# 13328 - Baby Hammerless
11/29/2008
Allan

Do you know where I might find some information on a Baby Hammerless pistol. It looks like it has pat Feb 2.92-Feb4.96 printed on top. Grip has a K on it. Thanks.

Answer:
Allan- The late Frank Sellers published a nifty book on the "Baby" revolvers. There are an amazing number of different variations on these things, and it would be an interesting collecting field, and one where most of the guns are still rather modestly priced.

I know the book is available from Mowbray Publishing, and at a price of around $25-35 it would be a good investment. John Spangler

# 13234 - Winchester Pump .22 With Marlin Barrel
11/29/2008
Clay, Austin, TX

Winchester Receiver and Marlin Barrel. Barrel stamped with patent dates Nov.19, 1878, April 2, 1889, Aug.12, 1890, Mar.1, 1892 I recently acquired a Winchester pump 22. The barrel, however, is octagonal and stamped as a Marlin. The serial number on the bottom of the receiver near the rifle stock is 514936 (and stamped Winchester on the top part). There is another number stamped on the bottom of the receiver near the barrel that is 444779 B. I don't know the model of the Winchester since the barrel is from Marlin. I am trying to find out the model number of this gun, and whether the value is increased, decreased, or unaffected by the unique barrel combination. Please help?

Answer:
Clay- I am positive that the Marlin barrel was installed by a previous owner after the original was shot out or damaged. In my opinion, the value is probably cut by 50% by the replaced barrel. It may work fine and be a good shooter, but no collector would have much interest. John Spangler

# 13346 - Please Look Before You Ask
11/29/2008
Don

none Please tell me what year this gun was manufactured, thank you.

Answer:
Don - we have supplied a really handy program that will allow you to look up the date of manufacture for your Winchester. You must have missed it but there is a link on the OldGuns.net left hand side menu, a little over half way down under "Manufacture Dates -> Winchester" that will take you there. Good Luck - Marc.

# 13361 - Revelation Shotgun Value
11/25/2008
RICKY EVANS

WESTERN AUTO CO HOW OLD IS IT AND HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH I GAVE A 140 DOLLARS AT PAWN SHOP FOR IT

Answer:
Ricky, there is no way to tell how old the shotgun is, I am not sure how you expected me to be able to determine that when you did not even provide a serial number. As for value, in my opinion, you paid about twice what the shotgun is worth. Marc

# 13344 - Standard Arms Co. Rifle
11/25/2008
U.S.A

Brass butt with brass pump what's the value of rifle

Answer:
The Standard Arms Company of Wilmington, Delaware made a very interesting gas-operated rifle around 1910 that has a design far ahead of its time. The Model G (gas?) was the first gas-operated rifle offered for sale in the U.S. They were chambered for many calibers including the .25-35, .30- 30, .25 Remington, .30 Remington and .35 Remington. They had an enclosed box magazine, 22 inch barrel, and open sights. There is a gas port that can be set to the open position for semi- automatic operation, or when closed, the rifle is operated as a pump action. The similar Model M (manual?) was a slide action only version. Standard Arms rifles are seen at gun shows occasionally, but there does not seem to be much collector interest in them. The Model G in excellent condition might bring up to $450, but the Model M only about $350 to $400. The fancy cast brass forend seems to be standard on these. Marc

