Questions And Answers Page

If you have a question about firearms and you want it posted on this page click here.

Return to Collectors Headquarters.

Click here to go to the question and answer monthly index.

Click here to go to the question and answer subject index.


15671  - Walther Mod. 8
8/22/2017
Edwin

Maker: Walther, Model: Model ''B'' Or ''8'', Caliber: .25 Or .32, Barrel Length: 3, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
''F'' stamped on left side behind trigger. Left side of grip has a blue circular emblem with a ''W'' superimposed on top of a ''C''. Right side of grip has a blue circular emblem with ''6.35'' inside. Right side of slide is marked ''Waffenfabrik Walther Zella-Mehlis(Thur.)Right side of frame & slide has an ''N'' lying on its side with what looks like a crown with a cross on top of it just to the right of the ''N''.

Question:
Can you please offer some history and approximate original value and current value of this handgun? It was purchased in Germany by a friend many years ago. I apologize for not knowing the exact calibur. It looks as though it could be a .25 or a .32.

 Answer:
Edwin, it sounds like this pistol is a Model 8. Walter introduced the Model 8 in 1920, it was chambered in .25 ACP, and had a 2 & 7/8 inch barrel, fixed sights, black checkered plastic grips with round medallions and blue or nickel finish.

The Model 8 was the first Walter to use the trigger guard as a stripping catch. The guard pivots and an extension of the front edge passes through a slot in the frame below the barrel where it limits movement of the slide to the rear. To remove the slide, the guard is released by depressing a spring catch on the right front side and then pulled away from the frame. After that the slide can be pulled back far enough to free it from the frame at the rear so it can be lifted and removed.

Walter produced about 250,000 Model 8 pistols from their introduction in 1920, until 1943 when the model was discontinued.

I have been unable to find any information about prices when the model was first introduced but current blue book values range between $125 and about $700 depending on condition, markings and type of finish. Although bluebook prices are high for this model, it has been my experience that it is often hard to sell most .25 caliber pistols. Marc



15622  - Two Krag Heirloom Rifles
8/22/2017
Jason, Tooele, Utah

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1898, Caliber: 30-40 Krag, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 482626, 324674

Markings:
Serial number 482626 has a cartouche on the left side marked 1899

Question:
I have two 30-40 Krag model 1898 rifles both are carbines I was wondering if anybody could give me some history on these rifles one was left to me by my father the other was left to me by my grandfather serial numbers are 482626 and 324674.

 Answer:
Jason- Always glad to help our neighbors in Tooele (pronounced “Too-will-ah” if outsiders want to pronounce the name of the Army ordnance facility there correctly.)

Unfortunately there is no documented history for either of these rifles, but both apparently started off with 30 inch barrels although they may have been shortened over the years. The lower number rifle was made about 1903 and the higher number about 1905 when Krag production was wrapping up and M1903 Springfield production already well underway. There is really not any history that we can tell you about these, but the fact that they belonged to family members should make them both special to you and your kids. Enjoy them! John Spangler



15670  - Marlin Model 24 12 Guage
8/19/2017
Rita Sua Swwhat is it`s eet Springs Mo

Maker: Marlin, Model: 24, Caliber: 12 Gauge, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 143785

Question:
When was this firearm made and what is it`s value

 Answer:
Rita according to the blue book, the Marlin Model 24 was a slide action takedown shotgun with an automatic recoil lock on slide, solid matte rib and 21 inch barrel with improved cylinder choke. It looks like the shotgun was available in grades A, B, C, D and G. Value depends on the grade and condition of the shotgun and can range from around $100 to about $1500. The Model 24 was manufactures from 1908 to 1915. Marc



15621  - Krag Rifle Or Carbine?
8/19/2017
Carl, Stockton, California

Maker: U.S. Springfield Armory, Model: 1898, Caliber: 30-40, Barrel Length: 30, Finish: Blue, SN: 106868

Markings:
S.F.CAL PACIFC ON Rear Sight, Front Sight Marble on Left Side, No.11 on Right Side

Question:
Is it a 119 years old and is it military issued carbine or rifle?

