# 6252 - Brass Pistol Barrel
1/31/2004
Jim Western New York

The barrel is brass. It is a percussion type from what I found on the web. It has a very small oval with 3 letters . E? L. G. I have the barrel only it is brass it is one piece. Can you put me onto the right track to ID this item. I found it while metal detecting . Thanks Jim

Answer:
Jim- The oval with ELG is the proof mark applied to arms made in Belgium. Most were made for the export market, and were generally of rather modest quality (ranging downward to nearly unsafe junk). Brass barrels are not common, so I suspect this is probably from the period 1830-1860, although percussion arms lingered on until about 1900. Of course, even if it was made as early as 1830, it could have been dropped where you found it any time since then, including by a burglar fleeing from a house robbery last week. John Spangler

# 6225 - Herter Reloading Press Parts
1/31/2004
Stan, Naperville, IL

Is there any contact for adapters from the old Herter's reloading press to a shell holder of modern vintage, OR, a listing of anyone who still deals with Herter's products. All I need are a few shell holders to make my old press work again.

Answer:
Stan- I still use one of the old Herter presses myself. Someone makes (made?) an adapter so you can use RCBS shell holders, but I got mine about 15 years ago and do not recall the source. You are welcome to post this on our free wanted page. John Spangler

# 6334 - Unique Model 52
1/31/2004

I recently purchased the above pistol. I know is was made in France. I would like to know the date and whether any information manuals are available.

Answer:
References tell me that the model 52 was the first Unique pistol chambered in .22 caliber, it was sold in the United States during the late 1950s. The design was a modification of the earlier Unique Ranger model, with the slide extensively cut away, a fixed 90mm, 135mm or 185mm barrel and new takedown system which made use of a switch lever on the right hand side of the frame for dismantling. Production was relatively short-lived and the design was soon replaced by the D and E models. I can't help with a search for an instruction manual, try posting on the appropriate forum at ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 6294 - Sorry, My Crystal Ball Must Be Out Of Order
1/28/2004
Jeff, Indy IN

Pedersens patents Jan 5, 1909, Oct 12 1909, March 8, 1910, Nov 21, 1911, April 16, 1912. I am simply trying to gather any and all info on this 22 caliber. It was passed on to me and I know nothing about it! Any info would be greatly appreciated. Your website was made available to me through Jeeves.com

Answer:
Jeff, action type (lever, bolt, semi, pump, ect.)? Barrel length? Model? (".22 Short Long Or Long Rifle " is the caliber not the model). You did not provide enough information for me to be able to answer your question. In this case it is not critical but you did not even tell me if you have a handgun or a long gun.

You may want to try posting your question on the forum at our other site: www.ArmsCollectors.com. When you post, try to provide as much information as possible for people to work with. Remington model numbers are often stamped on the left side of the barrel near the receiver. If you can not find a model number, at least give the action type, and barrel length. Marc

# 6067 - Mk1 Webley
1/28/2004
Ed, Gaston, Oregon

3 Royal Crowns with Bv, BP, NP under each crown stamped in several places. No signs of rust. All parts match with serial numbers. A very antique weapon. I have been trying to find the value on this particular weapon. I understand that it is a 1887 model. Is there a market for this weapon?

Answer:
Ed, in the early 1890's, the Mark I was the first Webley officially accepted into British military service. The Webley Green Government Model in the same caliber had been purchased privately by officers since 1885. The Webley top break design with automatic ejection and double action lock mechanism was a sturdy, reliable, revolver. The Mark I started a relationship with Webley's and the British military that lasted, until after World War II with the Mark VI, the British military liked the revolvers so much that they did not adopt an automatic pistol until the 1950s.

