# 11124 - Husqvarna
9/27/2005
Kevin, Flint Michigan

Nitro This gun was given to me by my brother in law who passed away recently. I cannot find any information on this gun anywhere. Could you possibly let me know where I can find any information in this rifle

Answer:
Kevin, Husqvarna started manufacturing muskets in Sweden in 1689. Today they manufacture a wide range of products including motorcycles, sewing machines and outdoor power equipment. The company has a web site at the following URL: http://www.usa.husqvarna.com. Marc

# 11115 - Auto Nine Pistol
9/27/2005
Jim, Philadelphia, PA

4 1/4'' long x 3'' tall, 9oz. (pic - http://www.glocktalk.com/attachment.php?s=&postid=3521051 The only markings on the pistol are: ''AUTO NINE CORP.'' on the right side of the frame and ''PARMA, ID. - CAL. .22 L.R.'' on the left side of the frame. Fella in OR wants $200 for it, delivered. I can find no info on it online. It looks like a mini AMT 380 Backup. I carry a PPK/S or a PM9/MK9. I have a thing for small pistols, and if this .22 is reliable, I want it. Of course, I have a feeling it is only worth $100. But a Walther THP is not in the picture because of reliability issues.

Answer:
Jim, I am not familiar with the Auto Nine and can not comment on it's quality. The blue book says that it is a Semi-Automatic .22 LR caliber hammerless single action pistol with 8 shot magazine fixed sights and checkered plastic grips. Auto Nine values in the blue book range from about $80 to a little over $150 so $200 may be a little high. Marc

# 11401 - Nickel Plated Krag Rifle
9/27/2005
Terry ,NY

None visible on stock I just picked up this 1898 Springfield, The rifle is full nickel plated and appears all original and in very fine condition, No stock markings visible on rifle, but it appears that the stock may have been refinished a long time ago. It appears that this rifle may have been a color/honor guard rifle since most wear appears on the buttplate, also would like to know if a 1892 Bayonet will fit this rifle? Any information would be greatly appreciated or point me in the right direction to attempt some further research on this lovely rifle. Regards, Terry

Answer:
Terry- I agree that this was a color guard/honor guard/drill team rifle. It was not nickel finished by Springfield armory, but most likely by the local veterans group or school which used it. Any of the Krag or M1903 type bayonets should fit, unless the plating thickness on the barrel has made it too tight to fit anymore. No documented history on this rifle, so don't cry too much about destroying a historic old rifle. John Spangler

# 11398 - Brevete Reform 4 Barrel Pistol
9/24/2005
Gretta, Ponca City, Ok. 74604

On the bottom of the grip it is marked Made in Germany 6311. This is a very old gun, it has been in my family for many years. This is a most unusual gun, it is very flat, only about 3/4'' at the most. It has 4 barrels stacked on top of each other, as you fire one bullet the barrels move up to fire the next. The finish is very nice and the grip is black molded with the words ''Reform Pistole. Brevete'' written inside a circle. I hope you can help, I would love to know the age and of course the value! Thanks for your time GJ

Answer:
Gretta- These are a really unusual design. They have four barrels stacked on top of each other, sort of like a harmonica. (The harmonica concept was also used in some early repeating rifles which used sliding bars to hold powder and ball.) The Reform pistol used regular metallic cartridges, probably about .32 caliber, and probably regular rimmed type cases. Although I cannot explain the details, basically it would fire the top barrel, and when fired the barrel cluster would ratchet up and the empty case would come flying out, and you were all set to fire the next barrel. (Maybe you had to cock the hammer manually?) Anyway, it was about as effective as a semi-auto pistol, although the four round capacity was not very impressive. These are unusual guns, and I have only seen a couple of them, but I must confess I have not looked very hard either. My guess is that the value to a collector interested in one would be in the $200-450 range depending on condition and probably maker and markings. John Spangler

# 11396 - Moores Patent Firearms Co For Smith & Wesson
9/24/2005
Dave, Unionville, PA

Manf for Smith and Wesson By Moores Pat Fire Arms Co. Patented April 3 1855 Sept 18 1860 Can you give me any information about this pistol? Does it have any value ? The condition is fair to good.

