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15463 - Spencer Carbine Use
1/31/2017
Judson Wade, Franklin, TN

Maker: Spencer Repeating Rifle, Model: 1860, Caliber: 56-56, Barrel Length: 22, Finish: Blue, SN: 54040

Markings:
1860 Spencer Repeating Rifle, SN: 54040

Question:
Can you tell me when this weapon was issued and if it was issued during the civil war?

Answer:
Judson- Since this is the Model 1860, not the Model 1865 and was made by the Spencer Repeating Rifle Company it is the Civil War issue version. There is no surviving history on this number but nearby numbers were associated with the 6th New York, 3rd Kentucky, 6th Illinois, 3rd Michigan and 1st Alabama (U.S.) all volunteer cavalry units sometime in late 1864 or early 1865. One number was even with the 4th U.S. Cavalry in April 1866 presumably fighting Indians in the West. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15558 - Marlin 1897 Value
1/31/2017
México

Maker: Marlin, Model: 1897, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: 24'', Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 160326

Markings:
Only missing the string from charger, but in working condition

Question:
How much is the price?

Answer:
Marlin re-introduced several versions of the 1997 in the 1990s and 2000s but the original Model 1897 was manufactured between 1897-1922. It was a lever action take-down rifle that could chamber .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle cartridges. Barrels were available from the factory in 16, 24, 26, or 28 inch lengths. Original finish on the receiver was case coloring. If you are not familiar with case coloring, it sort of looks like the colors you get when you pour oil on water. Rifles could be ordered with straight or pistol grip stocks.

Model 1897 values in the blue book range from about $300 to over $2500. The value of your rifle will depend on condition, and if it is one of later re-introduced models. Marc

15557 - Replacement 1903 Receiver
1/28/2017
Andy Dockery, Greeneville, Tn

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1903, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 987506

Markings:
Springfield USA

Question:
I have a Springfield 1903 and it appears someone has tried to tap the receiver for scope mounts. The taps apparently did not hold and the owner filled the holes with what appears to be JB Weld. My question is would it be possible to find a replacement receiver and install it. The rest of the rifle is in nice conditions and I would like to save it. Thanks in advance for your

Answer:
Andy, you should be able to find another receiver. I think that the most economical rout would be to find a rifle that has been sporterized that you can cannibalize for parts. Try looking at pawn shops, gunshows and the online auctions like Gun Broker. Good luck. Marc

15461 - Camel Gun
1/28/2017
Lamar Holland, Bristol, Florida

Maker: ??????????????, Model: ??????????, Caliber: .45?????????????, Barrel Length: 48 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: NONE

Markings:
an OLD muzzleloader with a 8.5 inch flintlock action. Numerous ivory or bone inlays, being held in place by nails approximately 1/4 inch long. a .445 round ball fit into the barrel, but a .454 round ball will not fit into the barrel. the much decayed stock is probably walnut. the stock had a 4-4.5 inch ivory or bone butplate, not the height but the length, nailed on with nails probably 6-6.5 inches long. I`m just guessing that it was probably a foreign made gun.

Question:
I`m trying to find the time period in which it was made. your help in trying to identify the gun will be very much appreciated......... hoolar4142@gmail.com.........(850) 567-5399

Answer:
Lamar- Based on your description, I think this is probably a “Camel Gun” from a middle eastern country. Some are old originals, but most seen today are cobbled together specifically for the tourist market and artificially aged to look old or very old, even though most are so poorly made that they could not fire even if you tried. The general style is circa 1860-1890, but date of manufacture may have been 150 years ago, or last year or yesterday. Values as decorative objects seems to run about $100-150 each, if a buyer can be found. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15458 - Remington Rolling Block Rifle Made In Belgium
1/24/2017
Keith, Grain Valley, Missouri

Maker: Remington, Model: No. 1 Rolling Block, Caliber: 43 Spanish ??, Barrel Length: 33 5/8'', Finish: Blue, SN: 57178

