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16192 - Marlin Model 97
1/28/2020

Maker: Marlin, Model: Model 97, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have a Marlin Model 97, 22 rifle with hex barrel, patented November 19, 1878. Is this rifle worth anything?

Answer:

The .22 caliber take-down Marlin Model 1897 design was an improvement of the earlier Model 92. Standard rifles came equipped with a buckhorn rear sight and blade front sight. Model 1897 receivers, hammers and levers were casehardened while barrels and magazine tubes were blued. The walnut stocks were varnished. Rifles could be ordered with round, octagon or part octagon / part round barrels in 24, 26, or 28 inch lengths with full length or half length magazine tubes. Total production of this model from 1897 to 1922 when it was redesignated as the Model 39 is estimated at about 125,000.

Values for 1897 rifles in original condition can go higher than $2500 depending on the condition, configuration and factory special options. For a realistic estimate of value check Gun Broker to see what rifles that are similar to yours are selling for. Marc

16112 - CIVIL WAR SMITH CARBINE
1/28/2020
Chuck Southside, WV

Maker: Smith, Model: Smith`s Patten 1857, Caliber: .50, Barrel Length: Carbine, Finish: Blue, SN: 156

Question:
When and where was it issued to?

Answer:
Chuck- The Smith carbine is a very nice gun, remarkably simple, effective and reliable. It basically was hinged at the breech, sort of like a cheap break open shotgun. When open, you slip in the cartridge which had a case made of rubber or foil or paper, holding the powder charge and bullet. The rear of the cartridge had a small hole. A nipple was mounted on the rear half of the hinged barrel with a hole which lined up with the base of the cartridge when closed. A regular percussion cap provided the ignition. No extractor, so the cartridge case had to be pulled out by hand. It was invented by Gilbert Smith of Buttermilk Falls, NY. The guns were sold by Poultney & Trimble of Baltimore MD, the sales agents, but they were not the makers.

Smiths were actually made by three Massachusetts companies: Mass. Arms in Chicopee Falls; American Machine Works in Springfield; or American Arms in Chicopee Falls, all within about 8 miles of each other.

However, each of the three makers started with serial number 1 and worked their way up to the end of their contract. A combined total of over 30,000 were made, mostly by Mass. Arms Co.

Usage records for Smith carbines are scarce with data known on only about 561 of the 30,000+ guns made. There is no information on your serial number, 156, or even any close numbers. Reportedly, 200 Smith carbines were ordered by the Governor of South Carolina in 1860, but I do not know if they were delivered, or which maker they might have been. Hope that helps. John Spangler

16189 - Western Field EMN-740
1/25/2020
HAROLD

Maker: WESTERN FIELD, Model: EMN -740, Caliber: 30/30, Barrel Length: 24, Finish: Blue, SN: AA 45838

Question:
WHEN WAS THIS MANUFACTURED

Answer:
Harold, I am afraid that I can not be much help on this one, my references indicate that the Western Field EMN-740 was bolt-action 12 gauge shotgun that was manufactured by Marlin. I get the same results when I try a Google search. Marc

16175 - FRANKFORD ARSENAL AMMO LOT NUMBERS
1/25/2020
Bill

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

Question:
Do you know how to decipher the lot numbers on sealed boxes of Frankford ammo? I am looking for .45 headstamp FA 42 ammo...any idea ofthe box lot it might be in? Thanks!

Answer:
Bill- During WW2, lot numbers were assigned to all the ammo makers and used in sequential order, for each type of ammunition. Sometimes the lot numbers were in a different range for each maker, other times the same range of numbers might be used, with the maker code (FA, SL, TW, WRA, etc) helping to keep them separate.

Each type of cartridge (example .45 1911 ball, .45 M1911 Tracer, .45 M1911 Blank, .45 M1911 Dummy each used their own series of lot numbers. Sometimes one or more types started at the same point, but being a different type of ammo meant the ID of the lot was still easily identified for tracking purposes. The different .30 caliber types also used their own series of lot numbers, unrelated to the numbers assigned to other calibers and types. Experimental types of cartridges used their own series of lot numbers which used FAX instead of FA prefix, and the FAT numbers were assigned to Frankford Arsenal Test types of ammo. All this is a long-winded way to explain that there is no simple list that FA Lot 123 would be dated in one month but there may be other FA Lots 123 in different types of loadings and calibers and makers.

The only help dating I can find is mention in Hackley, Woodin & Scranton, History of Modern U.S. Military Small Arms Ammunition, Volume two, page 12 where they mention that the last lot of brass cased .45 Ball M1911 made at Frankford Arsenal was Lot FA-1449 accepted May 12, 1943.

