# 6296 - M1 Garand Rifle
8/30/2003
Brian, Cabot, Arkansas

RIA F FB I just got the rifle what year was it made. I think it is 1940. What is this stamping on the right side of the stock by the pistol grip. And the letter F on bottom of grip

Answer:
Brian- We have a nifty tool (bottom of left menu or bottom of the main page) where you can look up dates of manufacture for U.S. military arms. RIA and initials indicate overhaul at Rock Island Arsenal and inspection by a man with initials FB. The letter F on the pistol grip is probably a poorly stuck P indicating the rifle passed "proof" firing with a high pressure test cartridge. Normally I do not bother wasting time answering questions that use "X" in the serial numbers but I feel generous today. I have not decided why some people do the "x" thing, but suspect it is paranoia, or belief that the black helicopters are monitoring the microchips implanted in their brains. However in Arkansas, there may be hereditary or cultural explanations. John Spangler

# 6299 - J. Golcher Flintlock With Krider Barrel
8/30/2003
John, Tucson, AZ

has ''J. Golcher'' by firing mechanism, top of barrel is stamped ''KRIDER PHILAD'' What year manufactured, or what war could have this been used in? Is it more valuable as is, or should it be restored?

Answer:
John- There was a John Krider making rifles in Philadelphia circa 1769, but yours is more likely related to John H. Krider who operated in Philadelphia 1826-1876. He was a fairly large operation with 10-24 employees and of such size and stature that he exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876. Golcher is probably James Golcher who was a gun and pistol maker in Philadelphia 1833-1851 This was another large operation with 17 employees in 1850, and in that year he made (in addition to guns) 600 dozen gun locks (at $60.00 per dozen or $5 each). This explains the large number of guns found with Golcher marked locks. Based on these factors, your gun was probably made circa 1833-1840 if actually a flintlock where the hammer has jaws with an adjusting screw to hold a flint that hits a pivoted cover over a pan. However, I suspect that it may be a percussion gun where the hammer is basically solid and strikes a hollow stud or nipple in the barrel or next to it. If percussion, then I would guess that a date is more likely 1840-1851. While it is possible that such a gun may have been used in either the Mexican War or the Civil War, it is highly unlikely. Most of the civilian style guns extant in the wartime periods remained at home to kill game for meals, to control predators, or for family protection. Only a very few got carried off to war by militia men. Value on civilian guns of the period 1830-1850 tends to be rather modest, and I see many priced in the range of $250-650 depending on condition and workmanship. Of course some really ratty or really great examples would bring lower or higher prices. As far as restoration, I would advise you to leave everything as is, except maybe for a light coat of paste wax to keep moisture off the metal and in the wood. John Spangler

# 5726 - Sears Mod 54 Parts
8/30/2003
Ryan, Bellevue, OH

I have a Sears Model 54, 30-30- cal Winchester model number 273.810. I cannot find a forend for it and I am in need of one. I stumbled across a conversion from the sears marketing number to a cross reference that said it was actually a Winchester model 94. and I searched my serial numbers to find out when the gun was made and it listed it as a gun made in 1895. so I cannot figure out if I should just have one made or if I can find a replacement.

Answer:
Ryan, you are correct that your Sears Model 54 is the same as a Winchester Model 94 but you are wrong about the manufacture date, Model 54 rifles probably had their own separate serial number range. It is likely that your rifle was manufactured some time after 1964. Before going to the trouble of fabricating a forend, I would try one from a post-1964 Winchester 94 to see if it fits. Marc

# 5676 - Glenfield Model 60
8/30/2003
Steven Catoosa, OK

Jams every time it's shot while loading the new cartridge into the barrel, what's the possible solution and value.

Answer:
Steven, I have never liked the Glenfield Model 60. Thousands have been sold, so there must be one or two out there somewhere that function properly, but I have never personally encountered one. The best way that I know of to solve your jamming problem is to junk the Glenfield and purchase something more reliable. My personal choice would be a Ruger 10-22. Marc

# 6236 - Walther Model 4
8/27/2003
Randy Darlington SC

Selestlade-Pistole 7.65 cal. Walthers Patent With Walthers Flag At Bottom. My father found this gun with no handles, rusted, etc. He had it reblued and original Walthers handles replaced. I know it was made in the early 1900s during world war I starting with serial # 29,000. Gun dealers say its worth nothing but want to trade. Any true info on its value would be appreciated, thanks.

Answer:
Randy, The Walther Model 4 was manufactured from 1910 to 1928, Walther designed it to be a somewhat larger holster type pistol for police or military use rather than a pocket pistol. The Model 4 was popular with police forces and military officers during the First World War, the German government purchased about 250,000 pistols for official military service in 1915.

The Blue Book of Gun Values lists values for Walther Model 4 pistols between $80 and $400 depending on condition. I would estimate value for a rusted and re-blued pistol to be in the $80 range and possibly a difficult sale at that. It is hard to say why the dealers that you showed the pistol to were so anxious to trade. If you do trade, I don't think that you have to worry much about getting skinned unless you are very careless. No, OldGuns.net is not interested in trading for your pistol. Hope this helps. Marc

# 6237 - Astra Revolver
8/27/2003
Kip, Whiteville, NC

Are there any parts available anywhere? It appears to be modeled after a smith & Wesson, are there any parts that will interchange? The gun was given to me disassembled, I have attempted reassembly but find I also need a schematic and it appears that a couple or springs and pins are missing. Can you help?