Markings:
Side of Receiver Tang stamped with 57178 which I believe is the SN. Trigger Guard Tang is also stamped with same SN. Also is a Production Seq. # ?? of 209 stamped on the underside of Receiver Tang, Side of Trigger Guard, bottom of barrel, and on butt stock under tang. Barrel proof marks ''ELG *'' identify as made in Liege Belgium. Older style #1 RB with 3 barrel bands, FP in block with set screw, straight ejector with holding screw in side of receiver. Believe chambered in 43 Spanish (muzzle dia.=.44'', Chamber dia.=.52:, Breech Face dia.=.66'', depth=.10'')

Question:
Is there any way to find out for sure where this RB was made (Remington or Belgium) and who it may have been made for and when? Did the Liege plant have records on when SN`s were built? Thank you.

Answer:
Keith- First, thank you very much for the excellent description with important details. That really helps!

George Layman’s excellent “The All New Collector's Guide to Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World” probably has the answer on this, but I do not have a copy hand right now. As I recall, Auguste Francotte in Liege was an authorized or licensed maker of the Remington Rolling Block design rifles, although many countries such as Sweden and Spain made most of their rifles in their armories, also under license from Remington. Since rolling blocks were used just about everywhere (most of South America, the Vatican, Egypt, etc. it is hard to keep up with exactly where all of them came from. Layman’s book will help. Remington always included their patent information on the upper tang. Some of the licensed makers included Remington patent information on the gun, but others did not. As I recall, Francotte did not, although they seem to have usually marked their name on the side of the receiver. I do not know if Francotte records survive, but doubt it. You might ask on the Remington Society of America site and maybe someone there will know for sure. John Spangler

15540 - Remington Score Master 511 P Manufacture Date
1/24/2017
Veronica, Wooster, Ohio

Maker: Remington, Model: Score Master 511 P, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
This gun was a gift and I`m trying to figure out how old it is. From what I`ve read, the 511 p was made around 1930s - 1960s. It has a WH stamped on the left side of the barrel with a symbol that I can not make

Answer:
Veronica, the Remington 511 line was first available to the public in April 1939. When first introduced there were three different 511 types, the 511A, the 511P and the 511SB.

The Model 511A had a detachable box-magazine which held six rounds of .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle ammunition, a ten-shot magazine was an optional accessory. Sights were a ramp white metal bead blade-type front, and a sporting type step-adjustable rear. 511A weight was five pounds, twelve ounces. 511A barrels were marked: MODEL 511. When first introduced the 511A sold for $11.50.

The Model 511P is the same as the 511A except that it had a Partridge-type front sight mounted on a non-glare ramp and a Remington Point Crometer rear peep sight, adjustable for windage and elevation, with two interchangeable discs. 511P barrels were initially marked MODEL 511-P, later rifles were marked MODEL 511P. When first introduced the 511P sold for $11.95.

The Model 511SB - was the same as the Model 511A except it was a smoothbore chambered for .22 Long Rifle shot cartridges only. The 511SB had a white metal bead shotgun-style front sight and no rear sight. 511SB barrels were marked MODEL 511 and 22 CAL. SMOOTH BORE. When first introduced the 511SB sold for $11.50.

Model 511 production was interrupted during World War II but resumed for the models 511A and 511P after the end of the war in 1945. The Model 511P was discontinued in December 1960, and the Model 511A was discontinued in 1963. Total Model 511 A, P and SB production was 381,267.

