# 11054 - Browning A5 Value
8/30/2005

Left side of barrel says ''Special Steel 16 Gauge-Shells 2 3/8'' 1K 014 (16-70)''. Right side says ''made in Belgium'' I'd like to date the gun and determine its estimated worth. This was given to me by my Father in 1960 and he said he had had it for a while.

Answer:
Steven, records indicate that serial numbers between 3000 and 18000 were manufactured in 1924. Values for Auto 5 shotguns have dropped in the last few years because of steel shot rules. Another drawback is the 16ga chambering, for some reason this caliber has fallen out of favor with shotgun shooters. The blue book lists values for Grade 1 A5 shotguns between $255 and $695 depending on condition. The 16ga chambering will make it harder to sell. Marc

# 11045 - Mod 68 Info
8/30/2005
Mike, Henderson, NV

Winchester Model 68. This is the .22LR with peep sights. I read in your Q&A section that the Winchester Model 67 dropped the finger groove stock in 1935. Is the same true for the Model 68?

Answer:
Mike, the Model 68 rifle was manufactured from 1934 to 1946, it was a modification of the Model 67 with a hooded front-sight on a ramp and a small peep sight on a spring-leaf mounted above the chamber. I have not been able to find any information about the Model 68 stock, and it's finger grooves. Try posting your question on the appropriate forum at ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 11633 - Identify WCC 74 Match Shell
8/30/2005
LD

I found a shell outside my house with the headstamp "WCC 74 MATCH." I was wondering if you could tell me what it stands for and from what type of gun it was shot from. An ad you have suggests a .38 caliber pistol used by pilots. I am simply curious and would greatly appreciate if you took the time to respond if you can. Thanks a lot.

Answer:
LD- It is probably a .45 automatic case. This would be about 7/16" diameter by 7/8" long. The markings indicate it was made in 1974 by Western Cartridge Company. Some was later sold as surplus and it could be used in any gun chambered for the 45 automatic (.45 ACP) cartridge, most often the Model 1911 pistols or one of the dozens of copies of this immortal design by John M. Browning. John Spangler

# 11321 - Lee 6mm Navy M1879 Carbine
8/27/2005
David Plymouth MN

I have one of the original Lee Model 1879 Navy carbines. One of the original 300 actually manufactured by Lee prior to its financial demise. All of the barrel markings are correct. It has the number 297 stamped on the receiver. It is complete and in good condition, although I am not a collector and cannot gauge the precise condition based upon the standards. I am wondering about a reasonable value and the best way of selling it. I have no problem with consigning it or selling it outright, so long as it is with a reputable dealer. Your thoughts and suggestions?

Answer:
David- Unfortunately, your description of the gun is very contradictory so we are unable to help. The Remington Lee bolt action M1879 rifle in .45-70 started off being made by Sharps. However, Sharps ceased operations in 1881 before the order was completed and this order and all subsequent production was by Remington, although the first 2300 were marked Sharps. There was a later carbine made in 6mm (and several other calibers), but it was the M1882/1885 model and definitely NOT made by Sharps. John Spangler

# 11314 - Deets Madison Ind 1854 Muzzle Loader
8/27/2005
Jan Medical Lake Washington

Lock marked Deets Madison Ind 1854 This is a half stocked Kentucky type rifle that is cap and ball and inlaid with moons, stars, dogs. Seems to have a presentation brass piece unmarked at the balance point of the rifle. I was trying to find out who the maker might be and is it the same as the lock is marked, Deets?

Answer:
Jan- Good question, but we have no info at all on Deets, either as a gun maker or a lock maker. John Spangler

# 11013 - Sauer 1913
8/27/2005
Garret

N symbol and inverted cone with church spire and cross inserted. What does the N and the second symbol mean. Also is there any way to date the gun other than during it life of manufacture. It is the old style and in perfect condition, no bluing missing.