# 13226 - German MOD 98 Mauser
11/25/2008
Robyn, Richmond, VA

All matching parts (3204) except bolt (4307). Eagle holding swastika in many places. On top of barrel, has a marking I can't make out however, below that, it has ''ar'' (in lower case) and below that, 43. On the side of this same area, there is another eagle and 3204 with ''f'' below. One the right side of the stock, there is what looks to be a coin embedded. The coin has an Eagle, looking left and both feet open (4 toes each) and something written around the coin which is definitely not english. (Sorry, can't make it out but some of it has {?emrinnut vor eigennut). I have a rifle that my Dad left for me. Can anyone please tell me if this is a Mauser, when it was made, any interesting history (or where I can find it) and an estimated value. The overall length is 43.5''. The wooden stock is a very pretty wood that has some red grain. Overall, it's in very good condition and no rust. Anything you can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Answer:
Robyn- Your rifle is a standard WW2 German Model 98 Mauser rifle which was made in 8mm Mauser caliber. These are officially called the Karabiner 98 kurz which is abbreviated at Kar98k or K98k. These were popular souvenirs for troops coming home from the European theater in WW2, both for sentimental value as a memento of an army they defeated, and for potential use as hunting rifles. The marking on the receiver (ar 43) indicates it was made in 1943 at the Mauser factory in Berlin-Borsigwalde. The coin in the stock is not original. These had a big steel tube with large washers on both end for use in locking the rifles in a rack, and for help disassembling the bolt. I suspect someone removed that and inserted the coin instead. These often had the stock cut under the band so, when disassembled, the entire rifle would fit in a GI duffel bag. This :duffel bag cut” hurts the value some. I usually see these vet souvenir rifles selling for several hundred dollars, depending on condition and any desirable makers or dates. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 13225 - Model 1870 Springfield Barrel Marks
11/22/2008
Steve, Marysville, Wa.

Barrel marked US 90 Is the barrel original?

Answer:
Steve- I have never seen, or read of, a U.S. Model 1870 .50-70 rifle that had US 90 marked on the barrel. The barrel may be original and the marking a later addition, or it may be a totally replaced barrel. John Spangler

# 13216 - Weaver 330 Scope
11/22/2008
Alan, Jackson Missouri

Model 330, W.R. Weaver Co., El Paso, Texas U.S.A. I was recently given my grandfather's scope. It is a Weaver Model 330 with a post aimpoint instead of crosshairs. I would like to about the scope and if possible date of manufacture. Thank you

Answer:
Alan- The Weaver 330 scope was a very good scope, simple, robust and cheap to make. The 330 was introduced in 1930 when it sold for $19 compared to $50 to $70 for the few other makers’ scopes at the time. The Army got about 28,000 of the scopes for use during WW2 on the M1903A4 sniper rifle. Production continued after WW2 for the civilian market, until 1947 when newer designs with larger tubes and lenses were introduced. The 330s were offered with either click or “silent” adjustment knobs and either crosshair or post reticules. Another popular option was a Lee “dot” reticule which was a small to tiny dot seemingly suspended invisibly in the center of the scope. Actually there are superfine little crosshairs supporting the dot, but they really are almost invisible. John Spangler

# 13343 - Springfield 22
11/22/2008
Charlie, Wenona, Illinois, USA

On the barrel of the gun is the print ''J Stevens Arms Company Chicopee Falls, Mass. U.S.A. Model 86 C- Springfield 22 Short long or long rifle''. My father has a 22 rifle that he has given me to keep coyotes away from my home. He had an interesting and heart warming story that goes along with it, too! On the barrel of the gun is the print ''J Stevens Arms Company Chicopee Falls, Mass. U.S.A. Model 86 C- Springfield 22 Short long or long rifle''. My father remembers buying the rifle either in 1939 or 1940 just before the war started. He went into the war at the age of 17 in 1943. He would have been 13 or 14 years old when he bought the gun. My question for ya'll is, ''What information can be told to me about this old rifle of my dad's, and also what would be important or valuable about this rifle?'' My father would much appreciate any and all info about his ''little huntin' rifle'' he bought years ago. Tanx for all your help, Charlie

Answer:
Charlie, Stevens sold many different models of inexpensive .22 rifles under the Springfield name. There is not a lot of collectors interest in them or much information available on them. I was unable to find a reference to the 86C in any of my books. Generally these were basic inexpensive simple guns which sold at modest prices and still have little interest or value on market today. On the retail market they usually sell in the $25-125 range depending on condition and general appearance for use as a "wall hanger" over a fireplace. Where there is any family history, we encourage people to keep these old guns for sentimental value. Sorry that I could not tell you that you have a real treasure. Marc

# 13338 - Russian Mod 91/30
11/18/2008
Richard

on top of receiver behind the rear sight ''Hammer and Sickle stamp'' below that the date ''1913'' below that the sign for omega and the numbers 9621. O n the barrel to the right of the front sight M91/30 7.62x54R Russia. second line C.A.I. ST. ALB. VT. The barrel has a wooden cover with a grove on the bottom that looks like it might have held a ramrod. There is also a metal lined strap hole through it. There is also a strap hole in the stock. Do you have any further information on this rifle other than the fact it is Russian and possibly made in 1913? It is definitely a military rifle.

