# 5045 - Hepburn Rifle Information
9/28/02
Charles

Can you please tell me where I might find some history on the Hepburn rifle.

Answer:
Charles- "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values" will have some info on these. There is also an excellent book by Roy Marcot on Remington Arms (I forget exact title) which has a lot more. Our links page has a link for the Remington Society of America which may have more info. John Spangler

# 5037 - Looking For A Mauser Rifle
9/28/02
Kirk

I have just discovered your site for the first time, and I must say after looking at your firearms for sale pages I am thankful for the honesty and the humor. Amorous acts with camels? I'm still laughing. I have also learned a few new questions to ask when shopping for surplus rifles. I am very interested in purchasing an old Mauser from somewhere, and I think I just saved myself a few dollars from some distributor who refused to tell me the condition of the barrels on the Turkish Mausers he was selling..... So, I'll ask you folks. I am looking for a Mauser rifle. (Generic, I know) More specifically, one that embodies the qualities of the 1898 model, has an ok to great barrel/action, and more specifically, one I can put some rounds through without having to worry about personal injury. I do not care about: matching parts, dinged or stained stocks, authenticity (this was used in WW2 blah blah...), or looks. If the wood is bad, so be it, I'll refinish it. I just want a shooter. If its ugly, then it will be well matched with its owner. :) Until I find more info, that's all I know. Any help would be appreciated. Oh yeah, , I am on a small budget. That's why I am looking for surplus.... :)

Answer:
Kirk- In my opinion, nearly all of the Turkish Mausers are junk and should be avoided. The best Mausers (in the 98 style) are those made for Argentina, either by DWM or in Argentina to full Mauser standards and specifications. (The Argies have also been licensed producers of the Colt M1911, the FN Hi-Power and FN-FAL rifles, so they have a reputation for good work). Many of the Argentine rifles made in 7.65 Mauser caliber have been rechambered to .308. For your purposes, I would recommend one of those, as 7.65 ammo can be hard to find. While I am not sure how a minor difference in the bore diameter might effect accuracy, I have not heard of any problems, and for all reasonable ranges it is probably only an academic issue. Those would be a very good choice in terms of readily available ammo, and inexpensive rifle. There would be no need to feel guilty if you decide to alter one of these, nor would hordes of angry collectors be threatening you for desecrating a treasure. If you can stray from the 98 Mauser, then the Swedish Model 1896 and Model 38 rifles are usually found in excellent condition, and at low prices. The 6.5x55 cartridge is an excellent one, and ammo is readily available (unlike 10-20 years ago). In general, be prepared to spend a bit more for a decent rifle than for the Turkish debris being peddled. You will never regret getting a good quality item, but you will often lament the wasted money and effort involved with buying junk (intentionally or otherwise.) John Spangler

# 4975 - Remington 722 Serial Number Location
9/28/02
Ron, Anchorage, AK

ott, for date code on barrel (July 1948) This is the first Rem model 722 that I've owned or handled, and was curious about the placement of the serial#. The serial # on my rifle is located on the inside of the receiver instead of on the barrel. Is this common to all Model 722's ? Any additional info or tidbits about the 722 would be welcome as I know little about the model. Thankyou, Ron

Answer:
Ron, the Model 722 was Remington's short-action version of their Model 721. Remington manufactured the 722 from 1949 to 1962, it was offered in a wide variety of calibers but not in magnum chamberings. I was unable to find any information about where serial numbers were placed on this model, although I don't remember that the serial number was on the inside the receiver on any that I have owned. I suggest you post a question at our new site ArmsCollectors.com in the Non-Military Remington forum. Good luck, Marc

# 5036 - Colt History
9/24/02
Dave

First I would like to say "WOW". The new armscollectors website and connected sites are great. I went to the "civilwardata" link and found out my great, great, great grandfather was at Shiloh, Vicksburg, Atlanta and on the march to the sea with Sherman in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry. I was also able to look up the author of some Civil War letters I have and found his unit and it's history. The question I have is I looked up my 1860 Colt Army on the SRS site and it is only four numbers under one going to Co D 1st VT Cavalry which was involved in quite a bit of fighting. What are the chances mine was part of the same unit? Do you think since it is so close that this could add value to the piece?