Answer:
Garret, references indicate that the Sauer & Sohn Model 1913 pocket automatic was a semi-automatic 7 shot pistol with 3 inch barrel, fixed sights, blue finish and black rubber grips. Sauer manufactured this model from 1913 to 1930, there is no data available to narrow down the date of manufacture further. The stamping that you are asking about is a proof mark. The 'N' is an abbreviation for Nitro (smokeless) powder. Marc

# 11001 - Blackhawk Special Purposes??
8/23/2005
Tony Decatur Illinois

None Can you tell me anything about the year this was made and if any special purposes.

Answer:
Tony, if you would have checked our menu bar before submitting your question, you would have seen a link to the excellent Ruger web site. If you go there, you will be able to find all sorts of useful information about your Blackhawk including manufacture date, instruction manual and parts breakdown. I don't have a clue what you mean by "special purposes". The only purpose that I can think of is putting holes in things. Marc

# 10995 - Wards Western Field Mod. 41
8/23/2005
Doug, Poulsbo, Wash.

I believe this rifle was manufactured by Mossberg and crosses to Mossberg model no. 45. How can I find the manufacture date and any related info such as original cost, etc? I would appreciate any help you folks may have.

Answer:
Doug, Mossberg manufactured the Model 45 rifle from 1935 to 1937. The Model 45 was a take-down design, similar to the earlier Model 42. It had a tubular magazine beneath the barrel that held 15 22LR rounds, a plain pistol grip half-stock and a slender rounded forend. Sights were a Mossberg aperture rear on the back of the receiver, with a hooded ramped blade at the muzzle, a spring-leaf unit was also supplied. Rifles were 42.5 inches long with 24 inch barrels and weighed 6.5 pounds. I don't have any information about original cost but prices for Mossberg and Wards Western Field rifles were usually modest. Marc

# 11306 - Whitneyville Revolver
8/23/2005
Rick, Burlington, WA

''Whitneyville Armory, CT, USA'' is stamped on the top of the octagonal steel barrel,''704 is stamped on the bottom of the barrel. ''3704'' is stamped on the bottom of the rounded handgrip. there is no model number to be seen. The cylinder [six cartridge] is steel. The frame is apparently brass or bronze. It is single action. There is no trigger guard, only an exposed trigger. It has wooden handgrips. When was it made and for what purpose? How many were made? How were they distributed and to whom? Does it have any particular value?

Answer:
Rick- These are neat old guns, made by the firm that was founded by Eli Whitney, the cotton gin inventor and father of more or less mass produced arms in the United States. About 30,000 of these spur trigger revolvers were made circa 1871-1879 in several different models and variations. They were made in .22, .32. 38 caliber rimfire. These were made for personal defense and many were carried in pockets or purses, or were in nightstands. Sales were made through hardware or gun stores or just about any retail outlet that wanted to carry guns. They were also sold by mail order, with no silly forms, waiting periods, or government photo ID required. Values tend to be modest generally in the $100 to $300 range in NRA antique very good to excellent condition. John Spangler

# 11287 - Colt Revolver Markings
8/20/2005
Paul WA

RAC on frame LE on frame, B14 on grip, Has a lanyard swivel on butt Saw service in France WW 1 All info available especially that which indicates service In British armed forces and where it saw service in the US army and what does the RAC an LE stamped on the frame mean??

Answer:
Paul- As far as I know, none of the U.S. Model 1892-1903 series revolvers were provided to allies during WW1. I believe that some were scrounged up from storage and shipped to the Brits during WW2. I think that Charles Pate's superb "U.S. Handguns of World War II" has more on that. Recently a book was finally done on this series of revolvers which has been largely ignored, disrespected and undervalued by collectors. Robert Best's "A Study of Colt's New Army and Navy Pattern Double Action Revolvers 1889 to 1908." This is an excellent book, well researched and documented with excellent photos. RAC indicates that Rinaldo A. Carr was involved with some sort of inspection process, but he worked both during the time when these were first made, and also during various overhaul or update periods. I cannot find any entry for LE, but suspect it is a poorly struck LEB used by Captain Leroy E. Briggs during overhauls performed by Remington-UMC in 1918. John Spangler