The packaging for .45 Ball M1911 cartridges changed from 20 round boxes to 50 round boxes in 1942, if I remember correctly, so you need to find FA 20 round boxes. Fortunately, the 20 round boxes have the ends folded and glued and usually can be carefully opened to check headstamps. Hope that helps. John Spangler

16185 - H&R Owners Manual?
1/21/2020
John, Illinois USA 62016

Maker: Harington & Richardson, Model: Model 32 S&W CTGE Top Break Pistol, Caliber: 32, Barrel Length: 3 Inch, Finish: Nickel, SN: 502705

Question:
I would like to know where I may find information about my pistol. (Owners Manual)

Answer:
John, it sounds like this is a fairly old revolver and an owners manual may be difficult to find. In the absence of an owners manual, the best reference that I know of on H&R firearms is ``H & R Arms Co. 1871-1986`` by William E. Goforth. A quick Google search indicates that Amazon has the book for sale at the following link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RWS4AKE/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_taft_p1_i0

H & R Arms Co. 1871-1986 is priced on Amazon at $124.95 and this may be more than your revolver is worth. Good luck, Marc

16174 - MILITARY ITHACA MODEL 37 IN 20 GAUGE?
1/21/2020
Anonymous

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

Question:
I have for sale a model 37 Ithaca twenty gauge, with a five digit serial number below 63000 and above 50000. It has a P on the barrel just in front of the receiver, left side and a flaming bomb with the initials R L B on the receiver left forward, upper side. Serial number indicates year made as 1942. The elderly gentleman I got it from said he used it to shoot skeet in the Air Force in MS. My question is, is there any particular interest in this piece? It`s in really good condition.

Answer:
Sir- Your gun is an interesting example of one of the many varied types of shotguns purchased for U.S. military use during WW2.

While most were intended for combat or guard use, such as the short barreled riot or trench guns in 12 GA (with a few 16 GA riot guns), those were mostly procured as new production under the regular contract process. However, at the start of WW2, shotguns were in very short supply and military supply people basically cleaned out the total inventory of the arms makers, wholesalers and large gun shops, including pump, semi-auto, double barrel and even single shot shotguns of all barrel lengths and from most of the big makers (ignoring most of the junky ``house brand`` guns).

Most of the long barreled 12 GA guns ended up being used to train aerial gunners the concepts of hitting moving targets. The riot length guns were used for guard purposes both military related, or at defense plants or prisons/POW camps around the country.

Most of the onesy-twosy types ended up being used for pest/predator control or recreational use by military Special Services offices for hunting, or recreational trap/skeet shooting.

So, yes, it is a legitimate U.S. military firearm, and there are a number of people who collect such things, although most collectors want the combat ``trench guns`` or to a lesser extent the riot guns. Therefore the demand and value for one like this will be less than those types, but still probably higher than a comparable civilian used gun with no military usage history.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16181 - PIC 25
1/18/2020
Alton Katy, Texas

Maker: PIC On Left Plastic Handle, Model: Auto Sat Nite Special, Caliber: 25 Cal, Barrel Length: 2 1/4 Inches, Finish: Stainless Steel, SN: 30130

Markings:
MANUFACTURED FOR-PIC- DECARUR, GA other side Col. .25 Auto nr.1025

Question:
Saw Lisa N.C 2012 about PIC Saturday Night Special Who made My Pistol? Can it be stripped down & cleaned ?

Answer:
Alton, sorry but I can not be of much more assistance. The answer that I posted for Lisa, is about all of the information that I have on this model. Marc

16173 - REMINGTON DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN AGE
1/18/2020
Dewayne El Reno, OK

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

Question:
I have a Remington 12ga double barrel with hammers that belonged to my dad, which I have inherited. I was told it was made in 1889 serial number 45213 it also has number 697 in another location and a #2 stamped away from other numbers just trying to confirm date it was made. I have shot this when younger with light loads now just display it.

Answer:
Dewayne- Remington made double barrel shotguns starting 1874 with numerous models, ending with the Model 1889. Production of the Model 1889 ended in 1909. I do not have exact dates, but it seems that your serial number would be near the very end of production, so probably closer to circa 1900-1909 than 1889.

They were not always marked with model number, but the 1889 had ``REMINGTON ARMS CO on the locks and barrel rib. The Model 1885 and 1887 were marked ``E. REMINGTON & SONS`` on the rib. Hope that helps. John Spangler

16180 - Paragon 16 GA
1/14/2020
Angela, Bloomer, WI

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: 16GA Choke, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: A586678

Question:
I have a Paragon Model W.S. 16ga that was my great great uncle. I don`t know much about it except that it`s quite old. Does anyone know about what year this is from our any history on it?