Answer:
Richard, one part of your question is easy to answer, your rifle is definitely military. A huge number of surplus military arms like yours have come into the U.S. over the last decade or so from former Soviet block nations. Your rifle is a Model 91/30 that was imported by Century Arms International of St. Albins Vermont.

The Model 91/30 is a modification of an earlier Russian infantry rifle which was originally adopted in 1891. The main difference between the two is that the 1930 version has a shorter barrel.

You did not say whether the serial numbers on the receiver, barrel, bolt and the magazine match. Most of the Russian rifles we see are post war reworks and do not have matching numbers. Marc

# 13337 - 69A Information
11/18/2008
Pete, Soldotna, Ask.

In good shape, w/ original sling. Excellent rifling. What's the average value of this rifle? Rough guess is fine. Thx.

Answer:
Pete, Winchester manufactured about 355,000 Model 69 & 69A rifles between 1935 and 1963. Rifles were not serial number so it is difficult to pin down a date of manufacture. The 69 and the 69A were both 10 shot, bolt action repeaters that came with 25 inch barrels. Standard open sights, or a number 97B rear aperture sight with a number 80A hooded front target sights were offered on both Model 69 and Model 69A rifles. The big difference between 69 and 69A rifles is that the Model 69 was cocked by the closing motion of the bolt which had straight (non-swept back) bolt handle. The 69A was cocked by the opening motion of the bolt and it had a swept back bolt handle.

The blue book lists 69 & 69A values between $85 and $425 depending on condition. The book also tells us to add 40% for target model rifles, 20% for grooved receiver 69A rifles, and 5% if the rifle has a chrome plated bolt handle and trigger guard. Hope this helps - Marc

# 13212 - Colt Model 1849 Pocket Revolver Made In London
11/18/2008
Fred

Col Colt london on top of barrel...engraving on receiver not in very good shape but appears to be a stagecoach scene Barrel says Col. Colt London...shows colt's patent with 5247 on receiver...in front of trigger guard there is the #5257...in front of that is the #5247 and beneath the barrel is the #that appears to be 6447..octagon barrel...any ideas what I may have? Thank you for your time, Fred

Answer:
Fred- You have one of about 11,000 Model 1849 Colt “Pocket Model” revolvers which were made at the Colt Factory in London, England between 1853 and 1857. The stagecoach scene is a distinguishing feature on these, suggesting that it may be a good idea to have one of these in case you got held up on the highway. These have a fair amount of collector interest, and value depends on condition. I would expect to see ones matching your description at a gun show priced about $500-1,000. The numbers should all match, so either you are misreading the cylinder number, or it has been switched at some point in history. John Spangler

# 13196 - FN 49 Egyptian Serial Numbers
11/15/2008
Aaron, Skidmore, Texas

On the left side of the receiver below the rear sight there are five symbols. The first one looks like an ''l'' the next two look like backwards ''3'''s. The forth one an upside down ''V''. And the fifth one a ''V''. Moving forward on the left side near the front of the bolt there are five symbols that all look like the number 7. The first ,third, an fourth are backwards. Above the bolt there's a crown symbol with a half moon on top with a star inside the half moon. Then on the opposite side there's a symbol that I can't quite make out but, it looks like an arrow. I would like to know exactly what caliber and country of origin.

Answer:
Aaron- I am pretty sure the crest you describe is from Egypt, one of the biggest guyers of the FN 49 Semi-Automatic rifle. The five funny marks are actually the serial number, written in Arabic/Egyptian characters. We have a list of numbers in seven different language styles on our other site http://armscollectors.com/numbers.htm so you can decipher the cryptic numbers. John Spangler

# 13156 - Starr Four Barrel Pistol
11/15/2008
Jeff, Montague , CA

Starr's pat's May 10, 1964 on right side of hand gun on circular plate. Under the barrel the is a number 2 over the letter I and also on the brass frame under the barrel. There are no other marking on the pistol. It has dark wood grips, a button style trigger and a barrel release on the right side of the frame. There is a BB type front sight with a groove in the tope of the frame as a rear sight. I just inherited this pistol and know nothing about it. I am interested in when it was made and the value of the pistol. How many were produced? Is the 2 over I the serial number? Where might I find ammo for this pistol? How do I determine the caliber? I can send photo's if a web site is available. Jeff