# 11188 - History Of A Trapdoor
8/20/2005
c Hall

Any idea if this arm was issued to our troops

Answer:
Sir- The only documented history which might be available would be from Springfield Research Service. They have found information on hundreds of thousands of U.S. military small arms referred to by serial number in a wide variety of official documents. Some very interesting, others pretty boring. We are proud to host their database listing all the number found to date (but only a tiny fraction of the arms made) on our other side http://ArmsCollectors.com Hope this helps. John Spangler

# 10985 - Albion Revolver
8/20/2005
David, Manchester, New Hampshire

BNP markings with a crown, 3 1/2 tons stamped on the left side of the barrel, and arrows on the top of the barrel and on a brass coin on the right hand side of the handgrip. I was wondering what the BNP markings and arrow markings are, and also how much it is worth. It is in very good condition and I paid $160 for it.

Answer:
David, the No. 2 Mark 1 was a six shot double action revolver with hinged frame and 5 inch barrel manufactured mainly by Enfield and also Webley. During WWII to increase production due to wartime demands, a contract was given to Albion Motors Ltd., of Scotstoun, Glasgow to manufacture parts and complete revolvers. Albion produced about 24,000 revolvers starting in June 1941. Revolvers manufactured by Albion are marked with 'Albion' on the right side of the frame. The markings that you are asking about are proof marks, "BNP" is a Birmingham definitive nitro proof mark that was used on both barrels and actions. The arrows are British military markings commonly known as "broad arrows". It has been my experience that lately No. 2 Mark 1 revolvers have been selling in the $350 to $450 range depending on condition. Marc

# 10975 - Commemorative 572
8/16/2005
Don

Friends of NRA commemorative rifle from 2004. A friend of mine was interested in selling me his 2004 Friends of the NRA commemorative Model 572 rifle. I was wondering what information you have about the gun. I do know that it has a stainless receiver and a parkerized barrel. There are two gold inlaid squirrels on the side of the receiver. How much would one of these guns be worth and how many are available?

Answer:
Don, I don't like commemoratives much, in my opinion, commemorative firearms are poor investments and I never willingly purchase them. Some commemoratives have pretty hefty book values but actually selling them for listed prices is usually very difficult, even for the few relatively scarce models. If you asked me if I would pay more for a Remington 572 with Parked barrel, silver receiver and gold squirrels, my answer would not be merely no, it would be heck no! My free advise (offered as always with a full money back guarantee) is save your money and get a real gun. Marc

# 10964 - Manurhin Walther PP
8/16/2005
James, Cleveland, Ohio

It would appear from the serial number that this is the 43rd Manurhin Walther made. Should I continue shooting it, or does it have collector value? Thanks for your time.

Answer:
James, I am not aware of much collector interest in Manurhin Walther pistols, but I am only interested in and only collect WWII or and older military pistols, so I could be wrong. Even if you are correct that your pistol is the 43rd made, I don't think that shooting it will hurt the value much. As always my free advise is offered with a full money back guarantee. For a differing opinion try posting your question on the appropriate forum at our other site, ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 11187 - 1873 Trapdoor Safe To Shoot?
8/16/2005
David -Chicago-IL

I was given two of these rifles. Plan to keep so the value is interesting but not real important. Is it safe to fire this kind of weapon and if so where would I look for ammo? Thank you.

Answer:
David- When originally manufactured at Springfield armory the trapdoor rifles were considered safe to fire with 405 or 500 grain bullets with 70 grains of blackpowder. However, only a competent gunsmith can tell you if they are still safe, or if someone has altered them in some way which would make them unsafe. Most of the commercially loaded .45-70 ammo seems to be tailored for use in trapdoors, but some is pretty hot stuff loaded for more modern designs and materials. Consult your local gunsmith. If safe to fire, plan on them shooting about a foot or two high at ranges less than 200 yards. John Spangler

# 11186 - Flintlock Pistol With Spring Dagger
8/13/2005
Jack, Wakefield, R.I.

This 8'' overall flintlock has a swivel out dagger to use if a misfire occurs. How much is this antique worth? My great grandfather brought it to Canada then U.S when he came from Europe.