Answer:
Kip, Astra did not start manufacture of revolvers until the introduction of their Cadix line in 1958. The first Astra Cadix revolvers were a .22 caliber eight shot, a .32 caliber six shot, and a .38 caliber five shot. Cadix revolvers were solid frame designs with swing out cylinders that were operated by a push catch on the left side of the frame much like Smith & Wesson designs. Because of the popularity of the Cadix line of light revolvers, heavier revolvers were developed under the Astra name in the early 1970s. I was able to find information on two models of Astra .44 Magnum revolver.

The Model 44, was a six-shot solid-frame revolver chambered for .44 Magnum cartridges with swing-out cylinder, barrel rib and shrouded ejector rod. Rear sights were fully adjustable, and barrel lengths of 6 or 8.5 inches were available.

The Terminator was a six-shot solid-frame revolver chambered for .44 Magnum or .44 Special cartridges with adjustable rear sight and Roberts rubber grips. A 2_ inch shrouded barrel was the only length available.

Astra was one of the oldest and most widely recognized of Spanish firearms manufacturers. Unfortunately the factory doors were sealed by foreclosure in 1998, and all inventory, including the factory collection was released for sale in 1999, so location of parts may be a problem. It is doubtful that S&W parts will be compatible with your revolver. Try checking with Gun Parts Corp., they may have an exploded drawing of your revolver and/or the parts that you need. We have a link to Gun Parts Corp. posted on the OldGuns.net links page. Good luck, Marc

# 6131 - Neisse Prussian 1809 Musket Import For Civil War
8/27/2003
Edward Woodstock, GA, Cherokee Co.

Crown above Neisfe above script type ''f'' which is above 1834 all on locklate. top of breech on barrel is 1834. left side of breech of barrel is B under small crown. markings on brass barrel bands looks like a fancy script ''P''. Same with ''P'' on brass triggerguard and top of brass butt plate. plate marked with ''505'' over ''22 L W K'' in script. over what looks like ''3C''. Bottom of butt plate marked 1834. Told this was a French musket possibly contracted to Liege then purchased by U.S. or C.S. for Civil War.

Answer:
Edward- In German writing it is common practice (or it used to be) to use something other than "ss" in a word where the letters appear, so they use what looks to English speakers like "ff". Hence it is easy to interpret the name as Neisfe or something instead of Neisse. In any case, Neisse was one of the makers of the Prussian Model 1809 flintlock muskets. These had an overall length of about 56 inches, with a .72 caliber barrel. These had three barrel bands, and those plus the trigger guard and buttplate were usually brass. Most had been converted to percussion, but they were obsolete in the Prussian service. (Remember the Prussians were busy adopting the Dreyse "Needle gun" starting in 1841, and by 1860 they had large numbers of them. The needle gun featured a primitive bolt action, and a self contained combustible paper cartridge. The "needle" firing pin poked up through the cartridge to hit a primer (percussion cap) on the base of the bullet to ignite the powder charge which then burned the whole paper cartridge as it fired.) The barrel of the 1809 muskets will sometimes has the initials FW and perhaps a date of conversion or Prussian regimental markings. The Prussians were delighted to unload thousands of these to U.S. and Confederate buyers during the Civil War. They were not well liked and the large caliber and mediocre quality made them "third class" arms, slightly less desirable than even the U.S. smoothbore .69 caliber muskets. It almost certainly would be considered a Civil War musket, but trying to decide if it was used by the Northern Aggressors, or the rebellious Southerners is hard to prove. I would vote for Yankee usage, but a seller might want to convince you that a brave defender of States rights carried the gun, which presumably would have a much higher price tag. These tend to be fairly common, although most are in pretty doggy condition, and prices tend to be a fraction of what a Springfield or Enfield would bring. John Spangler

# 6139 - French Flintlock (?) Pistols
8/23/2003

M. R. de Chatellorault 1822-42 Mre Rie de Tulle 1822-42 Cde 17-6 A 1822 How do I find more historical info about these two pair of pistols? Who do I contact for an appraisal of their value? (Note: These 4 were once on display in a foreign museum.) Please respond to

Answer:
Sir- Chatterault and Tulle are two French military arsenals, and the markings indicate that these were made as Model 1822 pistols, and updated to the later 1842 configuration. There are a number of variations for cavalry, dragoons, hussars, and officers, and it would take some good photos and a bit of time to research them properly. If they were once in museum, I suspect that some GI "rescued" them and brought them home as souvenirs. In general, French arms do not have a lot of collector value, although they do appeal to a small band of collectors unashamed by their association with this once powerful nation that now merely meddles in world affairs while unable to keep their own meager affairs in order. John Spangler

# 6278 - Pen Gun
8/23/2003
Gary

I have a pen gun I guess you could call it. 5 inches long pat. feb 21 1922 Argus mfg. co. has a writing tip that can be removed and can shoot a 32 cal. bullet I'm told. Can you tell me anything about it ?

Answer:
Gary- If it can shoot a regular type cartridge, the BATF considers them to be illegal under some provision of the federal gun control laws, unless it has been properly registered with them and you have the paperwork to prove it.

It would be best to call your nearest BATF office and make arrangements to turn this in for destruction. However, others might suggest that they are busy tracking down violent criminals and should not be wasting time on something like this, and would suggest that you merely break it up and dispose of the parts yourself.

It would be a neat collector item, if it were not illegal. John Spangler

# 5641 - Remington 33
8/23/2003
Maurine, Boise, Idaho

22short/long or long rifle-Pat pending How old is it and what is the value?

Answer:
Maurine, the Remington Model 33 was a Bolt-Action, Single-Shot .22 Caliber Rifle introduced in July of 1931. It was a simply made, inexpensive to produce, affordable, easy to shoot, good "first gun" for a youngster. The bolt assembly was simple and well constructed. Opening the bolt would extract and eject a spent .22 rimfire shell, new cartridges were loaded signally by hand. The bolt plunger had to be cocked by hand each time the rifle was fired , this was intended to be a safety feature.

