a magazine from one of these pistols a try. Marc

# 11620 - J.C. Higgins Model 80
6/6/2006
Bobbe in Waco, Texas

I would like to know the approximate date of mfr. of this pistol. Thank you for any help!

Answer:
Bobbe, I used the OldGuns.net 'House Brands' program (there is a link on the OldGuns.net left hand menu bar) to find that the JC Higgins Model 80 was manufactured by High Standard and that it is a series 101 revolver. High Standard used series numbers on the sides of the revolvers so they could easily tell what replacement parts to order if they were needed. The first High Standard revolvers were 100 series, within a year or two there was a change to the trigger assembly and the series number was changed 101. 100 and 101 series revolvers did not have a return spring on the their ejector rods. This would occasionally cause the ejector star to gouge the alloy frame if the user did not push the ejector back into the cylinder before closing. The 102 series cured this adding a return spring around 1960. References indicate that the year of manufacture for a High Standard revolver, serial number 633198, is 1956. Marc

# 11796 - M1911 Colt With Removed Serial Number
6/6/2006
Jack Knox

Standard very early issue, light blue safety, and slide lock, colt pony on left rear, no circle around pony, pinned mag release, rounded rear sight. Cannot find another s/n on frame, slide, etc. The s/n and the ''Property of '' stamp have been filed off (long ago). They were located at the front lower area of the frame of the pistol. Is it legal to even own this, or should strip it for parts, or should I toss it into the nearest river/pond? Because it has no s/n, I have been reluctant to visit any local gun shows or shops for advice as I am worried about confiscation. Thanks - for any advice or (maybe) where another s/n might be hidden.

Answer:
Jack- It is a violation of federal (and perhaps also state) law to have a "firearm" which has had the serial number removed. It may be possible to use "crime lab" acid techniques to recover the number, and then you could have it remarked which may or may not fix the problem. I may be easier and less risky if you stripped all the parts from the frame and disposed of it, since there are no restrictions on possession of any parts but the frame. Only the frame was numbered, and all parts for the M1911 government models are interchangeable. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 11619 - Wartime 1935 HP
6/3/2006
Mark, Lompoc, CA

FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE MR on left side front of trigger guard. Almost looks like a big capitol horizontal F on right side front of trigger guard. Top left corner of F is missing. May not be an F, but just a symbol? Eagle with open wings over swastika on left side above trigger, above forward release catch below the word GUERRE on the slide and front of gun below barrel, all having the WaA140 with each of the stamped symbols. Left side has Triangle pointing right partially under wooden grip. Left side a B inside a Square partially under wooden grip. Left side has an upside down 14 under top left corner of wooden grip. Right, bottom left side under wooden grip, has a horizontal 9, tail to right, and to right of the 9 is a normal 3 (bottom of 3 not stamped well. With barrel removed, on left side it also has the WaA140 with symbol, but symbol hardly noticeable. Right side of barrel had what looks like [1 with the 1 inside the [ and upside down. On left side three serial numbers all match.( Barrel, Slider, Has some pitting in the metal. Not really bad, but here and there. I don't know much about guns, may be considered blue? Just looks dark to me. I've had someone call local police department to ask about registration, and they said there is a number missing. (I have another gun with only five numbers, but it looks like it's miss stamped) What is the ''a'' for in the serial number? Just wondering what something like this is worth so I know I'm not paying to much? All I can find about anything close is the 1910 or 1922, but from seeing the pictures of those, it's not any of them. I was looking at the other guns listed, and it looks like an HP or HP35 or 1935? It doesn't say anywhere on it what model number it is. When I look for HP/HP35?1935 I don't come up with anything with the WaA140. Someone said maybe it was for the Iron Guard? Do you know much about this specific model? Any specifics on who would be issued this specific model gun? I do know from reading another post that the WaA140 was during the Nazi occupation of Belgium, but what else is there to tell? Thank You, Mark

Answer:

Mark, the pistol you are asking about sounds like a FN M1935 (High Power) third variation. The High Power pistol was designed by John Moses Browning and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Herstal, Belgium, it was the last pistol that John M. Browning designed before his death in 1926. The Belgians were first armed forces to adopt the High Power as an official sidearm, in 1935 but before 1940 contracts were also filled for the armed forces of several countries including Belgium, China, Peru, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and France. The High Power was eventually adopted by the armies of 68 countries, and was used by both the Germans and the Canadians during World War II.