Webleys chambered in 455 have been selling in the USA in the $300 to $700 range depending on Mark and condition. Many Webley's in the USA have had the back of their cylinder milled off so that they can chamber 45 ACP cartridges. This modification cuts value in the eyes of some collectors but shooters like it because .45 ACP ammunition is cheaper and much easier to find than 455. Let us know if you ever decide to sell. Marc

# 6115 - Colt .41 Caliber On .45 Frame
1/28/2004
Virginia

1st patent 1871 What is the value of pistol came from TX with my grandfather

Answer:
Virginia- As an old family piece it sounds like a neat gun to keep in the family. Unfortunately, without a photo or a more detailed description we cannot pin down what model this is. Nearly all the full size revolvers made after 1871 until the end of the single action era were based to some extent on the 1871 patent. I would guess that it is a Single Action Army, and depending on when it came from Texas with your grandfather, it could be a valuable collector item. Those made before 1900 or the so called "first generation black powder model" bring the highest prices, but all depend greatly on condition, barrel length, caliber and any documented history. Keep it in the family, but insure it for at least $1,000. John Spangler

# 6092 - Whitman or Whitney Pistol of Some Sort
1/24/2004

Whitney Arms on the barrel . Main body is made of brass . It is a single action 6 shot revolver . The pistol in my mine is in excellent shape . I'd like to know the year it was made , & any other information I can find out ? Thank You

Answer:
Dear anonymous- Once again, our mind reading skills are poor, or maybe they are excellent but lack much to work with. The more info people provide, the better our response will be. We are guessing that this is a cartridge revolver, not percussion. If so, it is probably one of the .32 caliber rimfire models made by Whitney in New Haven Conn, or Whitneyville, Conn circa 1871-1879. (Actually made in the same place, but apparently vanity led to use of the Whitneyville name.) John Spangler

# 6086 - Long Lee Enfield By LSA 1896
1/24/2004
Jon, Lockport, New York

On the right side of the stock (wood)- M & D London, and what looks like a Royal Crown stamped the in wood. Also on the right side just behind the trigger and beneath the bolt knob - it has stamped in the medal a Royal Crown - letters VR and underneath those markings L.S.A.CO.LD. underneath that a year of 1896- underneath that is the letters L.E, and under that looks like a number 1. On the brass butt plate - on top; letters WD with what looks like upside down V with a small line in the middle along with what looks like a Royal Crown x 23, and big numbers 44 with a line under that; with 273 below it stamped in the brass butt plate. As you open the action (on the outside of where the round is put into the chamber)- on the right side of the barrel is stamped with the number 7022. There is a big letter E stamped on the top of the barrel where the round enters. Looks like it has a 10 to 11 shot clip. This looks to be a military rifle, a bayonet was included. This rifle was handed down to me. Where was this rifle manufactured (England, Canada)? Does the year that is stamped on the side mean it was built then? What is the make and cal. ( the couple of shells I got with this looks like a 30-30, but a 1/4 inch longer case, bigger dia brass, and slightly bigger dia bullet). The brass (shell) has the markings of D - what looks like a upside down V with a small line in the middle along with C, and C VI on the other side of the primer. Where can I get some information on this rifle along with re-loading data (if possible) or ammunition to use. This rifle is in real good working order.

Answer:
Jon- It sounds like you have one of the very early "Long Lee Enfield" rifles, made in 1896 by the London Small Arms Company, at the Victoria Mills, Old Ford Road, London, England. LSA went out of business in 1925. LSA made about 35,000 of this model of rifle, while BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) made 64,000, the Royal Small Arms Factory Sparkbrook made 64,000 and RSAF Enfield made 171,000. Each of these also made larger numbers of the similar Lee Enfield Mark I*.

The LE on the right side of the "butt socket" identifies this as the Lee Enfield model, to distinguish it from the very similar "Lee-Metford" models made earlier. The Lee identifies the action as being the bolt action designed by American James P. Lee. Small numbers of his rifles were purchased for use by both the U.S. Army and Navy, before the design was adopted by the British. The Metford or Enfield in the name identifies the type of rifling used in the barrel. These were evolving during the early days of small bore, jacketed bullets and smokeless powder. Up until about 1890 most countries were still using plain lead bullets of .43 to .45 caliber with black powder, so it took a while to figure out what worked well. The large E on the barrel identifies it as having the Enfield form of rifling. The upside down V with a line is a "broad arrow" denoting something as British government property, and variations were used in other Commonwealth countries, such as a broad arrow within the letter "C" in Canada. The small markings on the buttplate sounds like inspector markings, but the larger numbers are unit identification of some sort.