Standard rifles had a twenty four inch round barrel, one-piece American walnut stock, weighed four pounds, eight ounces and when first introduced in 1931 cost $5.00 brand new. There was also a Model 33 smoothbore intended for use with .22-caliber shot cartridges. The barrel of this gun was marked "SMOOTH BORE" on the left side.

In 1932 and 1933, Remington redesigned several Model 33 features, to improve the rifle and reduce production cost. The stock was lengthened, and grooves were added to the forend. The bolt was simplified, and the angle and finish of the bolt handle was changed. The trigger was slimmed in profile, and the edges of the trigger guard were rounded.

In February 1933, Remington introduced the Model 33 N.R.A. Junior Target Grade Rifle which sold for $12. The target model was equipped with a Lyman No. 55R adjustable rear peep sight and Partridge-type front sight, wide adjustable leather sling strap and swivel hooks.

In early 1934 Remington brought out the Model 33A with a Lyman No. 55R adjustable rear peep sight, selling for $7.70 ($2.20 more than the standard grade Model 33A). In 1935 Remington began calling this rifle the Model 33P, for the peep sight.

The Model 33 was in production through 1935, a total of 263,547 rifles were sold in that six-year period. In 1936 the Model 33 was replaced by the Model 41 A. Blue book values for standard Model 33 rifles are in the $200 or less range depending on condition. Marc

# 5616 - Buffalo Pistol
8/23/2003
James , Avoca, Pa

Side one, Made in Spain Side two, Automatica Espanola Pats 62004 Y 67577, ''Buffalo'' 765 (32CAl) Don't have a clip. Can not find out any info on gun. One local dealer wants to give me $5.00. What is the history of this gun and what is it worth?

Answer:
James, Gabilondo y Cia manufactured Buffalo pistols from 1919 to 1925. The pistols were marketed by Armeria Beristain y Cia of Barcelona Spain. Buffalo pistols were copies of the Browning model 1910, with a concentric recoil spring. Unlike the Browning, they used an internal hammer instead of a striker and had some other minor differences in the internal lockwork and grip safety mechanism which Beristain held patents on. In 1925, the Beristain patent expired and thereafter the pistols were marketed under several other brand names.

There is no collector interest in this type of firearm. The missing magazine will be difficult if not impossible to replace and the unpopular caliber start to make the $5.00 offer from your local dealer look pretty good. Another alternative to selling to the dealer for $5.00 would be to turn the pistol in the next time they have a gun buy back in your area. Marc

# 5653 - G. Gibbs Shotgun (large- 4 Gauge?)
8/20/2003
Ernie, Alvaton, GA

G. Gibbs 29 Corn St. Bristol This is a very Large bore shotgun. Damascus barrel and ferrels, the tamping/cleaning rod is original. gun is in emaculate condition. There is no Date or Serial # on gun that I can find. I would like to know if G.Gibbs is still in existence and how to contact them.

Answer:
Ernie- My references state that George Gibbs began as J & G Gibbs in 1830 at a Redcliffe Street address in Bristol, and became George Gibbs.in 1841 at 141 Thomas Street. They moved to 20 Clare Street in 1850 and to 29 [one source indicates 39] Corn Street about 1860, so that provides the earliest possible date for your gun. By 1914 they used addresses at 37 Baldwin Street in Bristol, and 85 Seville Row in London. Gibbs was a prominent maker of high grade target and sporting arms using a variety of actions and the British cartridges which include Gibbs in the name were developed by them. I do not know if they are still in business, but I doubt it. Most of the fine old English gun makers and dealers have been forced out of business and Her Majesty's subjects disarmed (except for the criminals who are emboldened and the police who are frightened and now carry guns. I did a Google.com search and could not find them. John Spangler

# 6241 - Iver Johnson Model: 2X
8/20/2003

self cocking safety rifle pat 1,673.666 Canada 1931 Where can I get info

Answer:
I was unable to find a lot of information, I did find that Iver Johnson manufactured the Model 2X single shot bolt action rifle from 1932 to 1955. The 2X was an improvement of the earlier Model X with 24 inch heavy barrel, larger stock and adjustable sights chambered for .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle cartridges. For more information try posting a question on the appropriate forum at ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 6242 - 9mm Colt Magazine
8/20/2003
Cliff, Portland, TN

Colt cal 9mm NATO m (with a picture of a little horse). On the side of the clip showing rounds left in it, it reads from top to bottom ''10...20...32'' I know nothing about guns, but yesterday I was on a riding mower cutting grass at out local police firing range and hit something that sounded metal. When I looked, I had somehow unearthed the clip to a gun. Just this clip. It was full of live hollow point bullets and the clips shows on the side how many bullets it holds as you look down the barrel: ''10...20...32'' and there's probable about two inches from the 32 to the bottom. Could you tell me if this is worth anything or just trash? Thank you, Cliff

Answer:
Cliff, I am not sure what you have, possibly a magazine for one of the Colt AR-15s that were chambered in 9mm. I have never had much interest in the new black guns and usually don't pay much attention to what accessories are selling for. I have always thought that it was a silly idea to chamber an AR-15 in 9mm. Several of my fiends have purchased 9mm AR-15s and I have noticed that they all have ended up selling them in under a year. I suggest that you post your question on the Colt forum at ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 6155 - British 1849 Tower Pistol
8/16/2003
Jeff

Crown with VR below and Tower 1849 Proof marks on Barrel first set Crown and 17 repeated twice second set Crown, TP, down arrow, Crown, B, 9, Crown, down arrow Crown, B, 9 on belt clip 7 on the back of brass butt cap I have what appears to be a British manufactured percussion pistol with the markings mentioned above, having a long (5.5 inch) belt clip on one side, an attached, hinged ram rod, and a rotating circular loop on the butt. There are brass fittings on the butt, trigger guard, entrance to ram rod storage, and front of the stock. I received this gun as a gift in London in 1996 (had a hell of a time getting it out of the country as it was illegal for me to have in my possession in the UK.) I'm curious as to what I have here, an what the value might be.

