# 11715 - TA-90 Information
8/29/2006
Pete

TA-90 ArmiFratelli Tanfoglio Italy This is 9mm Pistol I acquired. Sold by Excam some time in the past. All three main components (frame, barrel and slide) are marked with the serial number GO9203 and on the barrel it also has symbols like small crowns. Is this a military pistol and what would be the value of it? It is about 90%. Thanks for your answer. Pete Abreu (Gun Collector)

Answer:
Pete, the TA-90 was a Tanfoglio designed 9mm Parabellum military-style pistol that was copied from the CZ75. It came with a double-action trigger standard, a manual safety on the slide that locked the firing pin, hammer, sear and trigger and a fifteen round magazine. The breech was locked by a conventional Browning cam system. The TA-90 was imported under license by FIE along with other Tanfoglio designs including the Titan and the Buffalo Scout or Yellow Rose.

As far as I know this pistol was never used by any military organization, I would expect values to be in the $300 range. Marc

# 11709 - Savage Pistol
8/29/2006
Matthew

On top of slide manufactured by savage arms co utica n.y. usa pat. nov 21,1905 CAL 32. This gun is all steel I want to know how to remove the slide from the frame, I do not see any pin. What is this gun worth approx, is there a source for clips. Thank You for your help.

Answer:
Matthew, because of the all steel construction you mentioned, it sounds like you have a Model 1907. The Model 1907 can be identified because of the unusual sheet-steel grips that snap into place on the butt frame. The .32 caliber Savage Model 1907 was introduced in August of 1907. A serrated 'hammer' at the rear of the slide (actually the top surface of the cocking piece) allowed it to be thumb-cocked and serve to identify the 1907 pattern, together with steel grips.

Smith's book of pistols gives the following instructions for disassembling Savage Models 1907, 1915 and 1917.

1. Press the magazine catch at the forward front end of the section of the receiver. This will release the magazine which may be withdrawn front the bottom of the weapon.
2. Draw the slide back as far as it will go with the left hand while holding grip securely with the right and, holding it in its rearward position, push thumb safety up until it locks and holds back the slide.
3. Grasp the breech block firmly and give it a half turn to the right. It may be drawn straight to the rear out of its grooves in the slide.
4. While holding firmly to the slide, which is under compression of the coil spring, ease down the thumb safety. As it comes out of engagement with slide, the slide and recoil spring can be moved forward and withdrawn the receiver.
5. The barrel may now be lifted straight up out of the receiver, as it is mounted in a recess there by an anchor lug on the bottom of the barrel. Normally the recoil spring will be around the barrel and will have to be removed manually.
6. Pushing back on the trigger will permit the rear end of the attached bar to be lifted up. It may then be drawn out of engagement and the trigger mechanism components lifted out of their well in the receiver. These parts are all very small and very delicate, and it is not advisable to remove them except when necessary for cleaning or for possible replacement. If necessary, the axis pin of the cocking lever may be driven out to remove mainspring, striker, and striker lever. The extractor may be lifted off the of the breech block. As the sear and extractor and their springs are very fragile, it is not advisable to remove them.
   

Values for 1907 pistols are usually in the $250 or less range. For extra parts I 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 and at the new forum at WWW.ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 12001 - Tower Flintlock Plates From Afghanistan
8/29/2006
Bill

Tower engraved to the left of the swan-shaped cock. Crown with a GR located below the crown. Government arrow under the flashpan, with R&R just below and to the right of the broad arrow. Two other East India Company plates (1805 and 1806) with T&I REA on one and GOFF on the other. On the inside of the plate there is a crown stamp with a number 36 below the crown. I purchased this in Kabul, Afghanistan and was wondering the approximate date of this plate. I have 2 other plates that have the East India Company Logo inscribed on the plate (dates are 1805 and 1806). One has T&I REA engraved behind the cock and the other has GOFF engraved behind the cock. Please tell me what these stand for.