Answer:
Dave- I suspect it is actually .32 rimfire caliber, not .44. The Moore was an excellent design, and used a .32 rimfire cartridge in a seven shot cylinder. These were made by the Moore's Patent Firearms Company in Brooklyn, New York circa 1861-1863 with total production of "several thousand" and popular with Union officers and enlisted men. However production ceased after Smith & Wesson's lawyers nailed them for violating their Rollin White Patent on cylinders with chambers bored all the way through. S&W either got ownership of their unsold pistols, or they at least got a handsome royalty, and the guns were marked as this one is "Manf for Smith & Wesson by Moore's Pat. Firearms Co." The Moore had a unique loading and unloading system. When a button on the right side of the recoil shield is pressed, the barrel and cylinder can be pivoted to the right. Then an ejector rod stored underneath the barrel (missing or replaced on nearly all of them) is used to poke out the empties, and the cylinder reloaded, and the barrel/cylinder swung back into position. The barrel and cylinder were blued. The brass frame and gripstraps usually had some decorative engraving, and the brass was originally silver plated. Flayderman's guide lists the value as $350 in NRA antique good condition and $900 in fine. John Spangler

# 11107 - Refinish My Beretta?
9/24/2005
Cheryl Columbus, Ohio

It has A SA in a square, the number 39, SD inside a circle, BL on the bolt, it has a Z, and also a 5, it also says R.E TERNI 1939 XVII and it has several crest symbols on it in different places. It appears to take a clip of some sort. Can you tell me if this gun has any value and if it can be restored? And where I would do so as a gift for my husband on our anniversary.

Answer:
Cheryl, because of the markings you mention, it sounds like you may have a Model 1935 army issue Beretta. The Beretta models 1934 and 1935 were Italy's main service sidearms during W.W.II. The two models were basically the same except that Model 1934 was chambered for 9MM Corto (380) while the Model 1935 was chambered for 7.65 mm Brevettata (.32 Auto). Military Model 1934 pistols (except for late wartime production) were marked on the left hand side of the slide with the date of manufacture in two systems, the Christian calendar (1939) and a Roman numeral denoting the year of the Fascist calendar which began in 1922 (XVII). For example, a date marking might read 1942 XX or 1939 XVII. Military weapons were marked Army 'RE' (Regia Esercito); Airforce 'RA' (Regia Aeronautica); or Navy 'RM' (Regia Marine), while police weapons were marked PS (Publica Sicurezza) at the left rear of the frame.

Model 1934 Beretta pistols in original condition have good collector interest, values can go as high as $550 or more for examples with the original military holster in excellent condition. To avoid ruining the value of your pistol, and especially to avoid a possibly nasty surprise for your husband on your anniversary, I would advise you to not have the pistol re-finished. Marc

# 11100 - Savage 1919?
9/20/2005
Andy, Madison, CT

Manufacturer date on the barrel. June 17, 1919. Bolt action. 4 or 5 cartridges loaded straight down in the stock. This gun was left with a (used to be) friend of mine. He lost possession of it and all of his stuff when he got kicked out of his place to stay. I would like to know how much this weapon is worth so I can at least recoup my loss through legal measures. Thank you and I hope that you find this e-mail worthy of answering. Again, Thank You.

Answer:
Andy, I was unable to find any information on a savage Model 1919, you probably had a Model 1899 .250-3000. The Model 1899 .250-3000 was an improvement of Model 1895 with cocking indicator. Early models have an oblong cocking indicator located on the top of the breech bolt, in about 1908, this was changed to a pin on the upper tang. Older rifles have perch belly stocks and high gloss bluing (commanding premiums of 10% - 15%). Blue book values for this model range between about $400 to over $700 depending on condition. A wide variety of special order features were available which can add a moderate to sizeable premium. Marc

# 11056 - Revelation R312AKB
9/20/2005
Dale CA

Bolt Action, 2 Shell Clip, with O-LEOT-CHOKE When was it made and what is the value of this gun

Answer:
Dale, references indicate that your shotgun was probably manufactured by Mossberg, their model for the gun was 395K. Mossberg manufactured the 395K from 1963 to 1983. Values for this model sold under the Mossberg name are modest, in the $125 or less range. Values for shotguns marked under the Revelation name are even a little lower than that. Marc