Answer:
Jeff- In England, "Tower" was the place at which British government arms were made, or in many cases, assembled, or in some, delivered by contractors for inspection and acceptance. British arms at that time were NOT made to interchangeable standards. They did not begin that until they were amazed at the interchangeable nature of parts on Pattern 1853 .577 Enfield rifle muskets made in America by Robbins & Lawrence of Windsor, Vermont. The Brits recognized the value of this quality of work and promptly ordered the machinery from Robbins & Lawrence (with Pratt and Whitney involved to some extent, I believe, although that may not be correct). This new machinery was set up at Enfield, and for a while the Brits continued to have both fully interchangeable arms and handmade arms in service. But, anyway, back to your pistol. The Crown/letter/number is an inspector marks, indicating it was a British government inspector, the location he was working (B- Britain; A- America, L- Liege Belgium, and maybe others) and the number to identify the specific inspector. The broad arrow indicated acceptance as British government property, but two arrows, point to point "cancelled" the government property status when sold or scrapped. This we know that it was indeed a British military pistol. There was only one British military percussion pistol with six-inch barrel and a belt hook. That was the Pattern 1842 Sea Service pistol. These were made in the final years of the single shot pistol era, as primitive percussion revolvers were becoming popular. By 1860 the revolvers had triumphed and by the mid 1870s, cartridge revolvers superceded the percussion revolvers. Although not common guns, there seems to be relatively little collector interest in Sea Service Percussion pistols and value is whatever you could get for it, probably a few hundred dollars. John Spangler

# 6222 - Chicago Arms Company 12 Gauge
8/16/2003
Donald

My newest (#2) step-father has a Chicago Arms Company pump shotgun, #148165, exposed hammer, 12 Gauge. "Chicago Arms Company" is proceeded and followed by 1 five pointed star. The back of the trigger guard has a "W" in the upright position. The cartridge designation is presented as "12 Ga.". I believe the barrel is 28", and has a rather straight and plain grained stock. The end of the magazine tube is checkered at about 30 lpi (minimum-may be more) and the wood is rather plain and straight grained. The top of the receiver is serrated at about 30 lpi also. The receiver has a very high polish, as did the barrel. The barrel is inlet than fair condition externally-old rust patches removed at some time in the past. The right side of the receiver is in goo to very good, the left not so. It has a small push type rod extending from the right rear of the frame. The screws that hold the forearm on are rather elaborate: there is a rounded rectangle of metal inlet in the stock, and the screws have small "cusps' " removed at 90degrees from each other in the vertical plane of the screw proper. All screws either have or have had a high polish. Altogether it is very reminiscent of the Win 97. Would, in view of it's neglected condition, a full restoration be acceptable, and should the piece be fired?

I did look in your database, but found nothing (Jan 1965-Aug 2003). Thank you for any help you may offer. I've put you in my "favorites"--this is a work of love you do, not work-you'd have to love it to do it.

Answer:
Donald- We appreciate your checking the archives before asking- we get tired of answering the same questions over and over, but enjoy learning as we research new topics. Yes, we do love our work. I have a Navy retirement check that pays the bills, and Marc has a real job as a computer geek, so he can afford to do this pretty much for fun, but we make enough to make it worthwhile.

Chicago Arms Co. was a brand name used on some double barrel guns made for sale thru Sears Roebuck Co. They were Belgian imports circa 1885-1914 and made by Adrew Fyrberg Mfg Co 1903-1905. I don't know if these are related to your pump gun or not. There was a Chicago Firearms Company who made a really unusual "Palm Pistol" but the name is just different enough that I suspect they were not in the shotgun business.

Frank Sellers' American Gunsmiths states that Chicago Arms CO operated 1884-1893, but that is too early for a Winchester style pump. I believe that the Spencer, and another name (Union, Hamilton??) were the only other pump guns that preceded John Browning's M1893 and 1897 Winchester designs.

If made before about 1920 it was probably chambered for shorter 2 1/2 or 2 5/8 inch shells, not the common 2 3/4" used today, so it would be dangerous from that standpoint. IN addition, it may have Damascus barrels, which definitely should not be fired with modern ammunition, so to be on the safe side, I would forget about firing it.

I don't know enough about the rarity of these, or their demand among collectors. I suspect that while perhaps quite rare, a collector wanting one may be even scarcer.

Restoration is pretty much up to you. A gentle cleaning would probably not offend anyone. VIgorous cleaning and polishing will offend some, and an all out polish it up and reblue job will offend nearly everyone. However, it you want to spend the money, or have a desire to try your hand at some restoration work, I doubt if the results would hurt the value too terribly much. If it will make you happier when looking at it, suit yourself. Hope this helps. We hope you continue to visit our site and enjoy it. John Spangler

# 5598 - Savage 340B
8/16/2003
Dave ,Cedar Rapids, IA

Manufacture date is 1960. I recently acquired a Savage rifle at an auction and would really like to know it's value. Any information would really be appreciated.