Remingtons made between 1921 and 1972 have a code located usually on the left side of the barrel near the frame that identifies the year and month of manufacture. The following letters correspond to the months of the year, for example B=January, L= February and so on [ B - L - A - C - K - P - O - W - D - E - R - X ]. The following letters correspond to the year of manufacture starting in 1921 and ending in 1972. [ M - N - P - R - S - T - U - W - X - Y - Z - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - J - K - L - MM - NN - PP - RR - SS - TT - UU - WW - XX - YY - ZZ - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - J - K -L - M - N - P - R - S - T - U - W ]. As you can see there are some problems with this dating system but it is a good bet that your rifle was manufactured in August of 1939. Marc

15548 - Model 700 BDL In .223
1/21/2017
Brett

Maker: Remington, Model: 700 BDL Varmint Special, Caliber: .223, Barrel Length: 24, Finish: Blue, SN: 386233

Question:
This rifle is in excellent condition but all sites i have looked at doesn`t list this rifle in .223. Is it rare

Answer:

Brett, the blue book indicates that the Remington Model 700 BDL Varmint Special was manufactured from 1967 to 1994, it came equipped from the factory with a 24 inch heavy barrel, checkered walnut stock and no sights. Rifles were also sold with the following special configurations:

Model 700 BDL VLS (Varmint Laminated Stock)
Model BDL 700VS (Varmint Synthetic)
Model BDL 700VS SF/SF-P (Varmint Synthetic Stainless Fluted/Ported)

Rifles were available in the following different calibers:

.22-250 Rem.
.222 Rem.
.223 Rem.
.25 - 06 Rem
6mm Rem.
.243 Win.
308 Win.
7mm-08 Rem.

The blue book does not mention any special premium for rifles that are chambered in .223 so I do not think that the .223 chambering is all that rare. Marc

15456 - Trapdoor Springfield History
1/21/2017
Tony, Campbellsville, Ky

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1884, Caliber: .45-70, Barrel Length: 33 1/4'', Finish: Rusty, SN: 109703

Markings:
U.S. Springfield with a eagle on the right side Looks like V P on the barrel 18 1/2'' bayonet

Question:
What history can you tell me about this rifle? It is in working condition with very little blue left on the metal. Wood is scuffed but in solid shape. Complete with cleaning rod and a bayonet. Possible value?? My email is tonyrsallee@gmail.com Thanks

Answer:
Tony- Based on your description this is a standard infantry rifle made about 1879. There is no documented history for this number, and nearby numbers show use by a wide variety of different between about 1882 and 1900 so it is impossible to even make an informed guess about usage history.

As far as value, based on your description I think that you could find similar rifles at a gun show priced around $400-500 retail. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15437 - Australian Outlaw Connection For A Gun?
1/17/2017
Geoff Australia

Maker: I Hollis And Sons, Model: Unknown, Caliber: Approx 6.7mm, Barrel Length: 22 1/4 Inch, Finish: Rusty, SN: ?

Markings:
Hex barrel, Centre Rim Fire, Single Shot, Break action,

Question:
Trying to identify, rumor has it the rifle belonged Ned Kelly or one of his helpers

Answer:
Geoff- As you probably know (but most Americans don’t) Ned Kelly- 1855-1880 was a famous Australian “bushranger,” son of one of the Irish convicts sent to populate Australia, and noted for his various criminal exploits. We would think of him as the counterpart of outlaw Butch Cassidy who talked funny. Here is a bit of what Wikipedia says about Ned Kelly:

“Kelly was born in the British colony of Victoria as the third of eight children to an Irish convict from County Tipperary and an Australian mother with Irish parentage. His father died after serving a six-month prison sentence, leaving Kelly, then aged 12, as the eldest male of the household. The Kellys were a poor selector family who saw themselves as downtrodden by the Squattocracy and as victims of police persecution. Arrested in 1870 for associating with bushranger Harry Power, Kelly was first convicted of stealing horses and imprisoned for three years. He fled to the bush in 1878 after being indicted for the attempted murder of a police officer at the Kelly family's home. After he, his brother Dan, and two associates fatally shot three policemen, the Government of Victoria proclaimed them outlaws.

During the remainder of the Kelly Outbreak, Kelly and his associates committed armed bank robberies in Euroa and Jerilderie, and murdered Aaron Sherritt, a friend turned police informer. In a manifesto letter, Kelly—denouncing the police, the Victorian government and the British Empire—set down his own account of the events leading up to his outlawry. Threatening dire consequences against those who defied him, he ended with the words, "I am a widow's son outlawed and my orders must be obeyed."