 Answer:
Carl- According to the serial number, your gun started off as a Model 1896 infantry rifle with a 30 inch barrel, and was made in 1898. It was almost certainly issued in the Spanish American War, but there is no documented history on that number to tell exactly where it went. The sights are commercial hunting sights, and probably were installed sometime between 1930 and 1950 when Krags were among the most popular hunting rifles because of their exceptionally smooth actions, and also their very modest price as old military surplus rifles. These are well made rifles and .30-40 Krag ammo is easy to get, and many people still shoot them. Enjoy! John Spangler



15665  - Liberty Pistol Manufactured By Retolaza Hermanos Of Eibar, Spain
8/15/2017
Spain

Maker: Liberty, Model: 1914 - 1916 ?, Caliber: 32 ACP / 765, Barrel Length: 2-3 Inch?, Finish: Blue, SN: 7598

Markings:
Made in Spain ''Liberty'' AUTOMATIC PISTOL CAL 765

Question:
It was manufactured in Spain by Retolaza Hermanos. I would like to know what year. Thanks

 Answer:
The Retolaza brothers entered the pistol business in the 1890s manufacturing 'Velo-Dog' type of pocket revolvers and appear to have continued producing inexpensive automatics until the Spanish Civil War. The first Retolaza pistol to carry the Liberty name was a 7.65mm 'Eibar' model with 8-shot magazine, and a lanyard ring on the butt with the word 'Liberty' impressed across the grips. This pistol was manufactured for the WWI market. The Liberty name was used after WWI on a 6.35mm version, of the same pattern, that had a shorter slide and grip. Grips for the 6.35mm Liberty were also impressed with the word 'Liberty' together with a lion's head logo, possibly you could have mistaken this for the bulls head that you describe. Marc



15620  - Armi Galesi Pistol
8/15/2017
Bill Pompano Bch,Fl

Maker: Armi Galesi 1955 22, Model: 9 ?, Caliber: 22cal., Barrel Length: Not Sur, Finish: Blue, SN: 103339

Markings:
1955 PSF

Question:
What is the cal. for this gun,I know is says 22cal. but someone said 22L or 22Lr can not find just plain 22cal.And would a 22L or Lr clip fit this gun and work,was passed on from my Dad

 Answer:
Bill- As far as caliber, these were apparently made in .22 short, .22 long, and .22 long rifle, and each needs the magazine (clip) of the correct caliber to function. My gut feeling is that if it was made in 1955 it is probably .22 long rifle, but that is probably no more accurate than me guessing what brand of beer is in your refrigerator.

The best info I could find on the whole spectrum of Galesi pistols ranging from .22 short to 9mm Parabellum is from a great site with lots of info on obscure European makers:

https://www.bevfitchett.us/firearms-identification/galesi-pistols-1.html

QUOTE

Galesi pistols

These pistols are manufactured by the Industria Armi Galesi, located in Collebeato (Brescia), Italy. The firm was founded in 1910 by Nicola Galesi, the father of Giuseppe Galesi who is the present proprietor. The first pistol was made in 1914 and production continued until 1923. In 1923 (or soon thereafter) production of the second model began. This model was based on Pat. No. 219,408 issued to Nicola Galesi on March 30, 1923. Just when production was started is not known, nor is it known how many were manufactured before it gave way to the Mod. 1930. Specimens known to have been made in 1928 bear serial numbers in the 130,000 range. This pistol was of the blowback type with no particularly distinctive or outstanding features. It was produced in both 6.35 and 7.65 mm. calibers.

In 1930 a new model appeared, based on Pat. No. 297,441 issued to Nicola Galesi on June 7, 1930, and it became known as the 1930 Model. This was also made in both 6.35 and 7.65 mm. calibers until 1936, when it was also issued in 9mm. caliber. This change did not involve any change in model nomenclature. Specimen No. 138,827 in 6.35mm. caliber dated 1937 shows the sliding floor plate and probably is one of the last to have this feature.

The 9 mm. version of this model was made for war service and is so marked. Following the Italian surrender, possibly as early as 1944, production of the Mod. 1930 in 7.65 mm. caliber was resumed. Speciman No. 145,233 (though undated) is probably of this vintage. It has an extension of the magazine floor plate which forms a rest for the little finger, thus producing a somewhat better grip.