Answer:
Dave, the Savage Model 340 was actually the Stevens Model 330 marketed under the Savage brand name. The 340 was manufactured from 1950 to 1985. Standard 340 in rifles that were chambered in 30-30 came with a 22 inch round barrel, open sights, weighed 7« pounds, and had a plain pistol grip stock. Rifles chambered in other calibers had 24 inch barrels. In 1965 the stock design was improved by the addition of a low Monte Carlo comb, skip-line checkering, plastic buttplate and grip-caps with white spacers. The traditional elevator type rear sight was replaced with a folding-leaf type. Shortly before the end of production the stocks of most rifles were changed to a simplified version without checkering. Blue book values for Savage 340 rifles are in the $200 or less range, hope that you did not get too carried away with your bidding at the auction. Marc

# 5591 - Regent 22
8/16/2003
Dustin, Kenton, Oh

Made in Washington D.C. purchased in 1960's by my father for his father. I know it was a cheaper gun when he bought it but we cannot find any information on this firearm. Just wanting an estimate on its value and how long they were manufactured

Answer:
Dustin, I was unable to find any information on this model. There were many cheap firearms sold in the U.S.A. during the 1960's, often the gun reference books and price guides don't take time to list them, my guess is that you have one of these. There is no collector interest in this type of firearm, I would expect to see one for sale at a gunshow or yard sale in the $40 range. For more information you may want to post a question in the appropriate forum at ArmsCollectors.com. Marc

# 6185 - Captured Walther Olympia
8/12/2003
Roger

The gun was taken from a dead German soldier during WWII by my father. I would like to know anything and everything about it's history.

Answer:
Roger, it is unlikely that a German soldier would have carried this type of pistol as a personal sidearm because it is a highly specialized design meant to be used for competition target shooting. The Olympia was an improvement of the earlier Walther Target Model of 1932, which was produced to equip the German team for the Berlin Olympic Games of 1936. The Olympia design was much the same as the Target Model in that it had a fixed barrel, open-topped slide and internal hammer but it was more streamlined and had a better balance.

It is believed that all Walther factory records were destroyed during WWII so the history of your Olympia is probably lost. I can tell you that it was almost certainly not a military issue pistol unless it was used by a military target shooting team. Marc

# 6202 - Chromed T-14 Nambu Pistol
8/12/2003
Tom Beaumont TX

Finish is cold chromed. All markings exc. safety side of breech, + and 3 markings. Date numbers are 14.10. Date and manufacturer, history if any. Approx. value

Answer:
Tom, the Type 14 (Nambu) pistol was developed by the Tokyo Arsenal under supervision of General Kijiro Nambu and accepted by the Imperial Japanese Army in the Emperor Taisho Era date 14 (Western calendar year 1925), thus the official designation "Type 14 year" pistol and the "Nambu" nickname. About 280,000 Type 14 pistols were produced from 1926 to 1945 in two main variations which collectors call, the small trigger guard variation and the large trigger guard variation. The Type 14 triggerguards were changed from small to large as a result of combat experience gained in North China and Manchuria during the winter months, so that pistols could be fired with a gloved hand.

Small Trigger Guard pistols were manufactured by the Nagoya Army Arsenal, the Tokyo/Kokura Army Arsenal and the Nambu Factory under the supervision of the Nagoya Army Arsenal from 1926 to September of 1939. Large triggerguard pistols were manufactured from September 1939 to July 1945 by the Nambu Factory under supervision of the Nagoya Army Arsenal and by the Nagoya Army Arsenal, Toriimatsu Factory. Your Nambu was manufactured in October of 1939 so it is probably the large trigger guard variation.

Early Type 14 pistols had a high quality rust-blue finish, with some of the small parts finished straw color, later pistols had a hot dip salt blue finish of lesser quality.

Values for large triggerguard Type 14 pistols can range from about $100 to over $400 depending on condition. I estimate that value for your pistol is in the $100 range because of the chrome finish which is not original. Marc

# 6223 - Old Tear Gas Pengun Kit
8/12/2003
Jody

Hello, I have come across a old tear gas PENGUN kit, I really didn't know what it was until I fired it by accident. I got to looking at the papers with it and it's dated 1967, made in USA by PENGUN associates Inc. in Malvern, PA. It has a reorder paper with it for tear gas tg-2 cartridges or magnum tear gas tg-4. or aerial signal flare which comes in different colors. It looks like a pen which could fit in your shirt pocket. Have you heard of this or could you put me in touch with someone that might know something about this cool little gun? It came in it's own little case, I got it a local yard sale mixed up in a box of old kitchen stuff I bought. Any information would be of a great help, I can tell you it still works, and is as loud a pistol, Thanks for any help.

Answer:
Jody- I believe these were made in two types. The first uses a regular type cartridge, and those are considered to be illegal under federal law because theoretically you could use a regular bullet type cartridge instead of a gas cartridge. If it is one of those, it should be turned in for destruction, although some people would tell you to just quietly dispose of it yourself so the cops can chase bad guys instead of hassling you.

The second type uses a screw in type cartridge, and they are apparently legal. There is some collector interest in these but values are probably in the $25-50 range if you find someone who wants one. Hope this helps. John Spangler

# 6166 - M1903 Springfield Sporter With Zeiss Scope
8/9/2003
Michael, Savannah, Mo.

a flip up safety on the right side of the bolt and another on the left side. The one the left is marked ON and OFF. The one on the right has no markings. The scope on it is a Carl Zeiss Jena with the name Zielklein stamped on it and the scope was made in 1939. The stock is not military, but more of a short rifle stock like the one on sporting rifles now. This gun was given me by my Grandfather. It has the initials US on the left side of the scope mount and the numbers 1407161 on the right side of the mount. I have looked for any make similar. The left side safety looks like the Remington or Springfield. I included the year the scope was made, as my Grandfather told me he purchased them around the same time. If you could give me any information about the rifle, It would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Sincerely, Michael

