# 14573 - 1894 Winchester In .38-55 Caliber
6/29/2013
Chad, Caribou, ME o4736

Just wondering if you can tell me anything about this gun that I inherited from my grandfather. I will never get rid of it and look forward to shooting it. I'm just curious what the proper name is for it, as I have found that there are several variances of this model, and what it may be worth. The gun is in fair condition and seems fireable. Any information you could lend me would be helpful, Thank You.

Answer:
Chad- Your rifle was made in December, 1916, and is considered to be one of the all time great hunting rifles. Invented by John M. Browning, of course. The standard length barrel for the “rifle” was 26 inches, as opposed to more common “carbine” which had a 20 inch barrel, but Winchester would make just about any length you wanted on special order. Barrel length is always measured from the face of the closed breech to the muzzle, like if you were to slip a cleaning rod into the barrel and measure how much went in before you hit the breech.

The .38-55 is an obsolete caliber, but you can still find ammo for it, or load your own. Just because it is obsolete does not mean is it not perfectly suitable as a hunting round, so don’t hesitate to use it as your Grandfather did. Based on your description, my guess is that the value is in the several hundred dollar range, but someone would have to see it in person to put any sort of accurate value on it. I would insure it for $500-750. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14716 - Winchester Mod 94 Value
6/29/2013
John -SC- Duluth, GA

Has the number ''28'' stamped on the action just ahead of the trigger. Has original tang sight. I just has a local gunsmith examine my Model 94 and he stated all is well with the action but the barrel is very bad. It's been in my family since the 1920`s and I hate to part with it but I'm an old man & I'll never fire it again. Any value to a collector or should I just ''hang it on the wall''??

Answer:
John, my references indicate that your rifle was manufactured in 1905. The condition of the bore will hurt value but there are allot of collectors who like Winchesters and I do not think that it would be hard to sell your rifle. Depending on condition and special features, value could go as high as $1000 or more. Where there is any family history, we encourage people to keep old guns for sentimental value. Marc

# 14706 - Broomhandle Info
6/25/2013
Irving Fairfax VT

Frame - Left center, approx. 3/4''X2'' scrolled panel. Frame - Left rear, square within a square, ''Mauser''. Chamber-rear, left side, serial no. 860330. Frame, right side, scrolled panel same as left side. Frame, right rear, WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER OBERNDORF a NECKAR D.R.P.u A.P. Stock slot, back of grip. Not to seem greedy, but I would like to know as much as possible about this pistol. Date of mfg., military or civilian, approx. value in Good con`d., etc. Thank you very much.

Answer:
Irving, my records indicate that your Mauser is an early 1930 commercial model manufactured between 1930 and 1932. The 1930 commercial was a simplification and improvement of the M1921 Mauser. The manufacturing process was simplified by removing several fine-machining details. The early models had a 5.18 inch barrel, but later models had the traditional 5.5 inch barrel. Early 1930 commercial models are usually found in the 800000 - 890000 serial number range and come with 12 groove grips. You did not mention one, but your pistol should have a crown over U proof mark which is a German final or definitive proof mark that was used on firearms that were proofed in the finished state, use of this mark was discontinued in 1939. Some of the changes incorporated into the 1930 Broomhandle design were:

1. A step which was added to the barrel contour just ahead of the chamber.

2. The safety mechanism was changed to allow the hammer to be dropped from a cocked position, without danger, by pulling the trigger, (this was called the Universal Safety).

3. The front of the grip frame was widened to equal the width of the rear part of the frame where the stock slot is.

Demand for pre WWII pistols in general, and especially for commercial models has fallen off lately. I would expect to see a 30 commercial sell in the $1200 to $1500 range. Marc

# 14571 - Harpers Ferry Model 1816 Flintlock Musket
6/25/2013
Tom - Gresham OR

42'' barrel, 1835 Harpers Ferry US with eagle Part of nut holding flint lock on is missing What would be approximate value and if it has value will send picture

Answer:
Tom- Value will depend on condition and if it is still in original flintlock, or if it has been “reconverted” after being altered to percussion way long ago. It sounds like you are missing the “top jaw screw” and likely the top jaw as well. These are readily available as reproduction parts for a modest price. (Check S&S Firearms on our links page.) John Spangler

# 14570 - R.F. Sedgley 25mm Flare Gun
6/22/2013
Laura, Butler,Pa

Large S in circle inside cross hatched diamond on handle, black finish, number ''187'' under the barrel I can't find this gun any where. All of the ones that I find have ''USN'', not just the ''S''. I cannot find any other numbers on the flare gun, other than the patent number and the one under the barrel. What, if any, information can you give me about this pistol? Year? Collectable? Was it military? Anything would be helpful. Thank You.