Following World War II (in 1950) the designation of the pistol was again changed, becoming the Mod. 9, but with no important basic changes. Specimens of the 6.35 Mod. 1930 pistols dated 1937 appear to be identical to 6.35 mm, Mod, 9 which are dated 1947, with the exception of the design of the grip plates, the use of finer serrations in the finger grips on the slide, and the slightly more streamlined grip frames on the 1947 Mod, Observed specimens of the Mod. 1930 did not have raised front and rear sights, but such are provided on some (but not all) of the 7,65 mm, Mod, 9 pistols,

The Mod. 9 is produced in ,22 Short, ,22 Long, ,22 L.R., 6,35 mm,, and 7,65 mm, calibers and in different sized models for the same caliber, Also, they are available in a profusion of finishes and grip materials for each caliber and size, In fact no less than 54 quotations appear in the price list, All Galesi pistols are numbered consecutively, each caliber having a separate numbering series irrespective of model, Up to June 1959 over 300,000 pieces had been made, including all calibers and models.

The Galesi pistols are widely advertised and apparently well known in this country and, no doubt, will continue to be so, for they are very attractive in appearance, and their stainless steel barrels should render them less likely to corrode and less subject to wearing away of the rifling. END QUOTE

Now, we both know a lot more about Galesi pistols. John Spangler



15664  - Spanish Hawken Date Of Manufacture
8/12/2017
Chris Fayetteville Arkansas

Maker: CVA, Model: Spain Hawken, Caliber: .50, Barrel Length: 28'', Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 488713

Question:
What year is this gun?

 Answer:
Chris, we do not have much interest in modern muzzle loaders at OldGuns.net so I can not be of much help. The best that I can tell you is that CVA was founded in 1971 so your rifle must have been made some time after 1971. For more information you might try the CVA site: https://cva.com, or posting a question on one of the black powder shooting forms. Marc



15616  - Turkish Mauser
8/12/2017
Deanna Colvin Dayton, Texas

Maker: Don`t Know, Model: Don`t Know, Caliber: 8mm, Barrel Length: Don`t Know, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 137890

Markings:
1943 K.Kale Crescent shape with T over left point, and C over right point. It has the letter AS ANK on left side ,and FA ARA on right side. On barrel has markings M 1908 or 1938 German 8 Mm, and CAI ST AIR VT. Anything you can tell me about this gun would be greatly appreciated. I can`t find information on this thing anywhere. Thank you

Question:
Can you tell me anything about this gun?

 Answer:
Deanna- The markings you describe are those found on rifles used by Turkey, nearly all of them some variation of a Mauser made between the late 1880s and 1940. The quality of workmanship ranges from good to excellent on the ones originally made in Germany, much less so on those made in Turkey. In addition, the Turks kept updating rifles during WW1 and WW2, usually at the arsenal at Ankara, and the quality of workmanship there ranges from adequate to terrifyingly shoddy. Personally I would never shoot any of the Turkish Mausers, but lots of people do, and I am not aware of any injuries, so maybe my unease is unwarranted. But, I like all my body parts so will continue to refrain from shooting any of the Turkish rifles.

The marks on the barrel are CAI ST ALB VT which are “import marks” required by federal law to identify that the rifle was (one of thousands) brought in by Century Arms Incorporated of St. Albans, Vermont. The 8mm identifies the caliber and the model is probably the 1938 Model, but the Turkish rifles are hard to identify accurately after all the fiddling at Ankara. John Spangler



15668  - Late Winchester 1906
8/8/2017
Doug McConkie, La Grande, Oregon

Maker: Winchester, Model: Model 06, Caliber: 22 Rifle, Barrel Length: Approximately 19 Inches, Finish: Nickel, SN: 792311