Answer:
Michael- You have an excellent quality rifle and scope. It started as a Model 1903 Springfield, but made in the scarce NRA Sporter model, and originally sold on October 7, 1933, with the sporter style stock, and having a "star gauge" barrel for special accuracy. Zeiss scopes are absolutely top quality and very expensive then. Although mounting the scope was probably done in such a way that it hurt the value of the gun, it was exactly the use envisioned when the model was designed. Even with the scope, it still would have a fair amount of collector interest, and value either as a complete rifle, or as a source of parts for restoring other rifles, or (if approved by a competent gunsmith) as a shooter. John Spangler

# 6171 - 1894 Mauser Rifle With Turkish Marks
8/9/2003
Ken, O'Fallon, MO

Double struck crescent moon with an S next to it above a crown, with AMBERG under that and 1894 on the bottom on the part front top of the chamber. Next to this are 3 small crowns rotated 90 degrees marking underneath them. On the left-hand side of where the bolt the is Gew.88. And the barrel and where it meets the bolt chamber both have 4100 with a small C underneath. The 4100 C pattern is also repeated on the bottom of the magazine/trigger assembly. The ring that holds the front of the rifle to the stock is marked B.15.R.12.(lowercase)56 The site has 7.9 on it's left hand side. I think this is the caliber. What is the caliber of this gun? Where can I find bullets? Can I modify a standard 30-06 round? Should I be trying shoot it or save it?

Answer:
Ken- Once a Mauser rifle has passed through Turkish hands (indicated by crescent moon type markings), it is hard to predict what mischief may have been done, and I would NOT shoot one, period. This one started off as a Model 1888 "Commission rifle" but undoubtedly got modified at least once, and probably more than that. I suspect it is in 8,, Mauser caliber (American designation) or 7.9x57mm Mauser (European designation). There are minor (but critical differences in bullet diameters for some of the early Mauser rifles, so it should be checked by a competent gunsmith. Even so, I would not fire it. John Spangler

# 6112 - Pistolet Automatique Gecado With Capture Papers
8/9/2003
Kevin Buffalo, NY

Shield with an x in it, dotted L, shield with a star in it, and what looks like an upside down balloon with an upside down c in it. Hello, I have just inherited a pistol my Grandfather brought back from World War II. I don't know much about it except it is .25 caliber (6.35). I'm not even sure the manufacturer, but some research suggested GC Dornheim? The markings on it are: PISTOLET AUTOMATIQUE ''GECADO'' This is a very small gun and appears to be in good working order. It came with a clip and leather case, as well as the paper work to allow it in the U.S in duplicate. Do you have any information on it? I am curious the manufacturer, value, and if there is any demand for this pistol. Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer:
Kevin, Gecado pistols were manufactured by a company named Seam (q.v.) and marketed under the Gecado trade name by Dornheim AG of Suhl, Germany. Pre-war Gecados were 'Eibar' type automatics of average or less quality and finish, chambered in 6.35mm and 7.65mm and marked with the word 'Gecado' in a diamond. Post-war models were much the same as those manufactured before the war but the safety was in a different position and they were marked 'Gecado Mod 11 Cal 6,35 (.25) Made in Germany'.

Collector interest in this type of pistol is typically low, they often sell in the $100 or less range, but the capture papers that you mentioned may make a difference. Some collectors specialize in collecting firearms that come with capture papers, and they are willing to pay a premium for them. How much more a collector would be willing to pay for a non-military issue pistol like yours because it has capture papers is anybody's guess, but I think that the papers will add at least $50 to the pistol's value. Marc

# 6216 - Spanish Revolver U. S. Holster
8/9/2003
Don, Russellville AR USA

Spain What is the approximate value of this gun? I have with it a holster, U.S. Graton and Knight Co. 1943.

Answer:
Don, Your holster may be worth more than your revolver. I was not able to find out any information about JL Galef. Because of the "Spain" marking, my guess is that the company was one of the many Spanish firms who made Smith and Wesson copies for import into the United States in the first half of the 20th century. There is no collector interest in Spanish made Smith and Wesson copies and they have a reputation for making use of low quality, steel which may not be strong enough to handle modern day high - pressure loads. My advice would be to retire this weapon and never fire it. Values for the Spanish revolvers are usually in the $50.00 range.

On the other hand, your holster sounds like it is U.S. military issue. There is a good deal of collector interest in U.S. WWII vintage holsters if they are all original, and in good condition. values can go as high as $100 to $200. Marc

# 6195 - Baby Hammerless
8/6/2003
Dana Moore, Laconia NH

Where can I find out more info on this type of gun? Internet searches haven't given me enough info on this pistol and I cant find anything in the ''Blue Book of Gun Values''.

Answer:
Dana, the Kolb company of Philadelphia, PA set up business in 1892 specializing in the manufacture of small .22 solid-frame revolvers with concealed hammers and folding triggers. Kolb revolvers were collectively known under the trade name of 'Baby Hammerless', they were five-shot .22 Short RF, revolvers with ribbed barrel and a frame latch that used two knurled buttons similar to the system used on contemporary Iver Johnson revolvers. Early Kolb revolvers had a knurled axis pin beneath the barrel, with a vertical spring catch on the right of the frame, which allowed the pin to be withdrawn for removal of the cylinder. References tell me that Baby Hammerless revolvers were manufactured from about 1911 to the early 1920s. In 1930, Kolb became R. F. Sedgeley & Co.

Values for Baby Hammerless revolvers will depend on condition, I would expect to see most examples sell at a gunshow in the $100 to $200 range. Marc

# 6199 - Mauser HSc
8/6/2003

My Dad picked up this gun when he was a G.I. in Europe in WW II. There are 2 clips. One is full of bullets and the other empty. Is it a common piece? Is it of historical value?