Answer:
Laura- The R.F. Sedgley Company of Philadelphia was a prolific maker of flare guns, and also cobbled together M1903 Springfield style rifles from surplus and scrap parts and also made M1903 parts, including barrels, for the U.S. Marine Corps, whose supply depot was also in Philadelphia. Sedgley was in business to sell whatever they could, to whomever they could, and unlike some companies did not rely on government contracts as their primary customer.

Flare guns were used by the military, but also by the merchant shipping, fishing and yachting sectors, and Sedgley could make just about anything they wanted to, which accounts for the large number of variations encountered.

The best reference that I know of on the subject of flare guns is Robert M. Gaynor’s “Flare Guns & Signal Pistols: Their Use, Description & Accessories.” This 178 page book is privately published, but we think so highly of it that we got a few extra copies to make it available- see our “Books for Arms Collectors” page http://OldGuns.net/catbookgun.htm for current availability and price. Gaynor’s book covers military and commercial flare guns from all countries. Gaynor notes that many Sedgley guns had the “S” marked grips, while the Navy contract guns usually had USN on the grips. Also, that some seem to have had the U and N removed, leaving only the “S” likely for commercial sale. Most of the Sedgley flare guns seem to be based on a 1913 patent covering the basic action, with later variations mainly being different barrel lengths and calibers (10 GA, 25mm or 37mm). There was no requirement for flare guns to be serial numbered, so some are, others are not. Many will have “assembly” numbers, or purchasers may have applied their own inventory numbers. As far as value, there seems to be little agreement, with some folks quite enthusiastic and seeking all variations. Others regard flare guns as worthless toys. Military models seem to have the strongest demand and value. We have a link to a flare gun collectors forum on our links page if you want to find out more on this subject. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 14704 - ME 8 Detective
6/22/2013
Megan, Australia

Hoping you can help, I inherited the pistol with bullets from a old friend who came from Austria to Australia back in 1969, was wondering if u could tell me anything out it. It is a mE 8 detective cal. 8mm. M.I.W Germany has what maybe a serial number but hard to read. I don't know what to do with it.

Answer:
Megan, I had never heard of the ME 8 Detective so I tried a Google search. Search results indicate that the ME 8 Detective is an inexpensive 8 mm blank pistol. There is not much interest in this type of item and I don't think anyone makes 8mm blanks any more. Value is minimal, my advise would be to turn it into the police for destruction. Marc

# 14702 - Lepco .25
6/18/2013
Stacey, Wildomar, Ca.

It is brown in color with pearl grips and goldish decorative trim? On the top, backside of the barrel is engraved The Lepco Fire Arms Co. The main color is brown, bronze with pearl grips and decorative stamped or etched accents. On the back, at the top is engraved The Lepco Fire Arms Co. London Would like to know what year is was made, what model is it, and anything else about it. Thank you, I really appreciate your help, I can't seem to find any info on it.

Answer:
Stacey, I was not able to find much information on this pistol. I did find that the Lepco was a 6.35mm design made in France, possibly made by Manufacture d'Armes des Pyrenees in Hendaye, in the 1920's. They were marketed by a London distributor, the Lepco Firearms Company (L. Le Personne & Co.). Lepco slides are usually marked "MADE IN FRANCE". Marc

# 14634 - Racks For Storing Or Displaying Guns
6/18/2013

Answer:
We frequently get questions, or ask ourselves, how we can safely and efficiently store or display rifles. Now, we want you to have the very best and most efficient storage available, so you can free up just a bit more space, obviously to be filled with some more great purchase from your friends here at OldGuns.net!