Answer:
Angela, I do not have a lot of information on this firearm. Paragon seems to be a popular name in the firearms industry. It is a trade-name that was used on revolvers and shotguns manufactured by many makers. Probably by Hopkins & Allen, c.1880, J. Stevens Arms Company and possibly others. It is hard to say for sure without being able to see the shotgun but it is probably one of a huge number made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and sold through various retail outlets. This type of firearm falls into the category of ``old guns`` that no one seems to be interested in as shooters, but collectors do not want them either. Generally these were basic inexpensive simple guns which sold at modest prices and still have little interest or value on market today. On the retail market they usually sell in the $25-125 range depending on condition and general appearance for use as a ``wall hanger`` over a fireplace. Where there is any family history, we encourage people to keep these old guns for sentimental value. Please be warned that most of these are not considered safe to shoot. Marc

16172 - MONARCH BRAND SHOTGUN
1/14/2020
Rob

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

Question:
I have a side by side shotgun. Only markings are ``New Britain Arms Co.`` and ``Monarch``, serial#9508 If someone can help me find out more about this gun and company it would be appreciated. I believe it is like 70/80 years old. And relatively cheap, but would still like to know. Thanks!!

Answer:
Rob- Charles Carder`s ``Side by Sides of the World`` lists the New Britain Arms Company as selling a ``Monarch`` model which was a hammerless double made by Crescent Fire Arms Company for the New York City firm of Kirtland Brothers & Company circa 1925-1930. The same ``house brand`` name was likely used on several models of shotguns, but all from the mass market makers like Crescent or Folsom, or Stevens.

This was a New York City arms and surplus dealer and I found a couple of ads as early as 1911 at https://unblinkingeye.com/Guns/SLZA/slza.html

Cornell Publications has copies of their 1924 catalog which may or may not list your gun:

http://www.cornellpubs.com/old-guns/item_desc.php?item_id=413

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16179 - Marlin OTASCO Alamo Commemorative
1/11/2020
New jersey

Maker: Marlin Model 6081, Model: 6081, Caliber: 22 LR, Barrel Length: 24 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: OZ004206

Markings:
Alamo commemorative

Question:
Can you tell me the year

Answer:
References indicate that Marlin made a number of commemoratives for that were marketed by Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company (OTASCO) over the years. The model 6081 was offered in in 1981 and serial numbers for this model all have an ``OZ`` prefix as yours does. Values for the OTASCO commemoratives guns is about the same as any other version of that Marlin of the same model and same condition. Marc

16171 - Trapdoor Springfield
1/11/2020
Scott Clay, NY

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

Question:
Good evening, I recently purchased a Springfield Trapdoor and posted some questions online. The gunsmith at East Creek Precision (in Nevada) suggested I email and ask you guys.

I`m not so much concerned with the value of the gun as I am the history. Specifically I`m wondering what model it is exactly and if the gun is `as issued` (and not a commercial parts gun like a Bannerman).

Here is what I can tell you:

Breech is marked 1873

Gun OAL is 52 inches.

It has what appears to be an original 1879 sight. (Patina matches and it is held in place by 2 large stubs or pounded rivets, not slotted screws)

The stock is original and unsanded, Marked 1884 and Circle P. Buttplate does NOT have a storage door.

The serial number is 266229

Please let me know if there are other clues I can give you about the lineage of this gun. Whatever information you can provide me would be greatly welcome.

Answer:
Scott- Always glad to help someone who uses our excellent gunsmith friend at East Creek Precisions.

First, 52 inches is correct length for the standard infantry rifle.

Serial number 266229 was probably made sometime in 1884, and that was a time of transition between the 1879 sights and the later Buffington sights. The sight is held by ``slotless`` screws which needed a special clamp type screwdriver, and they were intended to keep soldiers from removing them in the field. 1873 marked breechblocks were still in use then.

The 1884 on the left side of the stock should also have script initials SWP above the date, for the inspector, Samuel W. Porter, but the date is correct for that serial number, so I suspect it is probably all original.

There is no documented usage history for this serial number, but many guns with nearby serial numbers are listed as in use by various volunteer units raised during the Spanish American War for service in Cuba, Puerto Rico or the Philippines. Many units raised, never deployed, and the guns might have spent the entire war at mobilization camps in Virginia or Georgia or somewhere else. Hope that helps. John Spangler

16163 - Savage Mod. 220A
1/7/2020
Robert

Maker: Savage Arms Corporation, Model: 220A, Caliber: 20 Gauge, Barrel Length: Unknown, Finish: Unknown, SN: UNKNOWN

Markings:
2 3/4¨ chamber

Question:
What year was this gun produced and what is it's current value?