When Kelly's attempt to derail and ambush a police train failed, he and his gang, dressed in homemade suits of metal armour, engaged in a final violent confrontation with the Victoria Police at Glenrowan on 28 June 1880. All were killed except Kelly, who was severely wounded by police fire and captured. Despite support for his reprieve, Kelly was tried, convicted and sentenced to death by hanging, which was carried out at the Old Melbourne Gaol. His final words are famously reported to have been, "such is life".

I cannot tell you anything about the gun, other than to guess that it is a typical inexpensive gun of the mid to late 19th century. The fact that it is rusty and has no significant appeal to collectors leads me to suspect that like many American guns with no real value, it has somehow acquired a purported connection to someone or something famous which would justify a much higher price. At least from gullible strangers. Here, we see junky old shotguns with “Wells Fargo Express” or outlaw “Jesse James” stories added to them. People do buy them, but they are really buying an education, not a valuable gun.

However, it is remotely possible that it was indeed connected to Ned Kelly or his associates, but just about as possible that you will be abducted by space aliens next week. John Spangler

15556 - Unknown Alfa
1/17/2017
Donald Dickerson Goshen,IN

Maker: ALFA, Model: Unknown, Caliber: 38 Long Ctg, Barrel Length: 6 Inch, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 29326

Markings:
AMERICAN BEST CARTRIDGES ARE THOSE THAT FIT BEST THE ALFA REVOLVERS This is printed on the top of the barrel.

Question:
I would like to know as much as possible about my new revolver. I purchased it from my wife`s cousin.

Answer:
Donald - It is hard to say what you have without more information because my reference books list several Alfa handguns. All of the Alfa`s in my bookd were cheap Saturday Night Special types so I hope that you did not pay too much for your new acquisition. Marc

15555 - Winchester Manufacture Dates
1/17/2017
Oscar Connally Halethorpe, MD

Maker: Winchester, Model: Model 94, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: 24'', Finish: Blue, SN: 295974

Markings:
Barrel is half octagon and round

Question:
Would like to know what year this rifle was manufactured? This was my grandfathers rifle passed down to me from my dad.

Answer:
Oscar - try following the link on the left hand menu, the one under the Manufacture Dates heading that says ``Winchester``. Marc

15554 - Savage Magazine Needed
1/14/2017
Keith.. Kansas City, MO

Maker: Savage, Model: 1915, Caliber: .380, Barrel Length: 3 3/4, Finish: Blue, SN: 13361B

Question:
It is in near mint condition and given to my mom from her dad and down to me. Now the fun part: No type 4 magazine! Shocking ain`t it? The hardest thing to find. Just trying to send feelers out on where to find the proper one. Any help? Thanks for reading.

Answer:
Keint, for parts, try checking with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page at the following URL:

http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm

Good Luck, Marc

15553 - New Barrel For A 1903 Mark 1
1/14/2017
Darryl, Pittsburg, CA

Maker: Springfield Armory, Model: 1903 MARK 1, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: 23 1/4'', Finish: Blue, SN: 1152705

Markings:
Notch on barrel clocked @ Serial # position on receiver.

Question:
Can I get a new barrel for this rifle?

Answer:
Darryl, check our parts catalog, we have them listed for sale there from time to time. Marc

15435 - Model 1898 Krag History
1/14/2017
Burford, Prescott Valley, Az

Maker: Springfield Armory, Model: 1898, Caliber: 30-40, Barrel Length: 30'', Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 463947

Markings:
The riffle has one U marking on front strap mount. Has one square marking on the left side of the stock above the trigger, 3 lines of text inside this box, bottom line is 1903. (I can barely read it) Small circle on the underside of the stock by the trigger guard.