Your ammunition markings of DCC, broad arrow and VI indicate it was made for government use by the Dominion Cartridge Company, and is the Mark VI design, probably made no later than World War I. Due to age, it is therefore unwise (or unsafe) to shoot, but perhaps of some interest to a collector.

The Magazine Lee Enfield Mark I was the earliest of the famous "Lee Enfield" rifles in .303 British caliber. The LE over I on the butt socket identifies it as this model. If there is a star or asterisk, then it would be the "Mark I*" which differed by NOT having provisions for a long cleaning rod under the front of the stock with a hole in the stud that the bayonet attaches to. Many of the early rifles were converted to the Mark I* pattern, and they are slightly less desirable than those which were unconverted. Most of these long Lee Enfields were made for government contracts but some were made for commercial sale by LSA and BSA.

I would recommend against shooting the rifle, as this model has a lot of collector value (probably upwards of $1,000). In the US this is considered an antique. Let us know if you want to sell it, we can probably get you a pretty good price on it. John Spangler

# 6273 - Sauer Pistol Ident.
1/24/2004
Daniel, VA

J.P. Sauer & Sohn on left of slide, Patent written on right side; proofed with Crown and ''N'' on rear of pistol; standing man on left of slide; double s on grips; 7.65 written on grip left side; s/n on right side under slide near grip This pistol seems to be a M1934 model from the picture I found. I have no other info since the website where I found the picture is written in Japanese. Its not the 1913 or the Behorden and definitely not the M1938H. What's its story? Is it commercial, there are no waffenampts? I can't find anything else about it and nothing on your Q & A site. Is this weapon rare? I cannot find it in my Blue Book so I am curious as to the value of this weapon.

Answer:
Daniel, the old .32 pocket pistols don't appeal much to my collecting interests if they are not military issue. I usually don't pay attention to them except to look up information so that I can answer visitors questions. When researching your question I checked all of my reference books and was unable to find any mention of a model 1934 Sauer pistol. The only Sauer models that any of my books included were the Sauer 1913, (the Old Model), the 1930, (Behorden) and the Sauer 38-H. I am not sure what your pistol is, I can tell you that if it was German military issue, it should have waffenampts and / or inspectors markings.

Values for most commercial .32 caliber pistols are usually in the $250 or less range. Even if you have a rare or obscure model, collectors who are willing to pay a premium for it may be even rarer than the pistol itself. Sorry that I could not be of more assistance, you may want to post your question on the appropriate forum at ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 6059 - Red Jacket Revolver
1/20/2004
Jeff, Columbus, Ohio

Wilkes-Barre, PA. It is a 32 cal rim fire, 5 shot pocket revolver. I can not find anything about this company and this gun and its value. Any information will be helpful. Thanks in advance!

Answer:
Jeff, the only thing that I was able to find out about Red Jacket firearms is that they are reported to have been inexpensive solid-frame revolvers with a stud trigger and no ejector mechanism. They were manufactured by the Lee Arms Company of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania circa 1877-80. This is probably not much more than you already knew. For More information, you might want to try posting your question on the forum at our other site ArmsCollector.com. Marc

# 6058 - National Ordnance M1
1/20/2004

who, what, where, did the weapon come from, any info on it would be very good. Was it used in WWII or later? Where is the Manufacture now?

Answer:
There is not much interesting information to tell about National Ordnance. They operated in South El Monte, CA and it is believed that they manufactured about 50,000 M1 carbines, for commercial sales from about 1960 to the mid 1970s. National Ordnance did not make any firearms for U.S. military contracts and they have almost no collector interest or value. Marc

# 5953 - Imman Meffert Percussion Rifle
1/20/2004
Phil, Jefferson, Wi.

I purchased this rifle at a flee market last year. It has a 28in. swamped octagon barrel with silver inlay ingraving. The name IMMAN MEFFERT in SUHL is ingraved in the top flat of the barrel,also ingraved in the top flat of the barrel is GUSS STAHL.The breech plug,percussion lock,trigger guard and butt plate are all engraved and appear to have been plated with German silver.This rifle has whats called a pillar breech.It has a .22 diameter pin projecting from the bottom of the breech.The powder charge fills the space around this pin.A loose fitting,hollow base bullet is dropped down the barrel,and when rammed against the pin the bullet expands,sealing the bore.Can you tell me what year this rifle was made?What does GUSS STAHL mean?Is that a name or does it have some other meaning?In German STAHL means steel.Any other information on this rifle as well as its value would be greatly apreciated.