Answer:
Jeff- Starr Arms Co. was active from 1858 through 1867, located in Yonkers, NY. It was run by Eben T. Starr who obtained numerous firearms related patents from 1856 through 1882. They made about 3,000 .36 caliber Model 1858 double action revolvers, and 23,000 .44 caliber double action Army Model 1858s. They also made about 32,000 .44 caliber Model 1863 Army single action revolvers. All these were percussion revolvers, with the vast majority sold for military use. They also made 20,601 .54 caliber percussion breech loading carbines (somewhat similar to the Sharps in appearance) and 5,002 similar carbines chambered in .52 riimfire. All these were for military use during the Civil War. Rounding out the Starr product line, they sold a single shot .41 rimfire derringer and six variations of .32 rimfire four shot derringers, like yours. Although sold by Starr, they were actually made by the Merrill Patent Firearms Mfg Co. of Baltimore, MD. About 800 of the single shots were made and about 2,000 of the four shot. Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values is probably the best source of information on these to figure out which of the six variations of the four barrel pistol you have. Values are relatively modest, and depend on condition, but figure something like $500-900 in good condition, depending on the exact variation.

These used .32 rimfire ammunition, loaded with black powder, which is just not available any more, so forget about ever trying to shoot it. John Spangler

# 13324 - Serial Numbers Before 1968
11/15/2008
Andy

Was there a date when firearm serial numbers were not mandatory? I have the above as well as a Stevens 22/410 that do not have any serial numbers. Thanks!

Answer:
Andy, prior to 1968 there was no requirement that firearms have serial numbers. Inexpensive shotguns and 22 rifles that were manufactured before then are often seen without them. If you are trying to find out when your firearms were manufactured, we can help with the Remington. Remington firearms that were made between 1921 and 1972 have a two or three letter code on the left side of the barrel that identifies the month and year that the firearm was manufactured. The first letter identifies the month, the other letter(s) identify the year. There is a link on the OldGuns.net menu that will take you to a program that you can use to look up the information on your Remington.

# 13321 - Ortgies Capture Information
11/11/2008
John, Oswego, IL

Usual markings on hand grip and trigger guard Is there anyway to gather historical information from the Serial number? WWII trophy from US Veteran 82d Airborne. Captured in 1945.

Answer:
John, we get this kind of question all of the time, sorry to say that there I have no knowledge of a place where you can get the information that you are looking for and I do not think that it exists.

Although I can not tell you about the history of your pistol, I can tell you a little about Ortgies. The founder of Ortgies (Heinrich Ortgies) was a German but he lived in Liege for many years, and may have been connected with the firearms business there. During his residence in Belgium, Ortgies designed an automatic pistol incorporating certain ingenious details which he patented in about 1916. After WWI, Ortgies returned to Germany and set up in business in Erfurt manufacturing the Ortgies pistol. Ortgies manufactured upwards of 10,000 pistols and they proved to be such a great success that Deutsche Werke of Erfurt made him an attractive offer to buy his business which he accepted. In 1921 Deutsche Werke took over the Ortgies patents, tools and stock, and began making Ortgies pistols. Original Orgies made pistols are marked on the slide 'Ortgies & Co Erfurt Ortgies Patent', the grips came with a bronze medallion with the intertwined initials 'HO', these grip medallions were retained by Deutsche Werke for some years, and they also retained the wording 'Ortgies Patent'. Later production dropped both these features. Unfortunately there is not much collector interest in Ortgies pistols and values for them fall in the $125.00 range. Marc

# 13320 - H.Pieper's Flobert
11/11/2008
Clayton, Joseph, OR

Bayard Era? Origin? Value?