# 11369 - Galef Double Barrel Pistol
9/20/2005
Charlie Huntsville, AL

Small Knight in armor on top of right barrel, small shield with three asterisks type markings inside the shield on the side of both barrels and on left side of trigger housing, also a small shield with a cap on top and an (X) inside the shield on left side of trigger housing. How rare is the pistol? The pistol is not in good shape, both (rabbit ear) hammers are broken, the wooden grips are missing and one firing pin is broken. I know this is a difficult question, but is it worth restoring if someone could be located to do the work? Thanks in advance for any and all help. Charlie

Answer:
Charlie- Spanish handguns of the pre-WW2 period have a reputation for shoddy material and workmanship, so I don't think I would ever want to fire one. Most of the double barrel guns were the cheapest of the cheap and intended for sale in the most remote (and gullible) markets, suitable for settling bar room brawls and fights over loose women in the upper reaches of the Amazon, or the least civilized regions of Africa. If the barrels are rifled, your gun is probably okay, but if smoothbore, and made after 1898, the friendly agents at the BATF would consider it to be a "sawed off shotgun" and illegal to own. The fact that it is broken or inoperable may not make a big difference to them, as busting you for having this would let them tell their boss they are clearing dangerous guns off the streets, without having to actually go out and take anything away from a violent criminal. That may be a bit cynical, but in my opinion there is not much reason to hang on to this. You should call the local BATFE guys and turn it in for destruction. Or, some people would suggest you just quietly dispose of it. John Spangler

# 11360 - Colt Revolver Design Ideas
9/17/2005
Kaido Orangeburg New York

I am wondering. I thought I saw this correctly and I am wondering why so.. I saw a drawing of the First Colt revolver, It looks like it had a knife attached and a double action trigger and A TOP STRAP, What I do not know is why Colt made all his percussion revolvers with the exception of the Colt/Root revolvers open top. Would any one know if I saw that correctly? Secondly I am also wondering if Colt had drawn up (R&D) plans to make percussion revolvers with a top strap. At West Point USMA one can see a Colt revolving rifle 1851 era with a open top and a latter model with a Top strap, why then did he not make his revolvers with top straps? It would be interesting if some one would find this and publish it and even make replica guns from it. I just am wondering.

Answer:
Kaido- Those are excellent questions, but pretty complex. There are literally dozens of books written on various Colt models and the history of the Company. Some of the best are R.L. Wilson's Book of Colt Firearms, a history by William B. Edwards, and another by Haven and Belden. Even Flayderman's Guide has a pretty good history of the various models. You will find that most of the models without topstraps seem to be Colt's design, with one goal being ease of disassembly for cleaning, or replacing an empty cylinder with a loaded spare. The stronger designs with topstraps seem to reflect the concepts of Elihu Root found in the revolving rifles and the "Root" model pistols. As with all arms, there are always trade offs between desired features, the cost or ease of production, and the technology available, and the resources available to a company to implement and market their products. Understanding all of those factors is part of the fun of being a gun collector. John Spangler

# 11343 - Chinese Chiang Kai Shek Mauser Rifle
9/17/2005
Josh, Rockwell, NC

The manufacturer's mark consists of what looks like a gear, teeth facing outward, with a bow and arrow in the center. There's also a BACKWARDS (or reversed) swastika, stamped over what may be the Mauser logo in Japanese. This same mark appears beside the serial no. Below this supposed logo is the number ''37'', presumably the year of manufacture. The barrel is stamped ''K98 German 8mm'' and from what I can make out, there's a line below this that reads ''CAL ST AIR VT'' but these letters are half worn away, so they could be something else. The bottom plate directly above the trigger guard has ''11852'' stamped, and reading vertically, in very small letters from this are the letters ''MUD''. Above this, at the topmost screw on this plate, there is the number ''4516'' stamped horizontally, with what looks like tiny German eagle emblems above on either side (this same marking may have been on the top as well, but it's nearly impossible to tell). The stock is marked ''7194'' reading horizontally near the butt. The sling that was with the rifle has a Japanese series mark (one in a circle; I do not know for sure if that is what it is) that doesn't appear in the lists that I've seen. The sling is stamped on the reverse facing the rifle stock with ''2804-02524-S''. That's the extent of the discernable markings. My dad found this rifle at an ''out of the way'' pawn shop for $125 (along with a 1903 Springfield for nearly the same price). It's in good condition (my opinion) considering it's age. There's no doubt that it's a K98, but where was it manufactured, and what is the significance of the reversed swastika? The weapon is most definitely original stuff, but the only time I've seen swastikas backwards are on repro stuff (in attempt to be politically correct). The marking placement seems sort of crude, and some of the numbers and letters are a bit offset (i.e. the serial no.). It has a ''bread basket'' hooded front sight with the original cleaning rod, and what I think is the bayonet lug. The sling goes through the left side of the weapon, attached from the side (don't think that that has any significance, though). Everything seems to be intact, and the stock is in good condition. Any information that you could be supplied about the origin of this weapon or the appraisal value would be well appreciated. Thank you!