Answer:
Phil- I really cannot add much to what you already know about your gun. I commend you for the excellent description and explanation of the pillar breech (or "rifle a tige" in French terminology). Immanuael Meffert worked in Suhl circa 1846, and another (perhaps the same?) Immanuel Meffert worked in Suhl 1870-1882. German makers were fond of indicating the type of steel in their barrels, a practice that continued up until about WW2. In the 1840s, most barrels were still made from iron, not steel. "Guss" stahl undoubtedly indicates that the barrel is made from a specific type of steel, but I do not know what type. Metallurgy was in its infancy then, and designations for various types of steel were not at all uniform, nor were the chemical or physical properties of any of the various types. John Spangler

# 6085 - Erfurt 1917 Rifle
1/17/2004
Jay, Milford, CT

My grandfather recently showed me a rifle that his brother had brought back from World War II. It was in pretty good shape, aside for some minor rust on the outer part of the bolt. All of the parts were stamped with the number 2150, except for maybe the safety catch, but the numbers were too worn away for me to tell. The barrel was clear and the bolt worked fine. I'm not exactly sure who made it, and I was wondering if you could tell me a little bit about it, like how much it might be worth, and if ammo is still made for it. Thanks.

Answer:
Jay- Since this is a WW2 souvenir, not WW1, identification is a bit tough as you did not provide a barrel length. In 1917 the German arsenal at Erfurt was making the standard German Model 1898 or Gewehr 98 infantry rifle with a 30 inch barrel. They were also making the Kar98AZ with a 24 inch barrel. The mouthful name "Karabiner 98 mit aufplanz und zusammensetzvorrichtung" or the abbreviation Kar98AZ abbreviation identifies it as a carbine made with bayonet attachment and piling [stacking] hook. These have a metal rod that sticks out on the bottom of the upper band area and then bends forward, making them easy to identify, if not pronounce. It is possible that some of the longer Gewehr 98 rifles were converted to the standard WW2 configuration Kar98k configuration, but I suspect that you have one of the earlier models. These were all made in 8mm Mauser caliber (called 8x57mm or 7.9x57mm or 7.92x57mm by various people). Some war souvenirs were converted to other calibers for use as deer rifles, so it is a good idea to have it checked by a competent gunsmith to ensure it is safe to fire and verify the proper ammunition if you are considering shooting it. John Spangler

# 6075 - Volcanic (Smith & Wesson Magazine Pistol)
1/17/2004
Michael, Pescadero Ca.

I am trying to identify the correct configuration for a Volcanic mainspring. I suspect the one in my Volcanic may be an old replacement. Did some or all of them have Flat Leaf type mainsprings? or were they thicker toward the bottom like found on the Smith & Wesson #2 Old Army?