Answer:
Dave- There is no way of knowing if a gun only one serial number away from a documented serial number went to the same unit, or something totally unrelated. The absence of proof does not prove or disprove anything. Of course, we can always hope. My M1896 Krag carbine is only one number from a documented Rough Rider gun, and there are about 9 others with nearby numbers. Interesting to fantasize and speculate, but everyone MUST remember- While it is possible, and in some cases even probable, unless it is provable from existing documentation, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades. John Spangler

# 5030 - Rifle Identification
9/24/02
Chuck

Hi I would like your help My father just gave this rifle and both of us has no info I hope you can help me or you would know who could help me the only marking on it is a (V.R Bsa & mc 1882) I hope this help you And I hope you can help me with this I need info on it ..Thank you

Answer:
Chuck- Sounds like a British Martini Henry rifle, a single shot which opens with a lever underneath. Most likely it was a .577-450 caliber rifle, but many have been converted to other cartridges in the last 120 years. 1882 is the year of manufacture, VR indicates government property in the reign of Queen Victoria, and BSA&MC indicates the maker, Birmingham Small Arms and Motor Cycle company. In original configuration these are quite collectible. However, most saw long and hard service around the Empire, and received one or more modifications and less and less care among less dependable troops, so are often found in rather poor condition any more. These were used in the campaigns in Africa at Khartoum, and Rourks Drift, and other battles against the Zulus and other assorted uncivilized natives on that continent. Freed from the "tyrannical oppression" of colonial governments, the locals have reverted to uncivilized slaughter on a regular basis, and standards of living steadily deteriorate as tribal instincts replace learning and law. However, it is considered politically incorrect to point this out. John Spangler

# 4973 - Winchester Model 67A
9/24/02
Laura Rolling Prairie, IN

There is an emblem that appears to be a w with perhaps a b or p above it. The barrel shows 22 S. L. or LR on it. Is this a rare gun or just a great family heirloom?

Answer:
Laura, Winchester manufactured the Model 67 rifle from 1934 to 1942 and then again after the war from 1946 to 1963. It was a modified version of the earlier Model 60, it shared the same basic action that was cocked by pulling back on the cocking piece. The bolt, safety lock and trigger were chromium plated and the plain walnut pistol grip half-stock originally had a finger groove in the forend. Changes made during the lengthy production life included the omission of the forend finger groove from 1935 until an improved stock, with the barrel-retaining bolt recessed in the forend, was adopted in October 1937. The bolt-retaining spring was omitted from January 1938, when efforts were made to smooth the bolt stroke and improve ejection by revising the bolt, sear and extractor. Although the model 67 was a great design, they are not rare. Winchester manufactured Approx. 383,000 between 1934 and 1963 when the model was discontinued. Marc

# 5015 - Muzzle Loader Information
9/20/02

My husband has a Muzzle Loader and is looking for any information on it's worth. Can you please help us out or send us in the right direction? We live in NW Indiana and the local gun dealer had no information on it. Details are as follows:

S.N. and W.T.C.4
Massachusetts
1864
Tri State
Has an eagle insignia on it



Answer:
The markings identify this as a U.S. Model 1863 .58 caliber rifle musket, made in 1864. These were made under a contract from the state of Massachusetts by Samuel Norris and WIlliam T. Clement. Most references state that 3,000 were made, but based on the numbers seen, there was probably more like 10-15,000, so they are not particularly scarce. These had a 40 inch barrel and full length stock held by 3 bands. They are often found with the stock and/or barrel shortened, usually for later use as sporting arms. Unaltered examples are most often sold in the range of $400-1000, while excellent examples will bring more. Shortened examples are valued mainly as parts, most likely in the $150-300 range. The first antique gun I ever bought was one of these SN&WTC muskets, for $12.50, about 1958. John Spangler

# 5005 - Old Muzzleloader
9/20/02
Michael

I am trying to find out information on an old muzzleloader. I have found absolutely no information anywhere I have looked. Here are some of the basics and maybe you can direct me to someone who specializes in this type of firearm:

- Hexagonal Muzzleloader
- TC Johnston Enterprises on top of barrel. Also say something like Shasta gunworks.
- Hammer side says Bown&Tetley Pittsburgh
- Has a symbol of a deer with the word "kill" inscribed above next to both writing on the barrel and by the hammer.