Answer:
Josh- During the 1930s, various Chinese Arsenals or arms making plants (one of which was probably the precursor of the North China Industries (NORINCO) plant) produced several million copies of 98 Mauser style rifles. There were based on the K98k style Mauser Standard Modell, and various Belgian or Czech shorter rifle variations. Quality range from okay to really crude junk, but all were suitable for arming the Chinese hordes then engaged in a civil war between the Nationalists and the Commies, and also fighting against the Japanese. Most of these rifles were badly used and abused and many were dumped on the surplus market in the 1970s and 80s at very modest prices. Markings vary greatly but the gear with a bow and arrow inside and the reversed swastika and various numbers and oriental writing are all shown in Robert Ball's superb book "Mauser Military Rifles of the World." The name Chiang Kai Shek model comes from the name of the leader of the Nationalist Chinese. His opponents were followers of (not yet Chairman) Mao Tse Tung. I think that $125 would be about top dollar for one of these, and I hope he got the M1903 Springfield instead, which would be a much better investment, and better rifle. John Spangler

# 11055 - WWII PP With Five Digit Number?
9/17/2005
Michael CO

-Military acceptance stamp eagle over WaA359 located on the left hand side of the frame and behind trigger.
-Waffenfabrik Walther ZellaMehlis (Thur) printed over Walthers Patent Cal 7.65 m/m
-Has a clip release button on left side of frame A friend of mine would like to sell this pistol that her dad got during WWII. I know little about it, and was wondering more about the history of the pistol and what it might be worth. Also, what manufacturer and type of ammo I should use.

Answer:

Michael , originally Walther PP pistols were manufactured from 1929 to 1945. Early PP pistols were made with a High-polish commercial grade blue finish but as the war progressed the quality of finish was degraded to speed production. The first Walther PP serial number was 750000, numbers increased from there until they reached one million, then a new series was initiated which began at 100000 with the added letter suffix "P"

PP pistols were procured by the German Army from 1940 to April 1945 when the American Army overran the plant. Collectors classify military procured PP pistols into several variations:

• First variation pistols had eagle over "359" military acceptance stamps, high-polish blue finish, side mounted magazine release button, and were in the 165126P-168190P serial number range. Estimated procurement was about 1,000.
• Second variation pistols had a bottom mounted magazine release button, high-polish blue finish, eagle over "WaA359" military acceptance stamp and were in the 198359P-199812P or 202005P-202472P serial number range. Estimated procurement was about 1,500.
• Third variation pistols had a high-polish blue finish, eagle over "WaA359" military acceptance stamps, side mounted magazine release button, and were in the 216305P-234705P serial range. Estimated procurement was about 13,000.
• Fourth variation pistols had a lower quality military-blue finish, eagle over "WaA359" military acceptance stamps, side mounted magazine release button, and were in the 235879P-368899P serial range. Estimated procurement was about 66,000.
• Late fifth variation pistols were stamped with the "ac" Walther code on right hand side of the slide, low quality military-blue finish, eagle over "WaA359" military acceptance stamps, side mounted magazine release button, and some of the last production pistols had mismatched numbers, and no proofs or legend.

The serial number that you provided (25023p) does not fall within the correct serial number ranges, my guess is that you may have dropped a digit.

Values for WWII German military issue PP pistols are in the $150 to about $1150 range depending on variation and condition.