Answer:
Clayton, Pieper set up shop in Liege Belgium about 1859, his son Nicolas formed the company of that name in 1898. H.Pieper's is best known for a series of semi-automatic pistols but they also made revolvers and rifles. Your rifle is known as a "Flobert", these were very inexpensive guns sold by the thousands (actually several hundred thousand) from about 1870 to 1920 for export throughout the world. Sears, Roebuck and other large retailers sold them by mail order and they were used as "premiums" in various youth oriented advertising schemes. They used .22 caliber ammunition but often it was a special low powered variety. These rifles should not be shot with modern ammunition. Flobert rifles have very little collector interest, and value for complete examples is probably under $50.00, if you can find anyone who wants one. Hope this helps. Marc

# 13312 - Gift Revolver
11/8/2008
Kenneth

pistol grip says h.s Given as a gift. possible antique. Told by novice antique dealer looks late 1950s- early 60s.would like too know for sure. THANK YOU

Answer:
Kenneth, you did not give me a lot to go by but it sounds like the information that you already have is pretty good. I'll bet that your revolver is one of many that were imported from West Germany in the 1960s before the gun control laws of 1968. Most of the West German import guns were inexpensive 'Saturday night special' types. There is little or no collector interest in theses firearms and values for most are in the $50.00 or less range. If you intend to fire your revolver, it would be wise to have it checked for safety by a gunsmith first. Marc

# 13272 - Belgian Made Flobert Rifle
11/8/2008
Kermit

In our attic for 50+ years this gun lay in storage. It was here when we bought the house from an estate. The last owner had died. I know little about guns but this is an unusual one. Hexagonal barrel length 24.5 inches, single shot, walnut stock, fancy trigger guard, hammer firing mechanism with a swing-up cover to the firing chamber, the firing pin has a large thumb catch that leans to the right and has checkering, the hand grip on the stock has checking, the butt of the stock has a fitted metal plate. It has a signature over the firing chamber that is hard to read in slanted letters, H. Pieper or Bieper. I will send you a photo upon receipt of a mailing address. Can you help me?

Answer:
Kermit- You have a "Flobert" action rifle made by Henri Peiper in Leige, Belgium. These were inexpensive "boys rifles" sold in the Sears Roebuck catalog circa 1902 at very modest prices, one of the least expensive guns offered. I would expect to find ones matching your description offered at a gun show at prices around $50-125 depending on condition, but there is almost no market for these at any price. They are NOT SAFE to shoot with ANY modern ammunition. John Spangler

# 13296 - Unusual .25 Auto
11/4/2008
Jeffrey

Societe' D' Armes Paris Automatique 6.35 Brevete France Any info on this? Was supposedly taken off a German officer captured at the Battle of the Bulge. Has both a grip safety and a thumb safety

Answer:
Jeffrey, Societe Franaise d'Armes Automatiques de Saint-Etienne was out of bushiness by the end of WWI. The company manufactured a small 6.35mm pistol prior to 1914 which was based on a Mannlicher design. It had a barrel which was exposed for most of its length. The slide had arms that ran alongside the barrel which were joined at the front to contain a return spring. The butt had ornate grips with a grip safety at the front. The magazine release button was at the rear bottom.

There is not a lot of collector interest in this kind of pistol. I would expect to see one like it offered for sale at a gunshow in the $200 range. Marc

# 13291 - Remington .22 Autoloader
11/4/2008
Norman, Oklahoma

remington arms co. inc. successor to the remington arms u.m.c.co.inc.remingtonilion wrks ilion n.y.u.s.a. brownimgs patent oct.24. 1916 no on barrel y2777 logo on butt (metal trademark stamp) remington umc .22short-lesmok or smokeless-greased rw c/o historical info and approx. value

Answer:
Norman, Remington introduced the Model 24 in 1922, it was a takedown, semi-automatic design with a schnabel forend tip and a long slender receiver. The loading port was cut into the right hand side of the pistol grip buttstock and spent cases were ejected downward from an ejection port just ahead of the trigger guard. The Model 24 looks a lot like Browning's little .22 semi-auto takedown rifle, this is due to the fact that the Model 24 is based on Browning patents. Model 24 rifles were chambered for either .22 Short or .22 Long Rifle, rimfire. Rifles chambered for .22 Short like yours, came standard with a 19 inch barrel. Production figures vary but one reference indicates that production reached about 131,000 rifles before the model was discontinued in 1935.