Markings:
last patent date may 30,1911

Question:
When was this rifle manufactured?? Estimated value

 Answer:
Doug, the Winchester Model 1906 was a simplified version of the earlier Winchester Model 1890, it usually came with a 20 inch round-flat crowned barrel, a straight-wristed buttstock, and a grooved cylindrical slide handle, average weight was 5.1 pounds. The M1906 was manufactured form 1906 to 1932, total production reached approximately 848,000 rifles, your rifle (sn 792311 ) was manufactured at the end of production probably after 1934. The M1906 was initially offered only in 22 short, but after April 1908, the design was altered so rifles would chamber 22 Short, Long or Long Rifle. The M1906 was also offered in a deluxe 'Expert' version which was manufactured from 1917 to 1925. The Expert version had a pistol grip butt stock and a specially-shaped slide handle. Expert rifles could be ordered in blue, with a nickel-plated receiver and trigger guard, or with all the metal parts nickel-plated. Values for Winchester Model 1906 rifles range from $150 to around $800 depending upon condition and configuration.



15615  - Lee Enfield Rifle Questions
8/8/2017
Andy, Granbury, Texas

Maker: Enfield, Model: No. 4 Mk. 1 (F), Caliber: .303 British, Barrel Length: 25 Inches, Finish: Other, SN: PF 57544

Markings:
This rifle has SAN 1881 stamped into the brass butt plate

Question:
I just acquired this rifle and would like to know more about it. I believe it was made by the Fazakerly arsenal in 1948 but I am not sure. Also, I would like to know what the SAN 1881 on the butt plate refers to. Thanks

 Answer:
Andy- The PF prefix before the serial number does indicate it was made by the Royal Ordnance Factory Fazakerly. The date of manufacture is usually marked on the receiver near the serial number (month/year like 10/48 for October 1948). The No. 4 Mk. I (F) indicates it was made with the “fine adjust” rear sight, as opposed to the simple “L” type flip sight used as a shortcut during WW2 production. The SAN 1881 on the buttplate is a unit marking of some sort, but I cannot tell you what unit, or even what country. SA was used for some purposes by South Africa, but also India after their independence. N sometimes indicates Navy, so perhaps South African Navy, or maybe something else. John Spangler



15602  - Model 1903 Springfield Heavy Barrel Target Rifle
8/5/2017
Mark Cooper. Poulsbo, As.

Maker: 1903 Springfield, Model: T, Caliber: 3006, Barrel Length: 30, Finish: Blue, SN: 1266171

Question:
I am trying to ascertain if I have what I believe to be a Springfield 06 T model. Serial number indicate receiver made in 1924. I believe the rifle assembled into T model in 1927

 Answer:
Mark- Congratulations! You have an authentic Springfield Armory made heavy barrel target rifle with 30 inch barrel which was sold on March 26, 1925. It was one of four sold on the day of the earliest reported sales of the 30 inch “T” Model. A total of fifteen 30 inch rifle sales are recorded, with the latest being April 18, 1928. In addition to fifteen 30 inch rifles, there are records for two with 24 inch barrels, six with 26 inch barrels and nine with 28 inch barrels. If you would like a letter with information on the original purchaser, contact the Springfield Research Service in Cabin John, MD and they will sell you a letter if you are a subscriber to their newsletter.

Again, congratulations! John Spangler



15647  - Unknown P.38
8/5/2017
Charles

Maker: Walther, Model: P38, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: ?

Markings:
German eagle near trigger guard

Question:
I was wondering if you could help me find out what I have here along with manufacturer dates and any other information. Thanks.

 Answer:
Charles, it is hard to be of much assistance with the information that you provided. You did not tell me the serial number, the type of finish or mention any other markings except for a German eagle. The pistol could be anything from a rare early model to an inexpensive post war West German manufactured gun. Marc



15642  - Grandfather's Model 27 S&W
8/1/2017
Mitch, Seattle, WA

Maker: S&W, Model: 27, Caliber: .357 Magnum, Barrel Length: 6'', Finish: Blue, SN: S1 92145

Question:
I inherited this handgun from my grandfather. He passed away when I was young and never got to ask questions of him first hand. I would like to know when this revolver was made and where I can do more research on it. Thank you.

 Answer:
Mitch, I have always liked the Model 27, it is Smith and Wesson’s best (and most expensive) .357 magnum revolver. Model 27’s are built on the N-Frame, which is the same heavy frame as the Model 29 .44 Magnum, they have fancy matting/checkering cut into the top strap and barrel rib to provide a functional and beautiful non-glare surface. S&W first produced this as the Registered Magnum in 1935 and it is the original .357 Magnum revolver. Your Model 27 was manufactured in 1952.