Any modern commercially available non-corrosive ammunition of the proper caliber should function in the pistol. Marc

# 11053 - Llama Value
9/13/2005
Kevin

Markings: Gabilondo Y Cia-Elgoibar (Espana) Cal. 7.65m/m (32) ''LLAMA'' Mother of Pearl grips, nickel finish, small round hallmark with a ''P'' in it in 3 spots ''LLAMA ESPECIAL'' on one side a letter ''Y'' with a star above it just above the trigger (along with the ''P'' and another indistinguishable hallmark. Question: This gun is for sale at an estate. I know little about guns but was attracted to this one. Are these rare in the nickel finish? How old is it? Any ideas on value? It is in excellent condition.

Answer:
Kevin, glad that you contacted us before spending your money. Llama has been around for a long time but the firearms that they manufacture are not held in very high regard by most collectors and shooters. References indicate that the Llama Especial (also known as the Model 11) had a five inch barrel, ring hammer, nine shot magazine but that it was only chambered in 9MM. Perhaps the pistol you are inquiring about is a Model 10, these were manufactured from 1935 to 1954 and were chambered in .32. There is not much interest in Llama firearms, values for a .32 caliber Llama pistol would probably be in the $100 or less range. The nickel finish will not help much unless you can find a riverboat gambler or a pimp to sell it to. My recommendation would be to stay away from it. Marc

# 11044 - Parts Luger
9/13/2005
Dan

This Luger is stamped ''1912'' on the receiver and is marked ''9525'' on the slide, barrel and frame, and ''25'' on two places. My question is about the toggle: it is prominently marked ''42,'' and ''c3'' on three other places on the toggle mechanism. It has black plastic grips and the clip has an aluminum end piece. It has military proofmarks. What can you tell me about it? I collect WWI weapons. Was it issued in WWI and reorred and reissued in WWII?

Answer:
Dan, "42" marked toggles were made by Mauser in 1939 and 1940. Since your Luger has a 1912 chamber date, it is easy for me to deduce that you have a parts gun. It is impossible to say how the parts got mixed, it could have been done at an arsenal during re-build or by Bubba out in the garage. I have noted that some of the recent import Soviet captured and re-worked Lugers have black plastic grips. It is possible your Lugers parts were swapped and the extra markings were added is a Soviet arsenal. For more information try posting a question on the excellent bulletin board run by one of my favorite authors Jan C Still at the following URL: http://www.gunboards.com/luger/default.asp. Marc

# 11338 - Natl Ord 1903A3
9/13/2005
Bob/Tulsa, Okla/USA

I recently purchased this rifle and am trying to find information about it. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Markings are few. It has a Weaver Marksman 4x scope mounted on it. Below the front sight mounts are the letters ''NAT'' and ''OG'' I believe the OG is the Ogden arsenal, but the NAT has me wondering. I do not see any ID marks referring to Springfield or Remington. The stock has changed from a military to hunting stock. There are no open sights on the gun, so could the barrel have been changed?

Answer:
Bob- we ask for the various information on the Q&A submission form because sometimes one item provides the clue we need to answer a question. In this case, the serial number pretty much tells us what we needed to know to help. Your rifle was made by National Ordnance in the 1960s. They used newly made receivers (reportedly steel castings from Spain which proved to be quite strong and safe) and most other parts were military surplus parts, with s a newly made parts if needed, often the sights or handguards. Frankly, these have no collector value at all, and are barely worth the effort to try to salvage parts from. They can be effective, if not beautiful or valuable, hunting guns. John Spangler

# 11636 - Civil War Small Arms Unit Marks
9/10/2005

I have a question for you regarding ordnance accountability at the company level and company/regimental stampings on some Civil War longarms. I have occasionally come across longarms of Civil War vintage that are ID'd to a particular company and regiment through period stampings on the stock, buttplate, nosecap, etc. (At times even an "issue" or "soldier" or "rack" number appear on these weapons.) Over the years I have seen these marking on longarms for regiments from a number of states including Mass., Ind., Ky., and Conn. I can send you some images of these markings via email when you respond if you are interested, although you are doubtless already familiar with them. I also know that the ordnance belonged to the company and the captain retained personal financial responsibility.