Question:
This riffle has been passed down for four generations now. I saw your site off of a forum and saw all the great information you had provided. In general just curious about this riffle. Thank you for any information you can provide. Respectfully, Burford

Answer:
Burford- There is no documented history for your rifle, but the square marking on the left side of the stock is known as a cartouche, or inspection stamp and it would be JSA the initials of J. Sumner Adams who was the chief inspector at Springfield Armory, over the date it passed inspection- 1903. The circle marking behind the trigger is a separate mark of a large P in the circle indicating the rifle was successfully tested for strength with a special “proof” cartridge.

Your rifle was a standard full length infantry rifle with the stock extending to within about 3” of the muzzle. Many of these had the front of the stock (and sometimes the barrel) cut off to make them handier for sporting use. Such alterations seriously hurt the collector value.

The Krag rifle was the standard arm used during the Spanish American War in 1898 and up to about 1908 when the M1903 Springfield replaced all of them. A few were called out of storage for use during WW1, mainly for training or for Engineer troops to use. After WW1 the Krags remaining on hand were sold off as surplus, and they have been popular with shooters and collectors ever since. John Spangler

15550 - Shotgun Question
1/10/2017
Jerome

Maker: Remington, Model: 1100, Caliber: 12 Gauge, Barrel Length: 30, Finish: Blue, SN: N305858V

Question:
The end of the barrel is smooth (no threads). I assume it comes with a manufactured choke. I would like to know the choke on my weapon.

Answer:
Jerome, as it indicates in our instructions for submitting questions, our main focus at FineOldGuns.com (OldGuns.net) is military firearms. We sometimes list sporting shotguns for sale in our catalogs but we do not have a lot of interest in collecting them and are by no means experts in this field. With that said, if I remember correctly, the choke should be marked on the barrel of your shotgun near where it meets up with the receiver. I can not remember which side the marking should be on. If you can not find the choke marking, you can measure the choke with a choke gauge. The description for the choke gauge tool says ``Stepped, one-piece, brass gauge measures the choke of 12, 16, 20, 28 gauge and .410 shotguns. Easy-to-read markings clearly indicate Cylinder, Improved Cylinder, Modified, Improved Modified, or Full choke for fast, painless measurement.`` Brownells sells these gauges, you can order one at the following link: http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/shotgun-tools/choke-adapters-gauges/brass-choke-gauge-prod25281.aspx

Good Luck - Marc

15434 - Model 94 Winchester “Spruce Gun”
1/10/2017
Joe, Wellington, FL

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1894, Caliber: 30 WCF, Barrel Length: 20, Finish: Blue, SN: 840321

Markings:
US Military Flaming Bomb. The 30 in WCF is crossed out and 32 is stamped above it.

Question:
It is marked as a Spruce Gun, but I am not sure of the serial number range. I can`t find a site that shows the range of serial numbers that the 1800 or so Spruce Guns were stamped with. Can you confirm the serial number is one of the Spruce Gun numbers?

Answer:
Joe- Rick Hill is the guru for everything related to the “Spruce Guns” and author of the definitive article in the Winchester Arms Collector Magazine on them. Your serial number 840321 is already on that list or rifles which are spread out in the 835,000-853,000 range.

In December 1917 the U.S. Army ordered 1,800 Model 94 Winchester carbines in .30-30 caliber to arm troops being sent to the coastal regions of Oregon and Washington to protect and expedite the flow of Sitka spruce timber which was a critical raw material for the aircraft construction industry. These were not for “combat” use, but rather for guard duty, at a time when labor union unrest was interrupting logging operations, and probably to protect against predatory animals, and probably for gagging the occasional deer for dinner. They are desirable collector items for both Winchester and U.S. martial collectors.

I cannot explain the .32 marking over the crossed out. 30 WCF, other than to guess that someone had it rebored and rechambered for .32 Winchester Special which was a very popular caliber for the Model 1894, but used a .321 diameter bullet instead of .308 diameter. In any case, I think this will degrade the collector value significantly. John Spangler

15549 - Universal M1 Carbine Military Service
1/7/2017
Darrell Lenoir N.C.