Answer:
Robert, The Savage model 220 is a hammerless single barrel shotgun that originally was furnished with a plain pistol grip stock. Savage manufactured the model 220 from 1938 to 1965 in 12, 16, 20, 28 and 410 gauges, barrel lengths ranged from 26 to 32 inches. I could find no mention of a model 220A but there is a model 220 AC that came equipped with a Savage adjustable choke. There is no collector interest in the Savage model 220 or 220AC, values are in the $50.00 range... Marc

16166 - Engraved Civil War Era Colt Army Revolver
1/7/2020
Christopher, Fredericskburg, VA

Maker: Colt, Model: 1860 Army, Caliber: .44, Barrel Length: I Think 8 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 60036

Markings:
Wolf head Engraving on the hammer. Engravings all over the barrel , cylinder and handle.

Question:
I am trying to find out as much as I can about this firearm. All the S/N match across all pieces. It has a Colt Patent on the cylinder and the ''Address Col Sam...'' on the top of the barrel. I showed a collector named Udo (you may know him) and he informed me that there are no markings indicating that it was used in the military, implying commercial use. I was thinking it may have been engraved by Gustave Young because of the Wolfhead Hammer. This is not a replica and is in perfect firing condition. We were also thinking it could have possibly been used by the South in the Civil War since it was commercial, but did not know how to track that. Thank you, Chris

Answer:
Christopher- It certainly sounds like a nice gun. However, it is outside our area of expertise, and I could not authenticate the engraving as being original, or identify the engraver even if holding this gun in my hand while you held another to my head.

The starting point to research this one will be to pull out your wallet and credit card and contact Colt for a factory letter. Their prices for percussion revolvers, especially engraved ones, can get VERY pricey, so either man up and buy the letter, or take your chances that you might find out something for free elsewhere. But, the Colt letter should tell if it was delivered on a military order, or if on a civilian order, possibly if it was factory engraved, or shipped “in the white” for engraving by one of the big resellers, and possibly the shipping destination. If it authenticates this as a factory engraved gun, the cost of the letter will be well worth it. Hope you have a winner! John Spangler

16165 - Finding Grandfathers Military Rifle
1/4/2020
Chris

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

Question:
I’m trying to find my great grandfather’s rifle from WW2 but I don’t have the serial number. I know the date he enlisted, where he enlisted and his serial number but not the serial number of the rifle. Can you help me?

Answer:
Chris- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. Such information probably does not exist any longer. Records of which guns were issued to an individual were temporary records, and thrown away when guns were returned and a unit disbanded or after a short period of time. In some cases people know the number of the rifle, but even then finding the rifle is nearly impossible. I admire your desire to do this, but in reality it is an impossible quest. John Spangler

16154 - Nickel 1934 Beretta
1/4/2020
Memphis

Maker: Beretta, Model: 1934, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 3 1/2, Finish: Nickel, SN: 967880

Markings:
Cardone vt 1942 xx , ``F`` on left side below hammer at grip-this model is nickel plated.

Question:
Trying to find out any History/ Value on this gun.

Answer:

The model 1934 was Italy`s service weapon in WWII, and over one million were manufactured between 1934-1980. Military Model 1934 pistols are usually fit with metal-backed grips. Military slides were marked ``P. Beretta Cal 9 Corto - Mo 1934 Brevet Gardone VT`` followed by the date of manufacture. The date of manufacture is usually given in two systems (except on late wartime production models) the Christian calendar - e.g. 1942 - followed by a Roman numeral denoting the year of the Fascist calendar which began in 1922. Thus, an inscription might read 1942 XX or 1937 XV. WWII military weapons were marked on the left side of the frame just behind the top of the grip with the branch of the armed forces they were issued to:

RE (Regia Esercito) for the army
RA (Regia Aeronautica) for the air force
RM (Regia Marine) for the navy

Police weapons were marked PS (Publica Sicurezza) at the left rear of the frame. Model 1934-s were also sold commercially during WWII but only in relatively small numbers, since most of the production was taken by the Italian forces. Later production model 1934-s have an alphabetical prefix. Post war production models have serial numbers that start with C00001.

My references indicate that there were some nickel plated Model 1934 Beretta pistols manufactured during WWII but they were all engraved presentation guns. If your pistol is nickel plated but it is not engraved, the finish is most probably not original. Unfortunately there is not much collector interest in this type of firearm and value is minimal. Marc

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