Answer:
Michael- I am afraid we cannot help at all with that one. Few people realize that Winchester's traditional involvement in lever action arms started much earlier. Many people know about the Henry repeating rifles introduced in 1860, and assume they were the origin of Winchester. The Henry used a conventional rimfire cartridge and lever action design, was made by the New Haven Arms Company, which evolved into Winchester Repeating Arms Company. However, the New Haven Arms Company had been formed in 1857 from the Volcanic Repeating Arms Company, which had been formed in 1855. Volcanic derived the name from "volcano" presumably from the hollow base of the ammunition which contained the propelling charge and primer, or perhaps from the rapid fire capability to spew forth hot lead. Oliver F. Winchester had prospered in the clothing industry, and began investing in Volcanic in 1855. However, the Volcanic design went back one step earlier to the pistols made (and patented by) Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson and made by the company they set up for that purpose, Smith & Wesson Company in Norwich, CT, in 1854. After making about 1,700 pistols in 1854-55 under the Smith & Wesson name, they recognized that the Volcanic name was probably a better marketing tool, so they changed the company name to Volcanic Arms Company. IN 1855-56 as Oliver Winchester was investing more heavily in the company, both Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson dropped out. They did not leave the gun business, but saw promise in the crazy idea of Mr. Rollin White, that a revolver could be made with holes all the way through the cylinder, so that a metallic cartridge of the Flobert type could be inserted from the back. These were very primitive and puny little cartridges, and certainly not as effective as the percussion revolvers made in .31 through .44 calibers. Having purchased the rights to the Rollin White patent, Smith & Wesson began selling seven shot revolvers chambered for .22 short (blackpowder) cartridges. In 1861 they added a .32 rimfire pistol that became a popular sidearm during the Civil War, and their success and innovation continued until today they make a .50 caliber revolver. (We will ignore their mismanagement and idiotic decisions during the 1990s.) S&W basically cornered the marked on cartridge revolvers from 1856 to 1872 due to the Rollin White patent, and they vigorously prosecuted any infringements, while licensing some use of the rights for a fee. This lead to a series of clever, but inferior, "evasion" designs with plates on the rear of cylinders, or tit-fire or cup-fire cartridges by competitors. When the Rollin White patents expired, Colt and everyone else produced all sorts of revolvers for metallic cartridges.

In any case, S&W's involvement with the Volcanic design only lasted a short time, and the output was very limited, so the S&W Volcanic pistols are highly prized (and priced) collector items. We have never taken one apart. (Excuse me, do you mind if I disassemble your $$$$$$$ gun to see what makes it tick?) I will check with the owner of one to see if I can find out any details about the spring in his. John Spangler

# 6056 - Winchester 1892
1/17/2004

Has a proof marking: a upright oval with a ''W'' inside, a vertical line within the oval With a ''P'' on top (all within this oval) Value, Was this gun given as a gift to my family as indicated in 1914

Answer:
Winchester manufactured about 1,004,067 Model 1892 rifles form 1892 to 1941. My records indicate that the year of manufacture for your rifle, serial number 563014 is 1909, so it is possible that the rifle was given to your family in 1914.

Values for model 1892 rifles with 20 inch round barrels, 2 barrel bands and a saddle ring, can range anywhere from about $250 for an example in poor condition with no finish and broken or missing parts to $2500 or more for an example in excellent condition. Marc

# 6046 - Luger Serial Number
1/14/2004
Wayne Baltimore, MD

Has a BBs under three crowns, followed by an eagle with left wing up and right wing down. Date on barrel is 1915.All #s match. Why is there no letter after the serial # under the barrel to tell what 10,000 batch it is in?

Answer:
Wayne, the arsenal would have started with serial number 1 on January 1, 1915, and continued until they reached number 9999. When they reached 9999, they would then have added the lower case letter "a" as a suffix, so the next number would be 1a. Your Luger's serial number has no letter suffix because it is one of the first 9999 Lugers produced in 1915.

It is unfortunate that your Luger has been nickel-plated, the nickel finish is not original and will reduce value by as much as 50% to 75%. Marc

# 6054 - British Bulldog
1/14/2004
Betsy

''British Bulldog'' stamped on piece above revolver chamber. Pinhammer with textured (crosshatched) thumb lever. Hardwood stock/butt with crosshatch grip (single dark screw holding sides together) elliptical triggerguard. 6 chambered, fluted chamber. I cannot find a makers mark on this piece. From the little I've been able to describe, is there any thought on which company might have made this? I doubt it's a Webley - I have 2 other guns by them and they clearly mark them