Articles of War -- Article 40. "Every captain of a troop or company is charged with the arms, accoutrements, ammunition) clothing, or other warlike-stores belonging to the troop or company under his command, which he is to be accountable for to his Colonel in case of their being lost, spoiled, or damaged, not by unavoidable accidents, or on actual service."

My primary question is do you believe that because the ordnance belonged to the company and because the company captain retained personal financial responsibility for these weapons, it would be logical to assume that the some company captains ordered their company's longarms to be marked with identifying stamps such as these in an effort to enhance their accountability of the weapons and to increase the chances that lost/misplaced/battle retrieved weapons belonging to their respective companies would be eventually returned to their company via the ordnance department and thus reduce their financial liability for unaccounted for weapons?

If so, have you ever run across references in archival documents, order books, contemporary diaries/letters, post-war remembrances or regimental histories, etc. of company captains giving such an order to have their company's weapons impressed with identifying stamps such as these?

A related question would be on what document the individual enlisted men were assigned their respective "numbers" which corresponded to the stamped "rack" or "soldier" or "issue" number on the weapon.

Two possibilities seem to exist. (a) Either the company captain, ordnance sergeant, etc. would have had possession of some sort of singular "arms issue list" on which the stamped "rack" or "soldier" or "issue" number on the weapon would be assigned to a specific soldier on that "arms issue list" (for lack of a better term) ... or .(b) the stamped "rack" or "soldier" or "issue" number on the weapon may correspond to a soldier/number assignment on an original "muster in" roll dated on or about the time the weapons were issued to the company's soldiers.

Your experience and feedback on these matters would be much appreciated.

Answer:
Mike- A very good question, but not an easy one to answer. First, unit type markings on Civil War and earlier arms are relatively scarce. Most seem to have been marked only to denote arms as state property (either by purchase or by issue under the 1808 Militia Act). Some of the most common examples are CP for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on 1798 contract muskets, MS, VT, NH, or SNY found stamped on the barrels (and sometimes the stocks) of muskets by Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire or New York from the early 1800s. NJ on the stocks and barrels (later receivers) for New Jersey seems to have started about 1855 and continued until at least the 1880s. South Carolina seems to have marked buttplates with SC (in lieu of, or over, the usual U.S.) from the Palmetto Armory contracts circa 1852 through the 1880s. Virginia's state owned Virginia Manufactory of Arms were clearly marked on the lockplate. Both Pennsylvania and Virginia often marked the county or sometimes the regiment on barrels when issued to the militia, from the colonial period until maybe the 1840s.

Second, the commonly seen format denoting regiment/company/soldier (e.g. 9/B/27) does not seem to have been widely used until after the Civil War. Circa 1870 the regiment/company/soldier marking was officially adopted by the U.S. Army and directed to be used on clothing type items, and will be found on canteens, haversacks, etc up until about World War One. The Ordnance Department, however, adamantly opposed any unit markings on small arms, and amongst the regulars, only a few troops of the 9th or 10th Cavalry seem to have disobeyed.

Even though regt/co/soldier style marks may be found on Civil War era arms, the marks most likely were applied during post-Civil War militia use, or perhaps even with GAR units or the like many years later. Or, if on the buttplates, they may have been switched from early trapdoors to muskets.

When found on post-Civil War era arms, they appear inconsistently, on perhaps less than 5% of the arms, and those include a wide variety of formats. Some adhere to the Regt/Co/soldier format. Others, especially from New York seem to have the full name of the regiment spelled out along with letter/numbers. Georgia seems to have put GA on the top of the butt, sometimes with other letters/numbers.

I have never seen anything that documents application of unit marks to small arms during or after the Civil War. Therefore I agree with the assumption that it was done on the initiative of those at a very low level (either Company or Regiment).

As far as accountability, that was pretty much a formality, and the main responsibility seems to have been submission of the information so that the Regiment could submit their "Quarterly Return of Ordnance and Ordnance Stores". These reports were reconciled back at Washington, and the responsible officer's accounts had to be balanced when they were transferred. In essence this seems to have been to charge some poor enlisted guy for the loss of his musket, or a ball screw or bayonet or whatever, or else "survey" it as lost through no fault of the responsible solider or officer, and thus not charged to his account.