Answer:
Bill- I am very skeptical about the date of manufacture of most of the guns (or gun parts) being founding Afghanistan. Many, probably most, but not all seem to be recently made for the American serviceman "tourist" trade. They are quite good at faking marks and applying artificial age. Buy them as souvenirs if you like them, but do not expect that they are genuine old items with any significant collector value. The threads on older locks are much coarser (fewer threads per inch) than modern threads, and the materials should show genuine signs of age, not just some surface rusting from burial in goat manure fore a few days or weeks. John Spangler

# 11986 - Which Trapdoor Model?
8/26/2006
Jeff, Pittsburgh Pa

1873 Springfield Trapdoor with original ramrod and triangular bayonet, stacking swivel + sling swivel (front) and rear on trigger guard. Typical markings eagle to the left of u.s. Springfield on plate below the hammer, vpp on the barrel, U.S. model 1873 on the trapdoor and the serial number by the hammer. Other than the U.S. on the bayonet there are no other markings anywhere on the wood or metal and the buttplate is smooth. When I checked the date from the serial number it came back as being made in 1894. I haven't seen this date refereed to in any of the research I have done concerning trapdoor rifles. Is the date a mistake or do I not have a legitimate Model 1873?

Answer:
Jeff- First, thank you for using the date of manufacture look up tool on our left hand menu. You made a typo when you entered the date in your question. Manufacture date is 1884 from the list. Determining the exact model for trapdoors is a bit complicated because collectors recognize several more models than any official documents, and often several variations within a model. You would do best if you checked the excellent resources at http://TrapdoorCollector.com which is a site run by trapdoor guru Al Frasca. For the non-specialist, many people will recognize only the Model 1873 and Model 1888 rifles, the latter having the round rod bayonet (a nearly worthless invention!). More advanced collectors will add the Model 1884, usually marked as such on the breech block and having the Buffington rear sight. Serious students will note that there is a Model 1877 which differs from the Model 1873 by having a wider receiver and breech block and shorter wrist on the stock. Purists will then insist that the Model 1879 with the "buckhorn" rear sight is a separate model, despite the Model 1877 and 1879 still having breech blocks marked MODEL 1873 (and that looks like 1878 just to further confuse people!) Add in the experimental Model 1880 triangular rod bayonet model, the Model 1884 round rod bayonet model, and a few hundred Model 1888 "positive cam" rifles and most people will be happy. Of course, the exceptionally beautiful Officer's Model rifles (of all three types) should be included, along with the 151 Long Range rifles made in 1881. Fanatics will insist on adding some other experimental intermediate length rifles/carbines to the mix and a bunch of carbines (so-called Models 1873, 1877, 1879, 1884 and 1890). Of course, all of us perfectly normal guys and gals who collect trapdoors agree that all these are distinct models and that our collections really do need one of each, regardless of how long or how much money it takes to get them all. Thus your rifle may be a Model 1873 for most purposes, or a Model 1879 or maybe even a Model 1884 depending on how picky you want to get. John Spangler

# 11985 - Crystal Ball Time For A Gun
8/26/2006
Patrick Marshall VA

There are 2 stamps on the stock one is a P in a square another is a eagle with 3 stars I think its walnut. What is the worth of the rifle stock?

Answer:
Patrick is trying to stump the experts again by seeing how little info he can provide and still get us to answer his question. We cleverly figured out that since this is a Springfield .30-06 it is either a M1903 or a M1 Garand. The serial number is above the "real" Springfield Armory range for M1903s, but within the range for National Ordnance type copies. It is within the range for Springfield made M1 Garands as well. A P in a square is a mark indicating the rifle has been proof tested, but that does not narrow it down. When found in a block instead of a circle that is usually a mark applied during overhaul. Aha! The eagle with three stars! That is the Department of Defense Acceptance Stamp, used after the creation of DOD in 1947, so it must be one of the M1 Garands. Now, he gets tricky- and just wants to know the value of the stock, not the whole rifle. Not knowing if the wood is walnut or birch, the condition, if the markings are real or fakes recently added, we can only guess. Maybe between $35 and $150? John Spangler

# 12270 - Comment From Visitor On Previous Answer
8/26/2006
Bud, Circleville UT

No question. I have the 2 above mentioned Styers, 1895, 8x56R. You are right about the bolt. You have to pull on the end and twist. They are very sensitive and when taken out and laid down, well, as the guy that wrote you found out. As for ammo, contact Sportsman's Guide. I have purchased several rounds through them Most has been made in Germany, Ca 1938-39. Hornady now makes this 8x56R in a hunting round. I have fun shooting these two and the rifle, is very accurate, as I have shot it out to 300+ yards and no problem hitting target.