Answer:
Betsy, British Bulldog is a name that has been used by many manufacturers since Webley introduced a small frame, large caliber pocket revolver in the 1860s with the name "Bulldog." Since then, the name has been used on many designs including a Charter Arms revolver which is probably the most recent. In many cases, the name "British Bulldog" was probably used with the hope that gullible buyers might vaguely recognize the Bulldog name and be snookered into thinking that a revolver of lesser quality was manufactured by Webley. U.S. manufactures who used the name included Forehand & Wadsworth circa 1879-1883; Hopkins & Allen in the late 19th century; and Johnson & Bye in 1881. With the information you supplied, that's about all I can tell you about manufacturer. I can tell you that today there seems to be relatively little collector interest or demand for the old Bulldog type revolvers. Most would be very modestly priced, probably in the $50-150 range depending on which exact model is involved, the condition, and the eagerness of the buyer or seller. Marc

# 6071 - Hopkins & Allen Blue Jacket # 1
1/14/2004
Adam, Mentor, Ohio

Hopkins & Allen, mod. Blue Jacket # 1 .22 or .32 cal. 7-shot spur trigger rev(Pocket Rim-Fire Revolver.) The date on the gun is March 28 1871, looking for information and maybe value????

Answer:
Adam- In the early cartridge period, "No. 1" usually referred to .22 caliber arms, and use of seven shot cylinders was almost always an indication that it was .22 caliber. Of course, these were early black powder cartridges, so it would be unwise and unsafe to try to shoot modern .22 ammo in them. They also made a Blue Jacket Number 1 1/2 which was also .22 caliber. The Blue Jacket Number 2 was in .32 rimfire caliber. Values are rather modest for these old "suicide specials" and most seem to sell in the range of $25-100 depending on condition. There are a few collectors who specialize in this field and would probably pay higher for better examples or a specimen that they need to complete a collection. However, most of the time they are hard to sell at any price. John Spangler.

# 6051 - H & R Revolver
1/10/2004
Steve

top break, traditional H & R black grips I know that you don't ''NORMALLY'' answer H & R revolver questions , but I have researched all your archive questions to no avail and I have posted at the forum at armscollector.com, but I still need your expertise, Oh Great One. Plus, since I'm the Chairman of the Republican party in Lake County CA, I thought it might get me an exception. H & R revolvers are normally listed under non-military, but I have an interesting twist to that. Any assistance is appreciated, An elderly friend has a Harrington and Richardson .38S revolver which he claims was removed from a Japanese soldier by his brother after one of the bloody west Pacific island battles of WWII. (My friend was fighting in Europe at the same time his brother was in the Pacific). It is in very poor shape and the model information is almost unreadable. Can you advise: Were H&R .38S revolvers ever issued to the U. S. military in the Pacific in WWII? If not, perhaps it was carried into battle by a US soldier as a ''backup'' weapon? I am doubting that the Japanese soldier had access to such a weapon unless he had previously removed it from an American soldier. Maybe it was just being returned to the right side of the battlefield. Any speculation from you or anyone who knows more about this weapon or WWII? Thanks for your response.

Answer:
Steve- Republicans in Kalifornia are an endangered species (although the smart ones seem to be migratory birds), so we better help you quick on this one. The most logical explanation for a Jap soldier having an American made gun would be that he took it from an American soldier. However, that is far from the only possible explanation, and in the absence of any definitive proof, the good news is that you can adopt any explanation you like. (a) Privately purchased arm of a Jap soldier who wanted a H&R and got one in commercial trade channels. (b) Looted from hardware store or farmhouse by a Jap soldier somewhere in his travels. (c) Seized from non-combatant American (merchant, missionary, seaman, butcher, baker, candlestick maker...). (d) Of course, if it was taken from an American soldier, then it would have been a privately purchased sidearm which seems to have been pretty uncommon during WW2. Official purchases of H&R revolvers during WW2 seem to have been mainly for use in outfitting merchant ships being delivered to allies, so the Captain or someone else would have a means to protect money, documents, code books, or whatever from spies, mutineers, or enemy forces. A few H&R revolvers filtered back into government hands when returned from various WW2 era contractors where they most likely had been used by plant guards or the like. Charles Pate's superbly researched and documented "U.S. handguns of World War II." is loaded with details about all sorts of "secondary martial" handguns. Beyond that, it is an excellent insight into the demands, procedures, and actions of the Ordnance Departments of both the Army and the Navy as they tried to meet wartime needs. I highly recommend this book to ALL U.S. military collectors. John Spangler

# 6022 - Johannes Senn Muzzle Loader
1/10/2004
Paul Gillian

There is a stamp on the barrel which reads Johanness Senn 1670. It has a D initial on the stock. It has a storage compartment in the base of the stock with a door that slides open. The barrel is hex shaped inside and out with a ramstick under the barrel. I just want to know if you have any idea of the make, model and year of this gun.