Thanks for any leads you might have.

Answer:
Michael- Frank Sellers' American Gunsmiths identifies John Tetley as working in Pittsburgh as Brown & Tetley circa 1848-1862. The Brown of the partnership is not readily identifiable as there were several working in that city during the percussion era. T.C. Johnston Enterprises has a 20th century sound, as does Shasta Gunworks. I suspect this used an old lock with the remaining parts newly made. From the 1940s onward there was renewed interest in muzzle loading, including for hunting, as seen today where most states have a separate primitive weapons/muzzle loader season. Many of these rifles were absolutely faithful in their design and being handmade are difficult to tell from an original. You might try a search on google.com for Shasta gunworks to see if that turns up anything. John Spangler

# 4970 - Excam Gt 27
9/20/02
Danny Phoenix AZ

armi tanfoglio giuseppemade in Italy Is this anything special? What year could it be? Was it an army issue?

Answer:
Danny, Excam was a firearms importer who went out of business in 1990. If I remember correctly, they imported and sold mostly inexpensive Saturday night special type firearms during the 1980's. The GT27 was a small single action .25 ACP pistol with a 2.5 inch barrel and 6 shot magazine. It was available in standard blue alloy, satin chrome alloy, or with a steel frame. Wood grips became standard in 1986. The GT27 is defiantly not military issue. Sorry to say that there is not much special about your pistol, the blue book lists GT27 values in the $50.00 or less range. Marc

# 5004 - Model 1861 Special, .58 Caliber Rifle Musket
9/18/02
Scott

I have a rifle that I am trying to gather some information about, more specifically it's value for insurance purposes. It is a Colt muzzle loading Civil War Era Rifle. It is stamped 1863 on the hammer lock side plate and on the top of the barrel down on the breach. The side plate is also stamped with U S Colt's PT F A Mfg Co Hartford Ct. There is an American Eagle stamped on the side of the nipple receiver and a V P with an eagle head stamped on the left quarter of the barrel breach. I have researched the Colt web site but they don't even list such a piece. Any information or assistance you could give me would be sincerely appreciated.

Answer:
Scott- Your rifle is a Model 1861 Special, .58 caliber rifle musket. (The "special" distinguishes it from another model 1dopted in 1861 that is similar, but parts are not interchangeable between the two. 100,000 of these were made 1861-1865. The were made with a 40 inch barrel and three barrel bands. Value is listed at $1400 in NRA antique very good condition, and would be less if in lesser condition. If the stock or barrel has been cut back, then value would be far less, more like $250-400 for parts. John Spangler

# 5003 - Iver Johnson From Bill Goforth
9/18/02
Bill Goforth

I am the author of the book "Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works Handguns 1871-1978" and have just finished a revision of this book. I am still seeking all the information I can on Iver Johnson (I feel you can never learn too much and that there is always something new out there) my question is do you have any information on civilian arms furnished to the British under lend-lease. I am aware of Charles Pate's fine book on this subject. Also I have discovered you get some questions about Iver Johnson from time to time, if I can help you in any way feel free to contact me. Bill Goforth

Answer:
Bill- First, I must confess that I have not yet gotten a copy of the first edition, so will now PROMISE to get one of the new ones to fill this gap in my library. Thank you for the hard work writing about an area of arms collecting that the snooty Colt and Winchester crowd would consider unfit for discussion in polite society. The late Charles Carder similarly studied the unpopular, and published unashamedly. While the subject of those books will probably never achieve the high values of the popular arms, they are the sort of thing that many people have from family members, and information is important to them, regardless of what collectors might be willing to pay for their heirloom. My first handgun was an old IJ topbreak .32, and it was special to me.