Answer:
Thanks for the comments Bud. If you want any more of these rifles, John and I will be adding several to the catalog in the near future, or you can send us an e-mail if you want an early preview. Marc

# 11708 - Thames Revolver Info
8/22/2006
Robert

On top of the barrel, it is marked: Thames Arms Company Norwalk CT U.S.A. PAT Sept. 2 & 30, 1902 Can you give me any info that you can find on this gun (including value)? THx

Answer:
Robert, Thames Arms Company of Norwich was one of many small revolver manufacturers operating in Connecticut circa 1870 - 1900. Thames manufactured hinged-frame five-shot .32 caliber revolvers with ribbed barrels and double-action lockwork which were quite similar to revolvers manufactured by Hopkins & Allen and the Meriden company. Thames revolvers were marketed as the Automatic but this just referred to the 'automatic' self-ejecting mechanism that the revolvers had. There is not much collector interest in this type of firearm, values are usually in the $150 or less range.

# 11706 - RG Info
8/22/2006
Betty, Newnan, Ga.

RG IND Miami, Fla. Plastic grips with RG in a circle. Can you tell how old this gun is, and how much it is worth?

Answer:
Betty, it was probably manufactured sometime in the 1960s. Value for RG firearms is in the $50 range if you can find a buyer at all. I do not consider firearms manufactured by RG to be safe to shoot. Marc

# 11977 - Belgian Copy Of M1877 Colt Revolver
8/22/2006
Harley, Scappoose, Oregon.

On the side of the barrel next to the shell extractor is a crown over an upper case R followed by a capitol L with an indistinguishable mark above it followed by a star over a capital E all in a line running back to the frame. The only other mark is Belgium (I know but that's the way it's spelled) on the inside of the birds head next to the beak. The birdshead grips are made of a black colored wood but they look identical to the colt hard rubber grips but instead of the horse logo their is a stag. My question is who is the manufacturer and when was it manufactured? I would really appreciate any information that you may have.

Answer:
Harley- Many models of Colt or S&W revolvers were copied by foreign makers circa 1880- 1920. these included single action and double action designs and were made in varying quality but most seem to have been intended for the South American export market. The Belgian made guns were of at least marginally good quality materials and workmanship. Those from Spain seem to have been far less reliable about their quality. The similarity to the Colt and difference between a Colt and a stag are probably intentional efforts to deceiver some poor peon on a ranch in the Amazon who only had a vague idea of what a Colt revolver looked like. There is very little collector interest or value for these from what I have seen. John Spangler

# 11975 - Colt New Service Marked CIC
8/19/2006
Keith, Sun City, AZ

This revolver is stamped on both sides below the hammer with the outlined block letters ''CIC''. The I is a bit lower than the two C's. This revolver is a standard US Army Model 1909 except for the above marks. I am trying to find out what the CIC stands for. Someone suggested Counter Intelligence Corps, but I would like to find out for sure what this mark means if possible.

Answer:
Keith- Frankly, I am not sure what you have. To start with, I am not sure if this is a U.S. Army Model 1909 with the U.S. Army Model 1909 markings on the butt, or a non-military marked Colt New Service which is the same except for the markings. In any case, the CIC marking is not one that I recall ever hearing about in relationship to U.S. military small arms. Besides the explanation you provide, it could be just about anything- Colorado Infantry Camp; Children's Incarceration Camp; Columbus International Compost; California Interagency Circus, Collins Iron Canoe rentals, or.. Well, you can make up your own. In general it was strictly against regulations to put unit markings on small arms. This was pretty well observed by the regular forces, but among the National Guard there seems to have been less strict compliance. Unless you can positively determine that there is a sexy explanation, these markings degrade the value and collector interest in my opinion. John Spangler

# 11970 - Imitation M1892 Winchester Carbines
8/19/2006
Gene, Baltimore, Maryland

Century Arms Inc. St. Arams, VT [stamped on tang] I came across a Winchester 1892 saddle ring carbine, .44-40, that I suspect may be a re-import or a foreign-made copy. My Fjestad's blue book doesn't list 18'' as being an available barrel length, and the wood is too light in both color and weight to be walnut. That, combined with the Century importer's stamp, makes me suspicious. If original Winchester, it would be a 1918 gun based on the SN, and it's in far better shape than any 1918 gun I've ever seen; maybe 80-90%. Do you think it's a reproduction/forgery? Other than the CAI mark, the markings replicate those of other Winchesters. It has cheap-looking sling attachments (front is missing the loop), blade front sight, and ladder rear sight. Barrel measured 17 3/4''. Thanks!