Answer:
Paul- The closest information I could find was an entry in Heer Der Neue Stoeckel for Johann Friederich Senn who worked in Zofingen, Aargau, (in Switzerland as near as I can figure out) who worked circa 1856-1897, and may have moved to the United States. Frank Sellers' American Gunsmiths does list an entry for John F. Senn in Rochester, NY in an 1897 directory. Your description of the rifle sounds like something that may have been made in Switzerland as late as 1870. If you send a photo, we may be able to help pin down the age and nationality a bit. John Spangler

# 6052 - J.C. Higgins Model 103.18
1/10/2004
James Chapel Hill NC

None I would like to know what year it was made, and approximate value. Thank You

Answer:
James, Sears firearms were manufactured under contract to be marketed with the Sears brand name by many companies including Winchester, Hi-Standard, FN, Mossberg H&R Marlin, and several others. The Sears Model 103.18 was manufactured by Marlin, it was their model 100. Marlin manufactured the bolt action single shot Model 100 from 1936 to 1941. Blue book values for Marlin Model 100 rifles are in the $45-$75 range. The fact that your rifle bears the Sears (instead of Marlin) brand name will make it more difficult to sell. Marc

# 6035 - TT Olympia
1/6/2004
Joan, Murrayville, GA

Has a type of crest on frame. Has weight mounted by two screws under barrel. It has two screws in the grips and the clips have the serial number on them and the base is wood same as grips. Need to know who manufactured this pistol.

Answer:
Joan, TT Olympia Pistols had a 4 & 5/8 inch barrel and checkered walnut grips, they were manufactured in China and imported by Navy Arms from 1992 to 1998. The TT Olympia was patterned after the Olympia, a famous Walther design that won the pistol competition in the 1936 Olympics. Navy Arms was founded about 1960 in Ridgefield, NJ by Val Forgett. They were one of the first companies to import Italian copies of Civil War and other famous antique firearms. In my opinion, the firearms that Navy Arms imports are usually of better quality than those imported by other companies. The blue book lists values for TT Olympia pistols in the $150 to $200 range depending on condition. Marc

# 6025 - Winchester 55
1/6/2004
Wayne-Thermopolis, WY.

Made in New Haven, Conn. - Patent on June6,1893 General information and a dollar figure that would be close to the value

Answer:
Wayne, by the early 1920's Winchester was offering the Model 1894 rifle in a great verity of types and configurations, sales of many of these variations had dropped to a point so low that it was no longer profitable to continue their manufacture. The Winchester Model 55 was designed to replace all Model 1894 rifle variations and continue manufacture in only one standard type. The Model 55 design was a modernized 1894 rifle available in both solid frame and takedown styles. Factory records indicate that the first deliveries of Model 55 rifles to warehouse stock for the takedown model were in August 1924, for the solid frame model in 1931. Even though the Model 55 became available in 1924, some of the older style Model 1894 rifles were sold as late as 1936. Introduction of the Model 55 did not affect production of the Model 1894 Carbine, which is still being manufactured today. The Model 55 did not gain the popularity of the Model 1894 rifle and Winchester discontinued production in 1932 after about 20,580 rifles had been manufactured. Blue book values for Model 55 rifles ranges between about $400 and about $2000 depending on condition. Marc

# 5997 - Parker-Hale 1853 Enfield- British Or Italian?
1/6/2004
Eug, Edgerton, WI

Top of barrel marked ''Parker-Hale LTD. Birmingham, England'' and lock marked ''1853 Enfield'' center and crown over ''P-H'' behind hammer. I was wondering if this reproduction Civil War rifle musket was manufactured in England or Italy? I saw one in the DGW catalog (2003) that listed the manufacturer as ''Gibbs Rifle Co.-Parker-Hale/Italy.'' I also read somewhere that they were originally made in UK until 1990, but cannot find serial number information about dates of manufacture. Thank you for your time and God bless.