Anyway, we have no info on lend lease beyond what Charlie Pate has provided. You are welcome to post an inquiry on our "wanted" page, and also on the forums at www.ArmsCollectors.com and you might try on one or more of the forums at Culver's Shooting Page (www.jouster.com)

My understanding of the lend lease process is that the stuff was procured under U.S. govt contracts or purchase orders, and then shipped to the allies, sometimes with them making the decisions (e.g.- Savage production of the No. 4 SMLE) and US merely doing the paperwork so we could use US funds to pay for it. Therefore, I believe that Charlie Pate would have encountered any remaining records during his research. He may have decided that some did not really fit into the category of secondary US Martial arms and thus decides not to include them in the book. I have an old email address for him if you want to check-- vangard@erols.com

I appreciate the offer to help on IJ questions, and if something looks real interesting I will be happy to pass it along. One of the reasons we do the Q&A thing is that it forces us to learn about areas that we normally would not get into. (Left alone, I would go no further than Springfields). I would encourage you to check our forums at www.ArmsCollectors.com and contribute there. We don't have time to do much with them, and depend on the expertise of others to help out there. John Spangler

# 4967 - Springfield 22
9/18/02
D. L. Montalba Texas

SPRINGFIELD JR I would like to find out anything about this rifle. It was found in a wall of an old garage being torn down and it did not have a bolt or stock with it. The barrel also has Chicopee Falls Mass USA underneath the company name. Thanks for any help, you have a great web site.

Answer:
Glad that you like the site, I wish that I could tell you that you found a real treasure but I can not. "Springfield" is a name used by Savage-Stevens on some of their inexpensive .22 caliber rifles. Values for these rifles are usually in the $50.00 or less range. Marc

# 4959 - Liberated German Pistols
9/14/02
Steve, Santa Cruz, CA

1. Luger. . .1939. . . #35 on all parts. . .3 markings on the right side (two have the #655 with an eagle? over them). . . it has a black grip (which looks and feels like plastic). . . the gun looks cool. . . almost brand new. . . it has a big, black leather holster.

2. P.38. . . ac over 41, 9711f on all parts, 9mm, 9-shot, black leather holster with an extra clip. . . gun is black and looks brand new.

3. Walther, Selbstlade-Pistole Cal 6.35, no holster. . . "Pocket Auto", has brown wood grip, my hand is bigger than the gun.

4. Mauser Werke A. G. Oberndorf a N, Kal 7.65mm, MOD H. S. c. , 750 083, black holster and extra clip. . . looks like a gun James Bond would have used.

Hi Guys: I just found your site to find out more about four guns my father gave me. . . he's 88 and must move into a retirement home and can't take them with him. He "liberated" them in WWII and has kept them in what I think is good shape by cleaning them with "3-in-1" oil once or twice every year. He's never fired them. I have read through many of your Q & A's and have learned a lot for a novice. My questions are. . . what's the approx. value? . . . what's the best way to take care of them? . . . did all his cleanings help or harm them?

Answer:
You have a Luger, or Pistole P08 made by Mauser in 1939. It should have the code number 42 on the receiver. This was the Mauser factory code in 1939. You did not give the serial number so we cannot determine if the numbers match. The last two digits of the serial number should stamped on many of the parts. The 655 code will be under an eagle and is called a Waffenamt code.

The second pistol is a P38, it was made by Walther in 1941 (ac 41). The barrel, frame, slide and locking block under the barrel should have matching serial numbers (or part of the number) stamped on them.

I'm not sure which one of the Walther self loading pistols you have. Look for a model number on the slide.

The last pistol the HSc was Mauser's replacement for their earlier self loading 32 auto. You need to check this one for waffenamts.

Most if not all of the pistols are highly collectible, as are the original holsters. Without seeing pictures or examining the pistols its difficult to estimate prices. I can give you some ranges. All correct World War II Lugers with better than 95% finish and holster often sell for over $1000. Early P38's with holster, matching magazines and 95% finish will be in the $700+ range. The Mauser HSc pistols have sold for $300 to $900 depending on markings. BUT remember that any mismatch of serial numbers on the parts, pitting, incorrect grips, modifications to the firearm or holster etc., and the prices fall sharply, often by as much as 60% or even more.