For more research, there are several books on S&W firearms at Amazon, but the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica & Richard Nahas is the one that I am most familiar with. You can order the Supica & Nahasis book from Amazon at the following link:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=smith+and+wesson&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Asmith+and+wesson

Another place for information on S&W firearms is the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association, they are at:

http://www.theswca.org/.

Hope this helps, Marc



15599  - Gettysburg First Shot From A Sharps Carbine
8/1/2017
Greg, Stillwater, MN

Maker: Sharps, Model: 1863, Caliber: 52, Barrel Length: 22, Finish: Blue, SN: C20176

Question:
Do you know if it was a Sharps 1863 carbine or Sharps 1859 carbine that Marcellus Jones used in what is known as the first shot fired at Gettysburg? I can`t find any information if it was possibly an 1863 Model. All literature I find only states a Sharps carbine was used. Could the above model been used at Gettysburg. Thanks, Greg

 Answer:
Greg- As I understand your question, you want to know if YOUR Sharps carbine, serial number C20176 might have been one of the ones at Gettysburg. Let’s look at this from two directions:

(a) Was your carbine made in time to reach Gettysburg by July 1, 1863? And:

(b) What unit was Marcellus Jones in and when did they receive their Sharps carbines?

A- Frank Sellers’ excellent “Sharps Firearms” is the best source on some Sharps models right now, but superb researcher Roy Marcot and a team are part way into a multi-volume history of Sharps Firearms which will be the definitive word when it is completed. For now, however, Sellers notes for the New Model 1863 percussion carbines there were about 60,000 made from sometime in 1863 to 1865 in the serial number range of 71,235 to 99,999 at which point that shifted to use of a C prefix and started over again at C1 through C49,528. Given that Sharps production was rather steady it is unlikely that they reached serial number C20176 before sometime in mid to late 1864. Therefore it could not have been at Gettysburg.

B- As far as Marcellus Jones, we know from Wikipedia, the infallible font of everything that is true on the internet, that “Marcellus Ephraim Jones (June 5, 1830 – October 9, 1900) is widely regarded as the soldier who fired the first shot at the Battle of Gettysburg (1863).” Jones had risen from the ranks to Second Lieutenant in the 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry by the time of that battle, and reportedly borrowed a carbine from a trooper to pop off a round at a Confederate officer coming towards them. So, we know the unit Jones was with, and can try to figure out what arms they had. Google searches for the 8th Illinois Cavalry reveal that Jones borrowed a Sharps carbine from Corporal Levi Shaeffer of Company E. The 8th Illinois was organized in August 1861 and served for the duration of the war, seeing action in many battles. John D. McAulay’s usual thorough research is the key for his outstanding ”U.S. Military Carbines.” On page 89 in the section of Sharps Carbines he notes that in Buford’s Cavalry (which included the 8th Illinois) five of the eight regiments were partially or totally armed with Sharps New Model 1859 carbines. And, he cites from the June 30, 1863 quarterly cavalry reports from eight of the 12 companies of the 8th Illinois Cavalry (the other companies did not submit reports). Lt. Jones’ Company E was pretty typical, reporting they had 37 Sharps carbines, 43 Colt .44 caliber revolvers and 36 sabers. It may be possible to dig deeper in the National Archives to find earlier “cavalry reports” or quarterly reports of ordnance and ordnance stores to see if there was any change from previous quarters which might suggest that they had just received new Sharps carbines of the 1863 model. Otherwise it is a safe assumption that they were the New Model 1859. McCaulay’s books (he has others on rifles and naval weapons) all include actual reports from units in the field on how their weapons performed and where they were used. All of his books should be in a U.S. martial arms collector’s library.

Surviving usage records for Sharps serial numbers do not show the use of ANY Sharps with or without a C prefix by the 8th Illinois. These records are fragmentary and were temporary when made, so be happy that some survived at all, rather than complain that some did not.

So, bottom line, it was probably a New Model 1859 carbine that Lt. Jones used. Hope that helps. John Spangler