Answer:
Gene- A number of foreign makers have copied the Model 1892 Winchester, long before the current "Cowboy Action Shooter" sport got started. These seem to have been intended for the South American export market, where they (along with copies of Colt or S&W revolvers) competed at lower prices with the genuine American made guns they looked like. The most familiar name for the Winchester copies was "El Tigre" but I think there were others as well. I have never personally handles any to compare marks with the Winchesters, but copying of names did not seem to bother the makers who copied everything else from the originals. I am not sure what you have, but I suspect it is one of the copies. John Spangler

# 11685 - Rusty HP
8/19/2006
John Rix , Slovenia

I found a rusty HP : after a hard work to polish , a number appear on the right side 180272. Is by chance someone to know much about this gun ?

Answer:
John, there is not much that I can tell you from the serial number alone. If you would have sent me some of the markings possibly I could have told you more. Marc

# 11707 - Luger Magazine Number 1
8/15/2006
Jim - Evans, GA

My pistol can with a German military issue case with the name Capt. Preston marked inside. My pistol has two bullet magazines, one serial number 7687 and the other serial number 1 (one). Is it possible that I have the first bullet magazine made for this gun? Also, is it possible to verify the name of the German officer who originally used this gun during WW II?

Answer:
Jim, serial numbers for most German military Lugers started out with 1 at the beginning of each year and then again with 1 after 9999 was reached and a new letter suffix was added. This makes it doubtful that you have the first Luger magazine ever made.

I can not provide you with your Luger's history, I have heard that no records survived the war. I often wonder when I receive a question like this, why people so often assume that their Lugers were issued to an officer. Marc

# 11705 - Liberty Arms Pistol
8/15/2006
Matt, Houston, TX, US

Made in Spain (not a type-o) I have been unable to find any info on this gun. value, manufacture date, quality? It currently is not in working order since a round has somehow jammed the slide and it will not open. any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Answer:
Matt, Eibar-style automatic pistols with the Liberty name were manufactured by Retolaza Hermanos of Eibar. The Liberty name is also found on a number of otherwise unidentified 7.65mm Eibar-pattern automatics. The slides of Retolaza pistols are marked 7.65 1914 AUTOMATIC PISTOL "LIBERTY" PATENT, while the anonymous pistols are simply marked LIBERTY. Spanish handguns of this type have a reputation for shoddy material and workmanship, so I don't think I would ever want to fire one. Marc

# 11957 - Whitney Revolver Markings
8/15/2006
Al, Sierra Vista AZ

I have a 1861 Whitney (36 cal) pistol with a cylinder having a diamond over another diamond on the cylinder. There is also a serial number on the cylinder Is the cylinder authentic ? Is it a reproduction

Answer:
Al- Sorry, we cannot help on that one. If the number on the cylinder matches the rest of the revolver numbers (both the number and the font style of the numbers) then it is probably original. If the number is different but the style is the same it probably got switched at some time, but is original. If the numbers use a different style font, then it is probably a modern replacement. John Spangler

# 11953 - Smith Corona M1903A3 Bolts
8/12/2006
Joseph

none On original issue smith corona 03a3 rifles, the bolts that were issued with rifles, have square safety lug or dished lug on original production bolts Thank You Joseph

Answer:
Joseph- the bolts used by Smith Corona had the "dished" safety lugs, not the square lug. The Smith Corona bolts usually have a poorly stamped "X" on the top of the flat area where the bolt handle joins the bolt body. John Spangler

# 11952 - Tracing A Remington Civil War Revolver
8/12/2006
David, Bolingbrook, IL

Is there any way to trace the origin of this particular weapon?

Answer:
David- For some guns, you can get a "factory letter" documenting the date of manufacture and perhaps where it was shipped. For military arms it is possible to track the history of some through documents painstakingly uncovered by Springfield Research Service from the National Archives. You can check you number by going to their page on our other site http://ArmsCollectors.com Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 11703 - Antique J. C. Higgins?
8/12/2006
Ray

I purchased this gun in the early 80`s and was told then it was an antique. I am seeking the manufacturing date and the value.

Answer:
Ray, references indicate that the JC Higgins Model 80 was manufactured by High Standard. Is it antique? The U. S. Government says firearms manufactured in or before 1898 are classified as antique and not subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. Chapter 44, the Gun Control Act of 1968. The dictionary says that an antique is an item produced in a former period and valuable because of its beauty or rarity. Since High Standard was founded in the 1920s, this firearm can not qualify for the government definition of antique. The dictionary definition is up to interpretation but I wouldn't call the model especially beautiful and it is not rare. Values for firearms marketed under the JC Higgins brand name are always lower than they are for the same firearm if it had been marketed under the original manufacturers name. I often see JC Higgins .22s selling at gunshows in the $50 range. Hope you did not pay a lot for it back in the 80s. Marc

# 11687 - Italian Import Revolver
8/8/2006
Michael, Cloverdale, Indiana

EIG NAVY on top of barrel. Shield with crossed swords and star above on right side of barrel and frame. PN with star above on right side of barrel and frame. Roman numerals XXV on right side of frame. ITALY with ''EIG crosshairs'' on bottom strap. Capital B with barb inside stylized G on bottom strap. Has this revolver any special value? What might have been the date of manufacture?