It sounds like your father did the correct thing to care for these pistols, I would advise you to do the same as you describe that he did. Take them out from time to time, check for any sines of rust, then apply a light coat of oil. Let us know if you ever decide to sell. Marc

# 4877 - Recoilless Rifle Ammunition
9/14/02
Rodney , Palmer , Alaska

I have acquired an empty 105 case and would like to restore it as a dummy for display. I need to know what the powder is in inside the case so I can make an authentic look alike. The case is nothing more than a cylinder made from million hole punch plate, so the powder has to be in some sort of secondary containment.

Answer:
Rodney- I believe the powder is contained inside the cartridge case in a dark (black?) plastic material similar to a heavy trash bag. You can probably imitate this with a trash bag stuffed down into the case and then filling it with Styrofoam peanuts or other lumpy stuff.) There may be a long primer vent tube in the bottom of the case, so you might need to poke a hole in the bottom of the bag and use a pipe or something to seat the bag over the primer tube all the way down against the base. John Spangler

# 4878 - P.O. Ackley Krag Sporter
9/14/02
Jon Seattle WA

Has a different barrel 30-40 (modified O3 barrel? ) stamped P. O. ACKLEY on the top. Did P. O. Ackley sell barrels? Or is this a custom rifle made by him?

Answer:
Jon- As far as I know, Ackley did not sell barrels, but did make a lot of sporters, both to his own taste, and to customer desires. Using M1903 barrels to replace shot out barrels in Krags has been very common since at least the 1920s, but most are by unknown gunsmiths, and unmarked. Sometimes you will be able to see remnants of the markings from the M1903 barrels, or the contours do not quite match the original, but other times it can be very hard to tell. There is a photo of an extreme Ackley sporter on the Utah Gun Collectors Association website http://ugca.org probably under their January or March 2002 show photos. John Spangler

# 4957 - Was This A Sniper Rifle
9/10/02
Bob Round Rock Texas

mark II on the bolt, A notch across the barrel end where the sight would be about 1 inch from the end of the barrel, the sn # is offset to the right side, has SA on the barrel and below that 29, was this a sniper rifle?

Answer:
The short answer is no, it's not a sniper rifle. The U.S. was not making a sniper rifle in 1929 when your receiver (and its barrel) were made. It sounds as if the front sight and its base have been removed, the small notch on the barrel is for a pin to hold a front sight in place. Your rifle was made in 1929 and the barrel manufacture (Springfield Armory-SA) and the date agree. I'm not sure what you mean by the serial number on the receiver being offset to the right. When Remington started making 1903A4 sniping rifle in 1943 they moved the stamping of the serial number to the right so it could be read with the scope mount in place. Serial numbers on ALL M1903 rifles are offset to the right, with the rest of markings centered on the top of the receiver ring (except for the M1903A4 which had the US/REMINGTON/MODEL 03-A3 offset to the left to clear the scope base. Marc

# 4873 - Cane Guns
9/10/02
Bill B, Sierra Vista, AZ

I have recently begun a collection of exotic firearms, and would like to know if anyone is still manufacturing cane guns? ? I have read that they were once or still are made in percussion style. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Bill- I do not recall hearing about anyone making cane guns in recent years. However, there are BATF restrictions on cane guns made after 1898. I believe these fall into the "any other weapon" category which have relatively mild restrictions and transfer paperwork requirements. However, you need to be sure you understand and fully comply. The BATF and federal prosecutors are getting a lot of new people to crack down on violent criminal who misuse guns. However, a few may find it easier and less dangerous to prosecute collectors for technical violations than to chase "real" criminals who kill people. The whole gun control concept needs a critical analysis to see if the basic concept of increasing restrictions on law abiding citizens ownership of guns, up to and including the point of total bans and confiscation actually reduces violent crime. Although sounding like "common sense" solutions, the actual data from places that have tried it like Washington, DC, Chicago, New York City, England, and Australia, seems to indicate that the entire concept is wrong, and does not work. Perhaps total repeal of all gun laws would be just as effective, if murder, armed robbery, etc were promptly and harshly punished. Crime is LOWER in places with fewer gun laws, and Vermont which does not even require a permit for a law abiding citizen to carry a concealed weapon is among the least violent states. How can this data be ignored by people who want to make things safer for you and me? Perhaps if lots of geezers with cane guns were out there, and a few scumbags died while attempting to mug them, the world would be a better place. Instead, they continue to disarm potential victims. John Spangler