Some items were listed in the individual's pay records, but I am not sure this was the case for Ordnance items, maybe just Quartermaster items like uniforms and equipage. The person most likely to have known what sort of records were kept on small arms accountability was Frank Mallory. He spent over 25 years digging through the surviving records at the National Archives looking for exactly that sort of information. He found hundreds of thousands of numbers, and we convinced him to make them available on our other site http://armscollectors.com. The listings there are all by serial number, as those arms are easily identified. There is no similar listing that I know of for any arms that have Regt/Co/soldier or other locally devised markings, unless they happen to appear on a serial numbered arm.

As far as initials or names whittled on old guns, they may have been soldiers, or perhaps the farmer who used it to shoot hogs and pigeons in the barn after buying the gun surplus from Bannerman. I think that many of the claims that these prove a gun was carried by some Private in some Confederate unit are largely wishful thinking by owners, or downright deception by some crooked dealers.

Hope this helps. John Spangler

# 11017 - Winchester Mod. 67 DOM
9/10/2005
Belinda, Sardis, Georgia

p on bottom of barrel, on the safety tab it has U.S. Patent Pending, 22 short,long,long rifle on barrel How do you date this gun? My husband inherited this gun from his granddaddy who died in 1952.

Answer:
Belinda, Model 67 rifles were manufactured from 1934 to 1942 and then again after the war from 1946 to 1963. Since rifles were not serial numbered, the only way that I know of to narrow down the date of manufacture is by examining your rifle's characteristics. The finger groove in the forend of the stock was omitted 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 in January 1938. In all Winchester manufactured approx 383,000 Model 67 rifles. This is not a lot of information to help you narrow down your date of manufacture. You may want to try posting a question on the Winchester forum at ArmsCollectors.com, maybe one of the experts there will have better ideas. Marc

# 11680 - Arminius Value
9/6/2005
Pennington Gap, VA

I would like to know the price of this gun new and used? Thank you

Answer:
Arminius firearms were cheaply made and of questionable safety, I would never risk firing one. They have little or no collector interest/value. My guess - under $50 new and used. Probably a lot under. Marc

# 11014 - Marlin Mod 60
9/6/2005
Jennifer TX

Marlin Model 60 Micro-groove barrel Cal 22 LR Only. SN#00211079. The Marlin Firearms Co. North Haven, CT USA This is the print on the gun. It also has a gold trigger. Stock is wooden. Would like to know the year it was made, and an approximate value? and any other pertinent info

Answer:
Jennifer, the Marlin Model 60 started out as the Marlin / Glenfield Model 60 rifle in 1966 and it was marketed under that name until 1983 when the "Glenfield" part of the name was dropped. The rifle became known as the Model 60 and it is still being marked to this day. Model 60s are an entry level rifle, they usually come with 19 or 22 (disc. 2002) inch Micro-Groove barrels, plain birch stock with pressed checkering that usually includes a squirrel motif, Marlin's 'Wide-Scan' front-sight hood, simplified spring-leaf rear sight and 14 shot tubular magazine. A device that holds the bolt open after the last round has been fired was added to guns made after 1985. Model 60 values are modest, I sold one recently for $35.00. Marc

# 11635 - Hopkins & Allen Mauser Rifles
9/6/2005

What can you tell me about a Mauser action rifle produced by Hopkins and Allen that was turned out right before the outbreak of World War One? I have seen only one article (Some years ago) that had some information on this rifle. Apparently, only about 8,000 were produced, most of which went to German allies in South America. Other information seems to be hard to come by and I can't be sure about the information I do have. Some have speculated that the production of this rifle for Germany led to the downfall of the H&A arms company. Can you enlighten me?