Answer:
Michael, your pistol is a modern made replica of a Civil War era pistol. These were first made about 1960 and are still being made in large numbers. They are accurate copies of the originals, probably even better quality, but not old and valuable antique items. Sadly some have been artificially aged and passed off to unsuspecting people as originals. Sometimes people purchase them merely assuming that they are old. Values for are usually in the $150 or less range, hope you did not spend a lot. Marc

# 11684 - Possible Nazi HP
8/8/2006

When and where was this handgun manufactured? And any additional pertinent information you care to provide!

Answer:
Charles, there is not much that I can tell you with the information that you provided because you did not send me any markings. The pistol was probably manufactured in Belgium by Fabrique Nationale, the slide should be marked "FABRIQUE NATIONALE D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE BROWNING'S PATENT DEPOSE".

The serial number sounds like a pistol that was manufactured under Nazi control. Before the takeover FN used digits only. Under Nazi control, numbers were reduced to a maximum of five digits with a letter. Nazi 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.
• Right side of the chamber.

Slide-left side:

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

Military acceptance stamp eagle/WaA103, eagle/WaA140, or eagle/WaA613:

• Left side of the slide above the slide stop.
• Left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger pin.
• Front of the slide below the muzzle.
• Left side of the chamber.

Military test proof eagle over a swastika in a circle:

• Left side of the slide above the slide lock notch.
• Left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger pin.
• Right side of the chamber.
  

Hope this helps. Marc

# 11934 - U.S. Navy Mark II Flare Gun
8/8/2006
Ryan, Alexandria, LA

The pistol has a brass body and light wood grips. The pistol is a single shot with a crack barrel. The barrel has a diameter a little larger than a 12 gauge shotgun shell. On the top of the barrel is engraved with MARK II. On the side of the body is engraved with NAVY YARD, N.Y. This pistol has no serial numbers or caliber indication. I cannot crack the barrel because the level that made the barrel crack has been broken off. The gun was not built with a trigger guard. It does not appear to be a black powder pistol because it lacks a nipple for the cap. The body of the gun is held together with two flat head screws, with a third screw located where the barrel cracks from the body - looks like it can swivel. A fourth screw holds the grips on the body. What is this pistol? Is it a shot gun pistol? Thanks!

Answer:
Ryan- You have a flare gun made for the U.S. Navy circa 1900-1918 in limited numbers. They fire a 10 Gauge flare or "Very" cartridge, and are not safe to shoot with a regular shot shell. BATFE has removed them from the "destructive device" category and considers them to be regular handguns. The barrel is hinged near the front, and there is a catch at the back, just under the breech. It is spring loaded and has a rectangular lug on the right side and a large button on the left side. You may be able to press the left side in about ¬ inch and this would allow the breech to open. Flare guns are in interesting collecting specialty, with a large variety of guns from many countries to chase. WW2 and later guns are pretty common, but those from WW1 back to the earliest Civil War era pistols (which were more like handles for flares than true guns) are pretty scarce. I have only seen a couple of the USN Mark II guns over the years. John Spangler

# 11921 - M1 Carbine Value
8/5/2006
Keith Tulsa Oklahoma

Can you tell me what the value of my gun is ? It is in mint condition. I would like to know any history on my gun if you could. My most thanks.

Answer:
Keith- the base way to figure the value of something is to put it up for sale and see what someone will pay for it. The next best way is to see what people are asking for comparable items that they are selling. In this case, check out collectible U.S. longarms catalog page and some other dealers and see what the prices are. John Spangler