Answer:
The early Parker Hale rifles were really beautifully made guns, just brand new but 100% correct copies of the original .577 Enfields in carbine, rifle and rifle-musket configurations. These were made in England, and great shooters. I have not paid much attention to the Italian made versions, but I suspect that they are good quality guns, but probably not quite identical to the originals. Since 1898 all imported goods have been required to be marked with the country of origin, so you should be able to find a Made in England or Made in Italy somewhere on the gun. John Spangler

# 6020 - Springfield Rifle
1/3/2004
Frank

none Is this an item I would want to hold on to or just something cluttering up my gun cabinet

Answer:
Frank- We are going to assume that the 1942 is near the end of the barrel, and that would indicate the date the barrel was made, which would be for a Model 1903 Springfield, and that model also had a flip up rear sight near the rear of the barrel. Gun people measure barrel length from the face of the closed bolt to the muzzle, which would be 24 inches, but if you add in the length of the action, that would be closer to 30-36" figure you provided. The absence of markings is surprising, but this could reflect that markings were removed in a very aggressive refinishing of the receiver, or use of a receiver that never had any markings. My guess is that the receiver is probably one of the unfinished Model 1901 receivers that turn up from time to time. I have seen two or three other complete rifles built up on them, and unless you know exactly what to look for they sure look like a regular M1903. If you can send a picture of the left side of the receiver, we can tell for sure. Even the parts have value to someone, but how much is unclear until we are sure what you have. We buy good guns at good prices and junk guns at junk prices, if we think we can use them (i.e.- sell them to someone else for a fair profit.) John Spangler

# 6004 - .423 ONEIL Rifle Made For Elmer Keith
1/3/2004
Michael, Butte, Mt.

''C.M.ONEIL 423'' Stamped on right top of barrel above Chamber Area. The ''4'' and ''2'' look to be lightly triple stamped. I'm trying to find out any information as to the VALUE and ORIGIN of this gun. It shoots a .44(.429'')caliber bullet after it has been swaged down to .426'', the Bore is .423'' The case is a 30.06 straight wall trimmed to a length of 2.090'' The Twist is 1:13 It is in VERY nice shape! The metal work, bedding job, and stock finish is superb. A Gunsmith in Texas suggested I contact you folks. He said that C. M. Oneil was a Master Gunsmith and that the Rifle was PROBABLY Built for Elmer Keith???

Answer:
Michael- It certainly sounds like an interesting gun, but while we appreciate the confidence of Texas gunsmiths in our omniscient knowledge of gun matters, this is sure to dispel that myth. First, I have never heard of Mr. Oneil or his cartridge. Yes, I have heard of crusty old Elmer Keith, and have great respect for his contributions to the gun world. (We even drove through Salmon, ID once, and aside from being potential future home of Elmer Keithworld, and having some beautiful scenery, especially as you get back up in the Bitterroot Mountains, there is not a lot to say about the place.) Perhaps the guy in Texas knows exactly what the rifle is, but I can neither confirm nor disprove his statements. You might want to read all of Keith's books and see if he mentions a rifle like this. If nothing else it would be an excellent education. John Spangler

# 6003 - Sears #5
1/3/2004
Kim; Faribault, MN;

Model #273234(1)? Lever action will shoot Short, Long, or Long rifle ammunition. With only one box of shells shot and is in excellent condition, what was the original cost of the rifle and what is it worth today? Thanks Kim

Answer:
Kim, Sears and Roebuck firearms were acaually manufactured for Sears and stamped with the Sears name under contract by many companies including Winchester, Hi-Standard, FN, Mossberg H&R and several others. I was unable to find any information on the Sears Number 5 lever action rifle or which company really manufactured it. I can tell you that there is little or no collector interest in firearms that bear the Sears and Roebuck name and that they commonley bring up 50% less than a firearm marked with the name of the real manufacturer. Marc