One of the best sources we know of is a fellow collector, who has opened a side line business turning out gun racks for collectors or stores. Check out the many different styles available at http://7.62x54r.net/MosinID/MosinRacks.htm And, if you are a cheap SOB (as some collectors are reputed to be) they even show dimensioned drawings so you can make your own cheap knock offs at home! John Spangler

# 14567 - Gyrojet Mark I Model B Pistol
6/15/2013
Ariel Philippines

N/A PRICE

Answer:
Ariel- The Gyrojet guns are most interesting and anyone interested in them really needs to get a copy of my friend Mel Carpenter’s superb definitive study on all things remotely related to Gyrojets. These pistols fired miniature spin stabilized rockets from very lightweight guns, using a simple semi-automatic action. There were three basic series of guns, but the largest production by far was the 13mm (or .51 caliber) Model B series of pistols and carbines. Even so, only about 1,100 total were made in the Model B series, but far more than the Model C series which were 12mm (.49 caliber) or earliest Model A series where only about 100 were made.

Gyroject received widespread publicity, including an article in Life Magazine in May, 1966, and prominent play in the popular 1967 James Bond film “You Only Live Twice.” Even all the hype could not overcome the basic fact that while an interesting novelty and impressive application of physics and technology, the rocket firing guns were neither very practical, nor very accurate. And, their initial cost for a Model B pistol was about twice that of a Colt Model 1911 .45 automatic; and ammunition was $1.35 per round at a time when $5.00 would buy a full box of centerfire rifle or pistol ammunition. Today, Gyrojets are popular collector items. Values vary greatly especially with condition, and if the pistol is complete with the original cardboard box, or with a walnut presentation box. Due to their scarcity, they do not change hands too often, but many of the prices I have seen for plain Model B pistols have been in the $700-1500 retail range. Hope that helps. However, I am not sure if the gun laws in the Philippines allow possession or sale of these, and importing back into the U.S. may be a problem too. John Spangler

# 14701 - Russian Mauser?
6/15/2013
Ken, Saginaw, MI

stamping: Fabrica De Armas, Oviedo, model 1924. Very good condition I bought this recently in an estate sale for $125. A friend said it was a Russian Mauser. I love military history and just now getting into collecting military guns. Putting the above info into search engines hasn't produced much and I'm getting frustrated :-).

Answer:
Ken, I'm not aware of the Russian government ever manufacturing any rifles using the Mauser bolt system. Your rifle was made at the Spanish government arsenal at Oviedo. The Spaniards did adopt the Mauser system starting with the Model 1893 and continuing on through the various improvements to the system. I think that you may be wrong about the caliber of this rifle but if it is chambered for the Russian military cartridge (7.62x54R) then the rifle has been re-chambered sometime after it was manufactured. Rifles leaving the Spanish arsenal would have been chambered for the 7 mm Mauser cartridge. I would advise you to have the rifle checked out by a competent gunsmith to verify the caliber and whether it is safe to fire. Marc

# 14566 - Circa 1700s Snaphaunce Traitor’s Rifle
6/8/2013
Richard Michigan

No makers mark as I'm sure these rifles are individually made by the user. 9 brass and silver bands holding the barrel to the stock Snaphance mechanism. Spring strong with all parts working Overall condition good but not without signs of minor stock repairs. I believe I have a 1700`s Snaphance traitor's rifle. It is in working condition and overall good condition relative to the stock and fittings. What is the market for these rifles and what price range would these sell for? What would be a good outlet source for selling? Any input would be most helpful

Answer:
Richard- I must confess complete and total ignorance about this subject. I have no idea of what sort of gun you are talking about, although I am familiar with the basics of the snaphaunce actions. Afraid you will have to ask elsewhere on that one. John Spangler

# 14700 - Marlin Parts Needed
6/8/2013
Mark, Syracuse, NY

5 round mag tube The rifle is in excellent condition except the carrier rocker with spring is missing which hampers reliable feeding. I am looking for replacement parts (carrier rocker w/spring)

Answer:
Mark, sorry, no we do not have the parts that you need. Recommend you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page at the following URL:

http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm

Hope this helps. Marc

# 14699 - Added Info From One Of Our Visitors
6/4/2013
Dale, Idaho Falls, ID

Ref question 14549 about a Bernadelli revolver dated 1930 found in South Africa. I'd hazard a guess this might be an Italian Model 1889 Bodeo revolver. If it has a folding trigger and no guard it almost certainly is although I believe Bernadelli may also have made versions with trigger guard. If it is Italian Model 1889 it is in 10.35 or 10.4mm caliber. If I'm correct, it was probably obtained by a South African veteran of the Desert War in World War II: I believe a number of South African units were involved.