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Was universal .30 carbine used by the military

Answer:
Darrell, the short answer to your question is no. Universal was the successor to Ivor Johnson, they made copy of the U. S. M1 carbine for sale on the commercial market. The quality of Universal carbines for the most part was not bad, but was defiantly not up to the standards of U. S. government issue carbines. There is no collector demand for these copies, the Blue Book lists about $350 as the top price for a brand new carbine. Marc

15429 - M1903 Springfield Receiver Screw Measurement
1/7/2017
Red, Salmon, Idaho

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1903, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: Standard, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
what is the receiver screw spacing on a 1903? Is it the same as a Mauser 98? Thanks re

Answer:
Red- The blueprints from Springfield Armory show the guard screws are 7.802" between centers on the receiver. However, remember that while the front guard screw is perpendicular to the axis of the receiver, the rear guard screw hole is drilled on a slight angle, so the spacing of the holes on the bottom of the stock will be different. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15545 - Remington 572 - What`s It Worth
1/3/2017
Carol

Maker: Remington, Model: 572, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: 20, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 260818

Markings:
Some rust on barrel

Question:
What`s it worth

Answer:
Carol, the Remington slide action model 572A Fieldmaster was introduced in 1955, it was a modernized version of the Model 121. The 572A had a slab-side receiver that was shorter and deeper than the Model 121 with a small ejection port on the front right side and a safety bolt that ran laterally through the rear web of the trigger guard. The Model 572A featured a tubular magazine that held twenty .22 Short, seventeen .22 Long, or fifteen .22 Long Rifle rimfire cartridges. The rifle could fire any of these cartridge lengths interchangeably and could be single-loaded through the side ejection port. Sights were step adjustable rear with a bead front, and the receiver was grooved for tip-off scope mounts. The plain straight-comb buttstock had a pistol grip, and the slide handle was finely grooved. Standard rifles had 23in barrels and weighed 5.51b.

In 1958 Remington experimented non-traditional, colored metal surfaces on three special, lightweight versions of the Model 572. The reduced weight of these guns was due to the use of anodized and specially colored aluminum receiver, trigger guard, buttplate, and jacket for a steel barrel liner. These rifles all had checkered, light-colored, "Sun-Grain" walnut stocks and were produced in three metal-color versions: Model 572 CWB Crow Wing Black (1958-1962); Model 572 BT Buckskin Tan (1958-1962); and Model 572 TWB Teal Wing Blue (1959-1960). In 1966 Remington introduced the Model 572 BDL "DeLuxe" rifle, the BDL featured a blade ramp front sight, a barrel-mounted rear sight which was adjustable for elevation and windage. The BDL had new checkering patterns on pistol grip and forend, and a mar-resistant stock finish.

Values for Remington 572 rifles with regular blue finish range in the $100 to $250 range. Values for the anodized guns are a little higher depending on color with Teal-Wing Blue topping out at around $800. Marc

15426 - French Dueling Pistol Evaluation
1/3/2017
Patricia, Apple Valley, CA

Maker: Unknown, Model: French Dueling Pistol, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 9 - 0'', Finish: Don`t Know, SN: NONE

Question:
Who do I contact for possible valuation of the French dueling pistol? I believe it dates from 1600 because it takes flint, powder & ''ball'' about the size of a marble.

Answer:
Patricia- It would really take a hands on inspection to tell you much about value of this item. Based on your description, I suspect it actually dates to circa 1750-1820, and there are a lot of them out there, all sort of similar, but an expert can tell the difference between a true “dueling pistol” which would normally be found as one of two in a cased set, or the similar pistols carried in holsters or (really big) pockets or left in the owner’s dwelling or business. In many cases both military and civilian pistols were similar looking, although high quality civilian arms could have extremely artistic embellishments.

You might contact my friends at SELL Antiques (https://sellantiquearms.com/) and see if they will be in the Apple Valley area sometime to see it in person-- I think they get over that way fairly often. Hope that helps. John Spangler

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