Answer:
Mauser HSc pistols are not uncommon, but examples in good condition do have collector / historical value. Over 250,000 HSc pistols were manufactured from 1941 until the end of the war, serial numbers began at 700,000 and ended at about 951,000. Military issue pistols were marked with the German WW-II Heerswaffenamt inspector's proof stamp for arms produced at Mauser Werke AG, Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany, eagle over WaA135. HSc pistols issued to the police were marked with a police proof, an eagle over an "x" inside a circle with the letter "L" to the right stamped on the left side of the trigger guard. Pistols that were sold commercially do not have military or police proofs. The value of your pistol will depend on condition and markings. It has been my experience that military marked pistols are more valuable than ones that bare police markings and both are move valuable than commercial pistols. Marc

# 6204 - Harpers Ferry 1859 Rifle
8/6/2003
Rich Bellport N.Y.

I have a Harper's Ferry rifle marked 1859 and cannot find any information about it. I only found that about 7000 were made. I would like to find out its value and how to go about selling it.

Answer:
Rich- We cannot help much based on the info you provided. Notice that we ask for several specific pieces of information when people have questions about their gun. That is to help ensure we can provide you reasonably good information, or as good as you can expect when you want free advice. One of them is barrel length.

Harpers Ferry Armory was making both "rifles" and "rifle muskets" in 1859, both in .58 caliber, and while that may seem to be an insignificant difference to people today, it makes a big difference to collectors, as they are two distinctly different models. The "rifle" had a heavy 33 inch barrel with two bands, and took a sword bayonet, and had a patch box on the right side of the buttstock. The "rifle musket" had a 40 inch barrel with three bands, and took a socket bayonet. Some people will mistakenly identify a rifle musket which has had the barrel cut back to 33 inches as a rifle. Any of these have some collector value, either as parts, or as complete arms. Remember, large numbers of the arms made by Harpers Ferry were in storage there in 1861 when the armory was destroyed before the Confederates could capture it. Thus Harpers Ferry .58 caliber arms are much scarcer than Springfields, although (perversely) more collectors want Springfields, so values tend to be lower. Without knowing more about the exact model you have, or the condition (other than "rusty") we can only guess that yours might be worth a few hundred dollars, or more. If you send some photos we would have a better idea of what it might be worth, and if we could help you recycle it to a new home. John Spangler

# 6212 - Connecticut Arms Company Pocket Revolver
8/2/2003
Don

Very fine shape blue steel barrel and Brass Frame Has Conn. Valley firearms Patent 1864, renue 1867 wood grips all original Cylinder turns with slot to real where firing hits on each cylinder Looks like it uses a wad cutter type bullet. Question, Size looks like about a 32 caliber bore. Need any information possible

Answer:
Don- I cannot find a listing for Connecticut Valley Firearms, but suspect that it is actually marked CONN. ARMS CO., NORFOLK, CONN as that firm made guns with an 1864 patent date marking. These were .28 caliber "cup fire" gunsthat used oddball ammunition and a cylinder designed to evade the Rollin White Patents held by Smith & Wesson. Flayderman's Guide notes that about 2700 were made in the mid [late?] 1860s, and that the early version has only the 1864 patent date, but a second version also has a1866 date. If your has a "reissued 1867" marking that may be yet another variation. Although likely worth a premium, I would not get too excited, as he lists the more common model as worth $175 and $375 in NRA antique good and excellent condition respectively.

The cup fire cartridge is an interesting design, and anyone interested should check out the superb glossary at the International Ammunition Association's site http://CartridgeCollectors.org Look up the definitions (with drawings) of the cupfire, lipfire, and teatfire cartridges, all attempts to circumvent the Rollin White patents. There are some collectors who specialize just in such patent evasion models. John Spangler

# 6214 - Belgian .69 Caliber Single Shot Percussion Pistol
8/2/2003
Jay, Brooklyn, New York

ELG surrounded by oval located on one side of the barrel, and another ''E'' with a star on top, and what looks like an arrow under it located on the opposite side of the barrel. The item in question is a percussion, single shot, muzzle-loading pistol. It has a bead sight, brass trigger guard, brass cap on the butt with a metal lanyard ring. also has a hinged ramrod. Could you please give me any information you can on this pistol, as well as its value? Thank You

Answer:
Jay- This sort of pistol could have been made as early as about 1840, but many have been made well into the 20th century, some as late as the 1970s or so. The ELG confirms it was made in Belgium, but everything else could be either old military or recent commercial production. I have seen guns similar to the one you describe offered at prices ranging from under $100 to over $500, but I dont think I know for usre if any of them actually sold at those prices.

# 6217 - $3500 Stevens Junior?
8/2/2003
From: Sherry Tennessee

J. Stevens Arms Co. Chicopee Falls, Mass, USA Model 11-22-long rifle PAT July 7, 1907 Stevens Junior I inherited this rifle. A local gun collector told me that there were only 7 made by the Stevens Co. that are marked with the date July 7, 1907. He estimated the value at $3500. Is this true? I have no intention on selling at this time, but if it's valuable, I need to know how much to insure it for.

Answer:
Sherry- The Model 11 "Junior" was made from 1924 to 1931 with a 20 inch barrel, using extremely inexpensive techniques, and was Stevens last effort in the cheap "Boys' rifle" market. According to information in Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and their Values, the Stevens Model 11 is worth $125 in NRA antique very good condition and $300 in excellent. No mention is made of any patent dates. However, there are not a lot of Stevens collectors, and even among them I seriously doubt that anyone would pay 10 times the usual value for a patent marking variation.