Answer:
Jack- Sounds like a neat gun. Value will be depend on condition and quality of the piece. The few that I have seen for sale have been priced in the $700-2,000 range. John Spangler

# 11183 - Morse Carbine Serial Number
8/13/2005
Bart, Greenville, CS

On 9/18/2004 there was a Morse carbine question from Ron in MN (#6839). What town in Minnesota is he in and what is the serial number on his Morse? Working at compiling a list of all known Morse weapons and a History of the State Works here in Greenville which made them.

Answer:
Bart- It is about time someone did a good history of Morse and the State Works. As I recall there was not a lot on either in the South Carolina State Archives in Columbia when I did some research there a long time ago. As far as the other guy's Morse, we do not keep contact info for people who ask questions, nor wold we share it if we did. I suggest you contact Gun Report where they regularly print requests from researchers. John Spangler

# 10944 - Winchester 1907 In .22 Caliber?
8/13/2005
Joe, New York City, NY

I have what my grand-father called a ''saddle gun.'' It is made by Winchester and was hammerless, designed to fit in a rifle pouch behind a saddle. Today we would call it semi-automatic, 10-shot, tube feed. Then, it was called ''auto-loader.'' I can't find any ammunition for it. The problem is that the auto-loader cartridge (the gun is a .22 caliber) is slightly larger than a normal .22 so that a typical .22 explodes in the chamber, with a thin crack developing in the casing. Do you know anyone who can redo the chamber or any source for auto-loader .22 shells (the most characteristic aspect of these is a horizontal groove running around the casing about halfway up)?

Answer:
Joe, I was not familiar with the Winchester 1907 so I checked the blue book to see what it was. The blue book tells me that the 1907 was a Semi-Automatic rifle chambered in .351 Winchester with a 5 or 10 shot box magazine, 20 inch round barrel, open sights, and plain pistol grip stock. Could it be possible that you have a Model M1903? The Model 1903 was a semi-automatic blowback, design with no mechanical breech lock, chambered in 22 Winchester Automatic Smokeless. Winchester chambered the Model 1903 rifle in this unusual caliber because at the time the rifle was introduced, black powder and semi-smokeless powder 22 rimfire ammunition was still widely available. Use of black powder or semi-smokeless powder ammunition in this type of semi-automatic rifle will quickly gum up the action and render it inoperable.

# 10954 - Winchester 1890 - .22 Short
8/9/2005
Randy

I was wanting to know the value of this rifle if you could tell me or let me know where I might be able to find out.

Answer:
Randy, approximately 849,000 Winchester Model 1890 rifles were manufactured between 1890 and 1932, my records indicate that your rifle was manufactured in 1919. Winchester Model 1890s are different than most of the modern pump action .22s in that they are chambered for only one type of .22 ammunition. Most of the modern rifles will chamber .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle. Since your rifle will only chamber 22 short, collector interest is lower. The blue book lists 1890 values between $500 and $1000. Deduct 20 to 30 percent because of the .22 short chambering. Marc

# 10943 - Wartime Nazi HP
8/9/2005
Jerry Brainerd MN

left side slide Fabrique National De Guerre Herstal Belgique, Browning Patent, Wa 613 with something above it (this mark shows up twice), another mark with the swastika with a W on top. Right side of slide is marked 58449. Left side frame has three marks WaA 613 (this mark shows up twice), another mark with the swastika with a W on top, on front of the trigger guard is a mark that looks like a square with something in it. Right side frame has 58449. Barrel is marked 56449. Tangent sights. Two magazines; one is of smooth finish and is marked with a JI on the end and side. Other is of rough finish and is lighter weight and has no markings. I don't see any where to attach a stock but I don't know what to look for. Wood grips with nice checkering. Overall condition is excellent. Some bluing is worn from frame/barrel corners. Also has brown holster with two magazine holders. This also has some markings under the flap but I don't have this in front of me at this time Anything you can tell me about the history. What does the shoulder stock mount attachment look like? What is general value? Does the fact that the frame and slide have different markings (same serial # thou) WaA 613 and Wa 613 mean anything?