After the FN plant was seized by the Germans in May of 1940 High Power production was earmarked for the German military. The first several thousand pistols were made up from captured parts and had a high polish finish, a shoulder stock slot cut into the rear grip strap and tangent rear sight. To speed production, the Germans eliminated the shoulder stock slot and then the tangent sight at about serial number 145000. As production continued, the quality of finish was reduced to dull blue over a progressively less polished metal. The Germans used three Waffenenamt stamps on High Power pistols:

1. Eagle over WaA613
2. Eagle over WaA103
3. Eagle over WaA140.

Your pistol is the third variation, these were stamped with eagle over WaA140, had fixed 50-meter sights, wood or brown plastic grips and dull military-blue finish over rough machine marks. The approximate serial range for this variation is 145000 to 210000, then 01a to 100000a and finally 01b to 63000b. Your serial number is probably correct for a third variation pistol, it does not sound like it is missing a digit.

Third variation FN M1935 High Power pistols should have the following markings:

Serial number:

• Right side of the slide below the ejection port.
• Last three digits on the upper right side of the frame above the trigger
• Last three digits on the right side of the chamber (barrel).

FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE

• Slide-left side:

Military acceptance stampWaA140:

• Left side of the slide above the slide stop
• Upper left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger pin
• Front of the slide below the muzzle
• Left side of the chamber (barrel).

Military test proof eagle over swastika in a circle:

• Left side of the slide above the slide lock notch
• Upper left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger pin
• Right side of the chamber (barrel).

There was no commercial test proof mark.

Values for 3rd variation Nazi Proofed High Power pistols are in the $300 to $900 range depending on condition. Your finish should be blue, if it is turning to a brownish patina, with pitting, this will lower value. Sorry but I am not sure what the "Iron Guard" is or why it should be associated with the pistol. Marc

# 11789 - K98k Makers
6/3/2006
Gerald Cedar Park, TX 78613

During WWII, how many companies made the Mauser K98?, and which of the riles would be the most collectible? Thanks

Answer:
Gerald- Eleven makers in German produced over 14 million K98k rifles between 1934 and 1945. Over 5 million were made by Mauser's Obernforff plant, the largest maker. Just over 131,000 were made by BSW (Berlin-Suhler- Waffen-und Fahrzeugwerke). Collectibility depends on the collector and their goals. Some will just want a nice condition representative example from any maker. Others may pursue the ultimate in unissued condition, again regardless of the maker. Others may want one from each of the makers, and a few may want to get one from each maker with each maker ID code. A few obsessive individuals will want one from each maker for each year of production, over 100 possible combinations. A few may find relief from just seeking an example for each year from a single maker. Others may want a rifle (regardless of maker) showing the early features, another with mid war features and one with the late features. Some may prefer just a single poor condition rifle from the maker who made the fewest rifles over an excellent example form a more common maker. There is no right answer as to what is the most desirable item for a collector, as each has their own preference. John Spangler

# 11795 - Flintlock By I. Parr
6/3/2006

Brass barrel - flint lock with gargoyle head on butt. The name I. Parr is stamped on it and it has silver inlay carvings on it. This gun was passed to me in an estate and I would to know where to find a book or some one to give me an approximate value.

Answer:
Sir- There were a number of gun makers by the name of Parr in England. (The brass barrel and gargoyle on the butt are common on English guns, but seldom found elsewhere). William Parr was a very fine Birmingham maker, and he was probably related to a number of gun makers named Parr, primarily in the Liverpool area. They included several Johns and a James, all working in the flintlock era. During the 18th and 19th centuries it was not unusual to use the letter "I" where we would now use the letter "J". You can get an approximate value by consulting dealer catalogs on line, or taking it to a good gun show (not the junky "camouflage and ammo" flea markets claiming to be a gun show). You can also pay a reputable dealer for an appraisal if you need that level of documentation. John Spangler