In my opinion the person was either badly mistaken or intentionally pulling your leg. I would suggest that you tell them that you really need money, so you will let them have it for half price ($1750), but please insist on cash, not a check. Go down to $1,000 if you like. I can almost guarantee that they will not take you up on it. If they do, you will have gotten far more than I think the gun is worth, and made some wealthy but fanatical collector very happy.

Some of the high grade Stevens target rifles with fancy sights and fancy hook buttplates and other features can bring prices in the $2,000-$5,000 range, but not the cheap Boys' rifles. Hope this helps. John Spangler

# 6186 - Sauer & Sohn Pistol Identification
8/2/2003
Adela

S&S on both left and right sides of the handle. JP Sauer & Sohn .Suhl. on a rib on the top of the slide. Also an oval indentation on the top, right after the Suhl, with a standing figure holding a spear (I've read a cave-man was the company symbol?) The word PATENT. on the left side of the slide. cal 7,65. on the right side of the slide Safety lever on the left side of the handle and right next to it the serial number Knurled circular screw cap, and on the back of that there's Made in Germany and below that an N with a curled symbol above it that I can't quite make out. The N and symbol is also on the right side of the handle below the barrel near to the trigger There's a O or 0 on the trigger The detachable rectangular clip has S&S7,65 inside. What year and model is this? Is it a genuine WWI or WWII antique? (The ''made in Germany'' seems strange). Thanks!

Answer:
Adela, your description does not match exactly with any of the Sauer models that I have run across in my research or that I am familiar with. My guess is that you have a Model 1913, or possibly a later Behorden.

The 1913 was the first Sauer pistol to be marked under the company's own name, an estimated 175,000 were manufactured from 1913 to 1930 when the model was discontinued. The 1913 was a blowback design that featured a fixed barrel, coaxial recoil spring, and light tubular slide, with a knurled screw cap at the rear end. The safety catch, which locked the sear and disengaged the trigger when set, was on the left side of the pistol. The magazine was a 7-shot detachable box type, which fitted into the butt. Slide markings included the Sauer company name, stamped on the top rib, the word 'Patent' stamped on the left side, and the caliber stamped on the right side. The left grip carried the word 'Sauer' across the top, and 'CAL 7.65' across the bottom, while the right grip was marked 'S&S' at the top.

In 1930, Sauer introduced an improved 7.65mm model which used the same basic design as the 1913. The new model incorporated several internal modifications to improve function and safety. The grip was given a better shape, the trigger was fitted with a small catch which acted as a security lock, a loaded indicator was added which protruded from the rear cap when there was a round in the chamber and the the top rib of the slide was knured to reduce reflections in the sight path. The new model was called the Behorden (Authorities or Official) Model, it was adopted by several German police forces and, in small numbers, it was used as a staff officer's pistol by the Army. The Behorden remained in production from 1930 until 1937.

Depending on which model that you have, your pistol could be of either WWI or pre WWII vintage, but it was not military issue. The "Made in Germany" marking was added in accordance with an 1898 U.S. import law which required the country of origin to be marked on all goods imported into the USA. This marking signifies that the pistol was a commercial model not military issue. Marc

# 6188 - Burgo Revolver Value
8/2/2003

it looks like it is black and it has an ivory handle Is it worth anything. I found it among my husband's things after his death. I knew he had it but it had slipped my mind.

Answer:
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, the Burgo was an inexpensive (cheap Saturday night special type) revolver manufactured in the 1960's by Karl Burgsmuller of Kreiensen, West Germany for export to the United States. U.S. import of his type of revolver was banned by the gun control act of 1968. There is no collector demand for Burgo revolvers, values fall in the $25 to $50 range. Marc

# 5594 - Nazi High Power
8/2/2003

Eagle over WaA 140''. ''FABRIQUE NATIONAL D'ARMES DE GUERRE HERSTAL BELGIQUE''above ''BROWNING PATENT DEPOSE''. Wood checkered grip. Matching Serial # on all parts, swastika on barrel slide and frame ''MR'' stamped on trigger guard. What is the Approx. Value (Blueing Warn no rust 100% complete and matching)? When was it made, and how many are out there? How would I tell if it is The Long Browning Pistol? (It looks like a standard hi power with fixed sights.)

Answer:

The High Power pistol was designed by John Moses Browning and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Herstal, Belgium. The Belgians were first armed forces to adopt the High Power as an official sidearm, they did this in 1935. Between 1935 and the German capture of the FN factory on May 29, 1940 contracts were filled for the armed forces of several countries including Belgium, China, Peru, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and France.

From the plant's seizure by the Germans in May of 1940 to its liberation in September of 1944, over 319,000 High Powers pistols were manufactured for the German Wehrmacht. The first several thousand pistols were made up from captured parts and had a high polish finish, a shoulder stock slot cut into the rear grip strap and tangent rear sight. To speed production, the Germans eliminated the shoulder stock slot and then the tangent sight at about serial number 145000. As production continued, the quality of finish was reduced to dull blue over a progressively less polished metal. The Germans used three Waffenenamt stamps on High Power pistols:

1. Eagle over WaA613
2. Eagle over WaA103
3. Eagle over WaA140.

Your pistol is the third variation, these were stamped with eagle over WaA140, had fixed 50-meter sights, wood or brown plastic grips and dull military-blue finish over rough machine marks. The approximate serial range for this variation is 145000 to 210000, then 01a to 100000a and finally 01b to 63000b.

Yearly production of High Power pistols under German occupation was as follows:

1940..................... 8,500
1941..................... 65,700
1942..................... 80,600
1943..................... 101,200
1944..................... 63,000

Values for 3rd variation Nazi Proofed High Power pistols are in the $300 to $700 range depending on condition. Sorry but I am unfamiliar with the term "The Long Browning Pistol". Marc