Answer:
Jerry, the High Power pistol was designed by John Moses Browning and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Herstal, Belgium. The Belgians were first armed forces to adopt the High Power as an official sidearm, they did this in 1935. Between 1935 and the German capture of the FN factory on May 29, 1940 contracts were filled for the armed forces of several countries including Belgium, China, Peru, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and France.

From the plant's seizure by the Germans in May of 1940 to its liberation in September of 1944, over 319,000 High Powers pistols were manufactured for the German Wehrmacht. 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.

It sounds like your pistol is the tangent sight unslotted variation, these did not have the stock slot on back of the grip but still had the 500-meter tangent sight high-polish finish and walnut grips. Approximate serial range for this variation was 53000-145000.

The military acceptance stamp eagle over WaA613 will be stamped on the left side of the slide above the slide stop, on the upper left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger pin, on the front of the slide below the muzzle, and on the left side of the barrel chamber.

The military test proof eagle over swastika in a circle will be stamped on the left side of the slide above the slide lock notch, on the upper left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger pin, and on the right side of the barrel chamber.

It is unusual that your barrel would have a different serial number that is so close to the numbers on the rest of the pistol. I think that if you look closely, you will find that the 6 on the barrel is really an 8. I have the same suspicion about the WaA613 and Wa 613 markings, if the A is missing it is probably lightly stamped or due to a broken die.

The blue book lists values for High Power pistols with tangent sights but no stock slot between $400 and $900 depending on condition. If the serial number on the barrel does not match, the value will be decreased by about half. We may be interested in purchasing your pistol, let us know if you decide to sell. Marc

# 11169 - 1863 Dated Model 1870
8/9/2005
Jerry, Castroville, TX

Has ''Model 1870 and what appears to be cross arrows and cavalry hat and on side has on side place, has 1863, an Eagle and U.S. Springfield. There are some markings on the side of the wooden stock but its been refinished and cannot make out. It was passed down from my Great-Great Grandfather, Captain John C. Patterson, CSA. He was captured at Port Hudson, LA and released from Fort Delaware, DE in 1865. It looks like the barrel may have been shortened at one time. I can provide photos if you would like them. Can you tell me ANY information on this type of weapon, i.e. what is it referred to as and if it has a serial number, where would it be located. I have looked but cannot find it. If you cannot provide any information, where could I start to research. Thanks so much

Answer:
Jerry- The 1863 date indicates this is a trapdoor that used recycled locks from Civil War muskets. I assume the Model 1870 was found on the trapdoor on the top of the breechblock. This would have been a Model 1870 .50-70 trapdoor rifle which started off with a 32 5/8" barrel. They also made a very small number of carbines, but since you indicate it is obviously cut down, it is unlikely that it is one of those. You can find more info on this model (and all other trapdoors) on the excellent site by Trapdoor author and guru Al Frasca at http://TrapdoorCollector.com

Undoubtedly this was a gun he obtained long after he left Confederate service and was released from Fort Delaware. You may be interested in checking out the Fort Delaware website at http://www.del.net/org/fort/ and if you ever get in that region, the fort is well worth a visit and the whole family would have a great time, including a boat ride to get there. John Spangler

# 11156 - 1891 Mauser Magazine Feed Control
8/6/2005
Ben

The 1891 Argentine Mauser single-column magazine can be loaded with a stripper clip. How are the cartridges retained in this magazine? Lips on a magazine generally retain the cartridges; but these ''lips'' would prevent the magazine from being loaded with a stripper-clip. The 1891 Mosin-Nagant--another rifle with a single-column magazine which can be loaded with a stripper clip--uses a spring-loaded ''interrupter-ejector'' to retain the cartridges in its magazine. Other early stripper-clip loaded rifles were fitted with a similar mechanism. Pictures of the Mauser do not show any such device. Again, how were the cartridges retained in the Mauser's magazine?