The blue book lists values for this model between $100 and about $500 depending on condition. Your rifle may be a little more difficult to sell because of the caliber, unless you happen to run across just the right collector. Marc

# 13271 - Bayonet Reference Books
11/4/2008

Sirs, I have been collecting Indian Wars to WWII guns for some time and now find that I wish to get representative bayonets for the rifles that I have. I see that you list a number of books on bayonets. What is the best book for a beginner that covers bayonets from the end on the Civil War to WW II?

Answer:
Bill- I am assuming you are limiting our self to U.S. martial arms, not world wide. If world wide then Bayonets from Janzen's Notebook would be best for general ID purposes.

For U.S. socket bayonets of the post CW period- these are covered in Robert M. Reilly's American Socket Bayonets & Scabbards, but you could probably live without that.

For WW1-WW2 the bayonets are well covered in Bruce Canfield's U.S Infantry Weapons of WW1 and the second volume U.S. Infantry Weapons of WW2. Both are excellent for the guns as well and I HIGHLY recommend them both. For more limited focus just on the bayonets then Gary Cunningham's U.S. Military Bayonets of the 20th Century is your best bet, and it will include the Krag era as well. We usually have new or used copies of all of these on our Books for Arms Collectors catalog page. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 13270 - Roper Revolving Shotgun Steel Cartridges
11/1/2008

I recently purchased a roper revolving shotgun which I understand is the first cartridge shotgun manufactured. I am looking for a source to try and find the steel cartridges that would have been used for this gun and possible production records this gun serial number is 352. Thank you in advance for any help you may be.

Answer:
Sir: The Roper shotguns are fascinating machinery and historically important guns. The "cartridges" are essentially miniature percussion barrels with a nipple at the back and sized to fit inside the revolving shotgun's cylinder chambers. Each cartridge is loaded just like a muzzle loader with loose powder and shot and a percussion cap, but with the advantage of being much easier to fiddle with than doing it down a 30 inch barrel, and small enough that a hunter could carry spares for quick reloading of the gun (if not the cartridges) in the field.

I see the cartridges from time to time at gun or cartridge shows and as I recall the prices are rather steep- in the range of $30-75, but I am not sure if I remember correctly as I did not pay that much attention. Your best bet for finding one is from a dealer in collector cartridges, such as those listed on the links page at http://CartridgeCollectors.org John Spangler

# 13269 - Old Gun With E. P. And Crescent Marks
11/1/2008
Robert & Kelly

My husband and I purchased a rifle at a garage sale. We were looking for possible information on its history and worth. It has Asian writing inscribed near the action and several features. One is the Asian writing, also there is the letters "ELG" with a star symbol enclosed in a tiny circle, also the is engraved the letters "E.P." with a crescent shape facing upward like a bowl. Also, one more intriguing thing, is what looks like homemade small nail heads nailed in rows on the butt of the gun (possible kills) recorded on it. If you could possibly help with this information, we would be so pleased. Thank you - Robert and K

Answer:
Robert & Kelly- The ELG and adjacent marking indicate it was made in Belgium. The EP and crescent are marks of the Egyptian Police. Most Egyptian used arms are in badly abused condition. If it is a semi-auto, then it is the Belgian Made FN Model 49 in 8mm Mauser caliber. Several thousands were imported as surplus in the 1970s in fairly good condition, often with replaced stocks. The other commonly seen EP guns are single shot Remington rolling block rifles. Hope that helps. John Spangler

# 13294 - Modern Model 63 Winchester Information
11/1/2008
Ken, Wanamaker, Indiana

Box says its a grade one and it was manufactured in Japan, has the rail on top for a scope and swivel studs I got this gun from my uncle when he passed away last year and I was curious as to when the gun was manufactured and how much it is worth. It is in perfect condition and is still in the box with the original wrapping. I really appreciate your help, Thanks!!!!!!

Answer:
Ken, late production Winchester Model 63 rifles like the one that you inherited were manufactured in Japan in 1997 and 1998. These rifles were similar to the older originals, and they came standard with a 10 shot magazine, 23 inch barrel, checkered walnut stock and forearm, and engraved receiver with blue finish. Values in the blue are in the $700 to $1000 range but only if the rifle is in 95% condition or better. You would be well advised to take good care of your rifle and never shoot it because even one or two small scratches could possibly reduce the value by $200 or more. Marc