# 4867 - 1890 Mauser For Swiss Army
9/10/02
Rob, Hopkins, MI. ,

GEW # Would like to know a little of the history of the rifle? I think it was bore out from like a 7.62x54 to 8mm for the WW1 Swiss Army.

Answer:
Rob- Sorry, none of the information provided correlates to anything I know about Mauser or Swiss rifles. Many different foreign arms were altered to 8mm Mauser for German military use in WW1 or WW2 (with varying degrees of safety margin, so have them checked by a competent gunsmith before thinking about shooting one.) Other nations performed similar tricks, and some truly bizarre and hazardous combinations exist. This would be a good item to post on one of the forums on www.armscollectors.com or on the Culver Shooting Page forums www.jouster.com John Spangler

# 4953 - Revelation Model 76
9/7/02
Bobby Meansville GA

White grip (ivory? plastic? ) 9 shot revolver20[marked on right side of barrel] Western Auto Supply Company USA H. S. 160-00 .22 Cal. This revolver was inherited from my grandfather and I would like to know what year it was made as well as any other interesting facts anyone may have about the Revolver or the manufacturer.

Answer:
Bobby, Western Auto was one of many major retailers who applied their brand name to firearms manufactured by other companies, collectors call these brand names "House Brands". Values for House Brand firearms are usually 30% to 50% lower than values are for original manufactures models. An inquiry at the House Brands section of our new sight - ArmsCollectors.com furnished me with the information that the Western Auto Revelation Model 76 was manufactured by High Standard, it was their model Double Nine. High Standard manufactured the Double Nine from about 1958 to 1984, I estimate that your revolver was manufactured sometime around 1975. Value for your revolver is in the $50 to $75 range depending on condition. Marc

# 4952 - Arisaka Information
9/7/02
Roger, Bonifay Fl.

on the sight base engraved with an electric tool is Bill Ball on the other side is a number 976684. This is a series 31 rifle made by Toyo Kogyo in Hiroshima. My question is approximately what year it was made? The mum has been ground it is an all numbers matching rifle.

Answer:
Roger, I would suggest you try looking at the following website: http://www.radix.net/~bbrown/japanese_markings.html. They have a listing of Japanese rifles by series number. Good luck Marc

# 4863 - Ball & Williams Ballard's Patent Rifle
9/7/02
John, Thomasburg, Ontario, Canada

Ball & Williams on one side of receiver and "Ballards pat. " on the other side with "Merwin & Bray AGTS" and "New York" beneath "Ballards pat. ". Lever drops the breech to open. Long octagonal barrel. My father is passing on some firearms to me and there are a couple that I wanted to know any information regarding these rifles and their collector value. Firearm is in good to excellent condition with original finish. Also another firearm I have is a "Colt" .44 cal. Pump action rifle with multiple front and rear sights, medallion on stock indicates U. S. Calvary issue. Any info you could provide would be appreciated.

Answer:
John- The basic Ballard design was sort of a cross between a lever action rifle and a rolling block, where moving the lever opened the breech of the single shot rifle for loading. Production started 1862-1865 with about 8 variations identified by collectors. Yours is probably the "sporting rifles" with the octagonal barrel. Even more variations of Ballard rifles were later made by Dwight, Chapin & Company, then R. Ball & Company; and Merrimack Arms and Manufacturing Company, followed by Brown Manufacturing Company, and finally Marlin Firearms Company made about 40,000 more in 25 different variations circa 1875-1891. This could be a very challenging collecting field.