Answer:
Ben- Good question, so I had to take a M1891 Mauser apart to figure it out myself. Let's start by explaining how the cartridges are retained in the five round single row magazine. The sides of the magazine are bent over at the top so that the follower spring will not push them out of the magazine. These guide lips are cut away at the front, and they are angled. As a round is pushed forward by the bottom of the bolt face, it will be lined up so the tip of the bullet will feed into the chamber. When the base of the cartridge reaches the end where the guide lips are cut away, it has already entered the chamber enough that as it pops up the bolt will finish chambering it.

Okay, how do the cartridge get into the magazine when loaded from the stripper clip? Most of magazines (including Mauser Models 1893 and later) were "staggered row" designs where the magazine was about one and a half times as wide as a cartridge case, and the "stagger" kept cartridge pressed toward the sides of the magazine, and guide lips on the underside of the receiver or on the sides of the magazine kept the cartridges lined up while feeding. Since the magazine was wider than a cartridge they just slip down and slide to one side or the other and everything is good to go.

Most detachable magazines are robust steel stampings with the sides carefully secured at the back to keep the feed lips in position, such as the M1911 pistol, M1 carbine or British SMLE. However, Peter and Paul Mauser (I wonder if they had a sister, Mary?) designed the 1891 magazine with heavy pieces at the front and back, but the sides were made of spring steel, and only attached on the lower part. This allows the sides to spring out slightly as cartridges are fed down from the stripper clip and then spring back into place to hold the cartridges. The spring steel sides are stronger than the follower spring so it does not force the cartridges back up again. Now we all know. John Spangler

# 11134 - Colt Lord & Lady Derringer Set
8/6/2005
Alfred, Colonial Heights, Va

This is a two derringer set, one with the gold frame and barrel with pearl grips, and the other with the gold frame, blue barrel, and wooden grips. Neither has a serial number, they are in the original wooden box, and I have been told these are one of seven sets of sales models mfg. in 1961. Is there any information anywhere on these two derringers? Is there any information that could substantiate the fact that these are sales models? I have a collector who is very interested in these two, but has not offered what I thought was a reasonable offer.

Answer:
Alfred- I cannot find anything in Larry Wilson's superb "The Book of Colt Firearms" about any of this model made without serial numbers. That does not mean that they do not exist, just that I did not find anything about them. You really should contact a Colt specialist who may know more. As far as value, that is for you and your potential buyer to work out. He may not think that your asking price is reasonable either, and until you can find a price that you can both agree on, one or both of you are unreasonable. John Spangler

# 10941 - TZ-75 Value
8/6/2005
Cynthia

Mod. TZ 75 Made in Italy Cal. 9mm. PARBELLUM ARMIFRATELLI TANFOGLIO SPA The above markings are located upper left of trigger housing. Just above this on the Slide is marked as follows: READ WARNING BEFORE USING GUN MANUAL FREE FROM F.I.E. MIAMI What have I got on my hands and what is it worth?

Answer:
Cynthia, the TZ-75 was a Semi-Auto, 9mm double action pistol with a 4.72 in. barrel, steel construction (frame/slide) and 15 round magazine capacity The pistol was manufactured in Italy and patterned after the famous CZ-75. The model was imported from 1982 to 1989 with updates in 1988 to the Series 88. Blue book values range between $225 and around $300. Marc

# 10940 - Geco Handgun
8/2/2005
Roberta

none..... It appears to be in 50% condition What would be the approx value of this type of firearm?