# 11928 - Mixed Parts M1911A1 Pistol
8/5/2006
Philip, Pittsburgh, PA

I have a 1911a1 that has a Colt frame but a Union Switch & Signal slide. I can tell it is a colt frame based upon the serial number and inspector stamp, which in this case is GHD. Is this a possible manufacturing combination that was assembled by Colt? I know the history of the US&S contract for 1911a1s but was not sure if surplus parts, such as a slide, would have been provided to other manufacturers. The condition of the pistol is consistent and there are no indications that this is a parts gun. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Philip- Sometimes we want to overlook the obvious. "There are not indications that this is a parts gun" ignores the obvious fact that it is a Colt frame and US&S slide. My best guess is that the parts from a Colt and a US&S pistol got switched early in their service life and remained together since, resulting in matching wear on the parts. I believe that is the most likely explanation for the mixed parts on your pistol. However, in wartime virtually anything is possible, and while the .45 makers seem not to have engaged in the massive "integration" of parts between makers (as done by M1 Carbine makers) in order to keep production flowing , it is possible that something similar did take place on an unofficial basis and in a limited scale. It is also possible that you will be abducted by a space alien, but don't bet on it, even if you wish it were so. John Spangler

# 11683 - Ruger Value
8/5/2006
Southport, Conn.

New Model Blackhawk Am considering the purchase of this gun. It is a in perfect condition and comes with a Gunbelt also like new. How old is the gun? About how much should I pay for it?

Answer:
Value will depend on condition, the Blue book sets values for .357 Blackhawk pistols with blue finish between $150 and $380. OldGuns.net has provided a link on our left hand menu bar to the excellent Ruger company web site that will allow you to look up when the revolver was manufactured. Marc

# 11678 - Winchester Revolver? Spanish?
8/1/2006
Dawn, Madera, CA

Scroll work over the whole gun. Has walnut grips. Engraved on barrel is: ''Manuel Escodine Bar Spain'' A friend gave this revolver to my father several years ago but had no information on it. Following a few inquiries, we were told that Winchester never made a revolver. Can you help with this?

Answer:
Dawn, the revolver in question is not a Winchester. Rumor has it that there was a secret agreement between Winchester and Colt that Winchester would stay out of the handgun business if Colt avoided the rifle trade. Your revolver was made is Spain. Manuel Escodin of Eibar Spain produced revolvers chambered in .32 or ,38 Special from about 1924 to 1931. Escodin revolvers were a near-perfect copy of the S&W Military & Police Model. Most had an ornate coat-of-arms trademark badly stamped on the left side of the frame. Spanish Smith and Wesson copies have a reputation in general for making use of low quality, steel which may not be strong enough to handle modern day high- pressure loads. My advise would be to retire this weapon and not fire it. There is little or no collectors interest in the Spanish S&W copies, I often see revolvers in perfect condition being offered in the $50.00 range. Marc

# 11682 - House Brand Worth Less?
8/1/2006
Wayne Port Neches Texas

has a model number of 273-2351 I found a this rifle in my father in laws house when he passed away is it worth less it is in good condition and shoots good

Answer:
Wayne, a strange model number, it looks like a phone number. Maybe if you call it, Jim Morrison will answer. I heard on the Art Bell show that his death was faked (just kidding).

Records indicate that the Sears Model 273.2351 was the Winchester Model 150-250. House brand firearms like this are almost always worth less than comparable firearms sold under the original manufactures name. I would expect to see one for sale at a gunshow in the $75 - $100 range. Marc

# 11854 - East India Company Bayonet Circa 1779
8/1/2006
Julie

Has what appears to be a heart divided into 4 quadrants with what looks like ''V'' in the north, ''C'' in the south, ''E'' in the west and ''I'' in the east quadrants. Has what looks like a name stamped on the shaft/area that attaches to the rifle/gun. It looks like DEPIINFIAM''. Then there is a date that appears to be 1779. On the blade itself is a letter ''M'' or ''W'' and two letters together, ''SG'' above/below that, depending on how you are looking at the blade. Can you tell me anything about this...age, history, value, etc. All we seem to know is that it was said to have gone on a Brown Bess musket. Thanks for any help you can provide.

Answer:
Julie- Your excellent description fits a typical bayonet for the Brown Bess muskets made circa 1750-1820. Besides being the standard arm of the British Army and Navy, these were also made in large numbers for the British East India Company. This was the quasi-official group that built the British Empire, essentially settling, pacifying, and trading the various far flung colonies, most especially in Asia and the areas such as India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, etc. The heart shaped EIC logo was used for many years. Items were provided by various makers and subject to inspection by various company or military inspectors, with little known today about their different markings. Value is probably modest- and I would expect to find one at a gun show priced in the range of $100-400 depending on condition and exact model. Since 1779 is in the midst of the American Revolution period, it may being a bit more from a collector with a special interest in something like this as opposed to one looking for a representative example to fit their musket. John Spangler