As far as the Colt .44 caliber pump rifle, that is the "Lightning" model with the medium frame. About 90,000 were made circa 1884-1902. I would be very suspicious of any "medallion on the stock indicating U.S. cavalry issue" as a later non-military addition or fantasy.

The best way to learn about all of these (and most other old guns) is to get a copy of "Flayderman's Guide the Antique American Firearms and their Values". It is the best investment any gun collector will ever make, loaded with factual information to identify most variations of collectible firearms (made prior to about 1945) with pretty good estimates of values. We usually have these for sale on our book catalog pages, or if you rather make your local book store rich, you can probably get one there too. We urge you to get one, regardless of the source. John Spangler

# 4856 - Italy- Cap And Ball Revolver
9/7/02
Thomas

Barrel: tiny logo resembling two swords crossed over a shield, and letters PN. Cylinder: Same tiny logo, same letters PN above trigger guard: Same logo, letters KC in a square, letters PN, and a small star with a starburst border. Bottom of stock: letter K above numbers 9094, connected letters PR. , letters FTE, and the word Italy. I have no idea what this gun is. Make, model, caliber. About all I can tell is, it is a cap and ball revolver, with a levered loading rod. Can anyone help me out?

Answer:
Thomas- All the marking you describe are those found on modern reproduction revolvers made since about 1960, and sold under a wide variety of brand names. While not especially valuable, these are starting to be an interesting collecting specialty. There are lots of variations around at very reasonable prices, and in most states they are free from most of the paperwork and other restrictions associated with cartridge arms. Check our links page for a site devoted to replica or reproduction percussion revolvers to learn more about this topic. There is also an excellent book on the subject, although I do not recall the exact title. John Spangler

# 4960 - Astra Mod 1915?
9/3/02
Eric

No markings other than the number 27 stamped on the barrel. I bought this gun at an auction fairly cheap. A gun collector said it resembled an Astra 1915 but I cannot find any info about this particular gun. There are no marking on the gun at all except the number 27 stamped on the barrel. Any info on this gun would be great.

Answer:
Eric, I was not able to find a lot of information about this pistol. Astra started out in 1908 as Pedro Unceta y Juan Esperanza in Eibar, their first product was an automatic pistol called the 'Victoria'. The Astra model 1915 is a later version of the 'Victoria' produced under French Army contracts. Model 1915 pistols should be marked 'Astra' and with the year of manufacture. Values for Astra 1915 pistols are in the $50 to $250 range depending on condition. Marc

# 4840 - SOG Bowie Knife
9/3/02
Rudy

Special Forces Logo on Tang;5th Special Forces Group(abn)on same side of blade. (Vietnam). Stacked leather washer handle/Aluminum hilt & buttcap. Original sheath & stone. Is this knife a collectible item? If so what would the price range be? It's been in my possession since 1973, in good condition. Thanks for reply.

Answer:
Rudy- That sounds like an excellent collectible item. It is probably illustrated in M.H. Cole's "U.S. Military Knives, Bayonets and Machetes" volume 3 or 4, and other books on the subject. There is a growing interest in Vietnam era items, and I suspect it would bring a good price. We have not had one, and I do not have access to my price guides right now, so I cannot give a feel for dollar value. However, it sounds like if you have had it that long, it may have sentimental value as well, so we would encourage you to keep it in the family. It is a s great reminder of the honorable service of brave men serving their country at a time when many of their cowardly fellow citizens shirked their duty from cowardice or ignorance, and dishonored those who did serve. We salute the veterans and despise the others. John Spangler

# 4831 - Krag Bayonet- Blue Finish
9/3/02

I have a 1899 bayonet that is blued I have never seen one blued before. Have you ever run across a blue one? also there is the # 412 stamped below the US. thanks

Answer:
Some of the very early production Krag bayonets (1894 and early 1895 dated) were made with blued blades and bright hilts. Subsequent production had bright blades and hilts, and the early ones were mostly cleaned up to match the new ones, making them very rare and valuable. However, with the 1899 date, I am certain yours has been refinished at a later date, and thus hurting rather than helping the value. These were not serial numbered when made, so the "412" is also a later addition, perhaps by a veterans group or school colorguard or the like. John Spangler