Answer:
Geco is a name used by Gustav Genschow AG, Hamburg, West Germany. Genschow has been in the ammunition business since the 19th century. Before 1914 they marketed pistols made for them by other companies, but since the outbreak of WWI in 1914, they have confined their attention to ammunition.

Handguns Genschow sold under the Geco name were a variety of hammerless solid-frame revolvers made for them by Francisco Arizmendi of Eibar, Spain. The smaller versions were mostly in 6.35mm with folding triggers. The larger ones, retained the same general specifications but were, stretched to 7.65mm ACP, .32 Long and 8mm French Service chambering.

Values for this type of firearm are usually in the $150 to $200 or less range. A revolver with only 50% finish would probably be closer to $75.00.

# 10895 - Colt 1911A1 Barrel ""P"" Marking
8/2/2005
Edward

All proper exterior proofs, including ''P'' on top of slide and receiver, crossed cannons, ''GHD'', verified proof, etc. I bought this apparently unissued late 1944 example in the original Colt's kraft, serial numbered box. It is complete with a correct blued C-R magazine. The slide displays the heat treated zone through the parkerized finish at the end 2''. The gun appears to be completely untampered with. The slides been actuated only a few times judging from wear and there's not even a scratch in the finish around the slide stop area. The only item which I have a question about is the barrel. It is properly blued, appears as unissued as the remainder of the gun, and is stamped ''Colt 45 Auto'' just above the barrel lug on the left side which appears to be correct for the serial number range. I cannot, however, find any evidence of a ''P'' stamp on the left side of the lug or anywhere else. Were all war-time barrels ''P'' proofed? Any ideas? Thanks in advance.

Answer:
Edward, Clawson's book says, "The proof firing requirement was adopted on March 6, 1913 and a "P" proof mark was stamped on Colt barrels beginning at serial number 24231". Your barrel should also have an inspection mark N, F, 7, D, or B stamped on the bottom. Beginning at about serial number 712350 through roughly 933000, Colt barrels were stamped "G" for Government production order on the bottom forward of the lug. This mark was used to differentiate from commercial barrels which were marked "S". At about 845000, large and small size "G" marks were intermixed through 900000.

In late 1942, commercial pistols and parts on hand were transferred to the military contract and renumbered from 860003 to about 866675. Those barrels were stamped with an "S" forward of the lug.

From roughly 900000 to 933000, and intermittently through 938000, most barrels were stamped "G" above an "N", "F", or "7" inspection mark.

In May 1943 at around 933000, the "G" mark was omitted because commercial production of 1911A1 pistols was discontinued and it was not necessary after that time. Barrels with the "G" marking continued to be used until the supply was expended. After that barrels were stamped with either an "N", "F", "7", "D" or "B" mark.

Barrels were often stockpiled prior to pistol assembly, and then assembled at random so markings overlap considerably during the changeover period.

"C" in a box was authorized to replace "P" proof mark in 1945, but both marks are usually present.

I have never seen a Colt military barrel that does not have the "P" inspection mark. I have seen some that were stamped so lightly that you had to get them in just the right light to see it. If your barrel has the other inspection marks ("N", "F", "7", "D" or "B") that is a good sign that it is OK. Marc

# 11148 - Lazaro Lazarino Flintlock Barrel
8/2/2005
Barry England

Barrel has marking Lazaro Lazarino. Who is he? I understand he is an Italian Barrel maker.

Answer:
Barry- Spelling was not always consistent, and you will sometimes find a second "z" in one or both names. Lazaro Lazarino was a noted Italian gun maker circa 1640, and even the salvagef barrels were held in high regard, and possibly uses on guns made by other makers. Of course, there is also the possibility that some scoundrel applied the Lazarino name to his own products and passed them off as the famed originals. Lazarino is also the first name of several members of the famous Cominazzo family of gunmakers in Italy. In fact, it is believed that Lazaro Lazarino was actually the name used by Lazarine Cominazzo III to distinguish himself from his gun making relatives. The whole family was clustered around Turin and Brescia, which have remained the hub of the Italian gun making region. John Spangler