Answer:
Sir- The only Mauser style rifle that Hopkins & Allen made was the Model 1889 rifle under a Belgian contract. About 8,000 were delivered circa 1915-1917. This type of rifle was similar to the common M1891 Argentine Mauser, except it had the barrel jacket like the German Model 1888 "Commission rifle." As far as I know, the Belgians kept them all, and did not send any to South America. The demise of Hopkins & Allen had nothing to do with German contracts, but rather with the entry of the U.S. into WW1. The company had never been very successful, making mainly second rate guns such as "suicide specials" and cheap shotguns. However, the European demand for military arms during WW1 led to their getting the Belgian Mauser contract. It seems that the funding was to be through the British, who also were involved with contracts of their own for arms, and on behalf of Russia's Czarist government. Apparently there were problems with the financing which forced Hopkins & Allen into foreclosure in September 1917. It is not clear if this was related to failure to deliver the required number of arms, or failure of the Belgians to make the payments happen. In any case, the U.S. Army Ordnance Department had been itching to convert Hopkins & Allen production to meet U.S. needs, and with its blessing, the Marlin-Rockwell Corporation acquired the Hopkins & Allen facilities in October 1917 at the foreclosure auction. Marlin had been deeply involved with the manufacture of Colt-Browning machine guns for nearly two years, including an improved variation of the original M1895 "potato digger" for aircraft use. In addition they were tasked with production of the newly developed Browning Automatic Rifle (soon to be designated the M1918). Marlin Rockwell delivered some 18,000 BARs before the end of WW1. Although Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and their values has some good info on some of the Hopkins & Allen guns, the best account of the company's late history is in William Brophy's masterpiece Marlin Firearms. John Spangler

# 11634 - Henry Shotgun purchase
9/3/2005
Thomas

I am considering buying a Henry, 12 ga., double barrel, exposed hammer, shotgun. I don't think it has a Damascus barrel but it appears very old. Winchester collectors has no info. Mr. George Madis recently passed. Any information or contacts would be appreciated.

Answer:
Thomas- Henry shotguns have no connection at all with the Henry rifle made by Winchester or its designer. Alexander Henry was a very fine English maker. J.C. Henry Arms Co was a name used by a Minnesota distributor on guns made by Crescent, a maker of low quality guns under at least 100 different names. George Henry was another English maker but nothing special. Henry Gun Company was a name used on Belgian made guns in the early 1900s, typical cheap export guns. Frankly, unless you are looking for something to hang on the wall, I suggest you invest your gun money in just about anything else. John Spangler

# 11331 - Austrian Lorenz Musket
9/3/2005
Ben, Gulfport, Ms.

Lockplate...862, Austrian Double Headed Eagle stamp I purchased this rifle about 10 years ago at a War Between the States Sutler at a reenactment at Franklin, Tenn. He was from New Jersey. I thought it may be a C.S. piece, but have found that several Union Regiments used them also. On top flat of barrel is G.SCH..ASER. Know who made it?

Answer:
Ben- The Lorenz muskets were fairly highly regarded during the Civil War and saw wide usage by both sides. Surprisingly, most of those on the market seem to have been (allegedly) used by Confederate rather than Yankee units. It is nearly impossible to tell which side may have used on, but the presence of an abundance of CSA markings is usually a sign of fraud rather than authentic period marks. There were a number of different contractors who made the Lorenz for Austrian service, and I am not able to identify all of them. John Spangler

# 11652 - HUH?
9/3/2005
Gene Silverton, Oregon

Three SS Eagles stamped on the right front of the frame below the barrel. Two of the eagles have the numbers 655 under them. What do the above listed markings mean. Are they Naval stamps?

Answer:
Gene, I am not sure that I follow your train of logic. First you tell me that the markings on your Luger are 'SS Eagles' then you ask me if they are 'Naval stamps'. Obviously you are unfamiliar with German WW2 era markings. Actually both of your guesses are incorrect. The eagle over 655 stampings are German WW-II Heerswaffenamt inspector's marks that were applied to arms produced at Mauser-Werke AG, Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany. Different numbers were used to indicate inspectors working at different locations. This marking should also be stamped once on the top left side of the barrel one half inch from the receiver, and once on the base of the magazine. The other marking is a military test proof, it should be stamped on the forward right side of the receiver, on the left side of the breech block, and on the rear right side of the barrel.

Marks used to indicate Naval inspection or property were a similar eagle over the letter M {for Kriegs Marine, or Navy, not Marine Corps) instead of an inspector number. Eagles used by the SS, mainly as uniform insignia, had the wings ending with a bevel from the top and bottom, sort of like a ">" while the other services used eagles with wing tips which were beveled from the bottom only, more like a "7". The usual SS marking on weapons consisted of one or usually two "runes" or lighting bolt style "S" letter(s). Marc