Answer:
Thanks Dale, I appreciate the information. Marc

# 14562 - Winchester Model 1917 Rifle Parts
6/4/2013
Chris, West Plains, MO

A double circle with flames appears at the end of the barrel and at the receiver end, and again on the side of the receiver. Two eagle heads -SC- one with P-9, one with (?)8?, and two eagle beaks -SC- one with - 0, one with - 3 underneath them. Also, half-way down the barrel on the bottom is VP in an oval, a ''C'' inside a triangle inside a circle. What do the markings reference, and what exactly do I have here? I looked on your website and found the gun was manufactured in 1918. What caliber is it? And how much might it be worth? I only have the barrel(which includes the trigger pull sticking out of the bottom) and what appears to be the original stock.

Answer:
Chris- Your rifle was made as a .30-06 rifle, and is probably still in that caliber, but there is a slim chance that it has been altered at some point in history, so I would not shoot it without having it checked. The various marks, especially the eagle heads, are inspector marks, those being used by military inspectors, and some of the other letters and symbols probably by Winchester’s own sub-inspectors. It sounds like your rifle is missing a lot of parts, so value will be modest, and if any of the parts have been altered, that will further reduce the value. My guess is that it would bring maybe $150-200 retail from someone wanting parts. John Spangler

# 14568 - M1 Garand T-26 “Tanker” Rifle
6/1/2013
Paul, Longmont, Colorado

None other than a standard Garand I understand the history of the T-26 ''Tanker'' Garand from both the Fulton Armory website and here http://www.scott-duff.com/t26.htm that Springfield didn't manufacturer very many T-26 Garands (just a few prototypes), and that most in existence today are either going to be conversions assembled from random parts and welded receivers or ones that were cut down in the Pacific theater during WWII. The rifle I just acquired (from someone's grandfather, now deceased, who was a WWII vet!) has a SN dating it to 1943, does NOT have a welded receiver (so it's not a random part conversion) and if it was cut down in the pacific theater is was done EXTREMELY well - the barrel crowning looks factory clean. What I want to know: is it possible this is one of the few prototypes Springfield made? How would I find out, and if it is, what's it worth? Please contact me at omicron.forums@gmail.com or call 720-333-9398 with questions. Hope to get an answer! Thanks, Paul

Answer:
Paul- Just about anything is possible, but not everything possible is probable, or even plausible. In fact, it is possible I am really an beautiful 18 year old blonde female nymphomaniac who just answers gun questions on weekends, and would really love to meet you. Or, that if you buy one lottery ticket next week you will win 27 million dollars. Or that you will be struck twice by lightning on your way to claim your lottery winnings.

But, honestly, I think the chances of your finding one of the Springfield Armory made protoypes is just a little less than any of the above. If, and that is a really BIG if, it was real, and verifiable, it would probably have a value comparable to a Gas Trap model Garand, in the five figure range. However, as is almost certain, it is NOT one of those, but merely some later atrocity victim at the hands of an unknown gunsmith, then the value would be about half of what a standard configuration Garand would be, mainly as a potential for restoration with a full length barrel and front end. Hugs and kisses, sweetie- John Spangler

# 14694 - Arminius Info
6/1/2013
RON, ST. PETERSBURG, FL

DEUTSCHE-INDUSTRIE Would like to gather some information on this firearm, came from my late fathers ww2 war chest. I have been unable to find any info whatsoever about this gun.

Answer:
Ron, the Arminius name was taken from a German hero of the first century AD, all Arminius firearms had a warrior's head embossed in the grips. Arminius manufactured many types of inexpensive firearms, in great quantities. The basic Arminius pattern of revolver was a gate-loaded solid-frame design with rod ejector mounted beneath the barrel. Some revolvers had removable cylinders and folding triggers. Revolvers were double-action or self-cocking hammerless with a concealed hammer that struck a floating firing pin. Safety catches were standard on the hammerless models. Some revolvers had a trap in the bottom of the butt which had space for five or six spare cartridges.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Arminius revolvers were marketed through many retail outfits, under many trade names. Some of the names that I can remember for Arminius were Dickson, Herter, Kessler, Omega and Gecado.

Collector interest in Arminius firearms in general is low, values tend to top out at around $150. Marc