Questions And Answers Page

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

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

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

16437 - WWII Bring Back Rifle
2/27/2021
Glenn , Baltimore, MD

Maker: BSW Suhl, Model: Rifle, Caliber: .22, Barrel Length: 31 Inches, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 129318

Markings:
On the rile but is inscribed the letters , NSDMB

Question:
The was taken from a home, I think, during WW2 by my father. Is it worth selling? I do not shoot and I just inherited it.

Answer:
Glenn, the rifle is definitely from the Nazi era. BSW Suhl was the former Simson Company that made the arms for Weimar period German army. The owners were Jewish, and driven out of Germany. The company then became BSW. It later had the code bcd. The rifle is likely one of those made to train youth for rifling shooting by the Nazi regime, but we need to know if the word "wehrsport" appears on the gun, if it is a single shot or accepts a detachable magazine, and if the stock configuration is that of a Kar 98k rifle. I just searched on Google for the initials NSDMB and found nothing for the Nazi Germany. The NS stands for National Socialism but I have no idea what the DMB stands for.

We may be interested in purchasing the rifle, if you want to sell, please contact us via the following link:

http://oldguns.net/email/

Thanks - Marc

16436 - Marlin Question
2/27/2021
Harold Jackson

Maker: Marlin, Model: 39A Golden, Caliber: .22, Barrel Length: Dont Know How To Measure Correctly, Finish: Long Gun - Blue, SN: 73122705

Markings:
Has a gold trigger

Question:
What year is the rifle Any thing you can tell me from the serial

Answer:
Harold- I regret I cannot help on this. Marlins are a bit out of my area of expertise (or interest) so I really cannot help. There is a Marlin Collectors Association where people should be able to tell you the answer quite easily, and I suggest you try there. Sorry! John Spangler

16434 - Winchester 670 In 270
2/23/2021
Daniel Bolivia

Maker: Winchester, Model: 670 270, Caliber: 270, Barrel Length: 19.22 Inches, Finish: Long Gun - Blue, SN: 111704

Markings:
670 270

Question:
trying to find out when the 270 carbine was made

Answer:
Daniel, the Winchester Model 670 is an economy version of the popular model 70 that came with a hardwood pistol grip stock, 22 inch barrel, open sights and a non-hinged floorplate. Although it is a decent rifle for shooting and hunting purposes, the Model 670 never caught on with collectors like the Pre-64 Model 70 Winchesters did. The 670 was first cataloged for sale in 1967 and remained in production until 1973. Total manufacture is estimated to be under 300,000 total rifles. Information pertaining to the production runs for the 670 is at best speculative, as Winchester either did not maintain a serial number data base, or what data was retained has been lost or destroyed. Because of this, there is no way to know precisely when your rifle was produced. Marc

16395 - WW2 JAPANESE RIFLE
2/23/2021

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

Question:
Hello. I just inherited an old rifle from my father`s passing.

I took pictures of it to include with this message. I would like to know what type and calibration it is so I can maybe one day shoot it. Thank you if you can help.

Answer:
Charles- Thanks for the photos, they help a lot. You have a WW2 Japanese Arisaka Type 99 rifle. It fires 7.7mm Japanese ammunition which is very hard to find, so I would not plan on ever shooting it.

Hundreds of thousands of these were sent or brought home during and after WW2 as souvenirs by military personnel in the Pacific. Most of the ones brought home after the end of the war had the flower looking marking on the receiver removed or defaced. Ones like yours with the ``mum`` intact were generally shipped or brought home after being captured on one of the island campaigns. These are good souvenirs of military service, with good or bad memories for the person who brought them home.

This one has suffered from poor storage, and the condition is not very appealing to a collector, so I would expect to see ones like this selling for about $100 or less retail, mainly for parts which could be salvaged to restore other rifles. You could clean it up some with some WD-40 and steel wool on the metal parts to remove light rust, but the heavier rust will remain. DO NOT SAND THE WOOD! the Japanese used a substance in the varnish which causes skin irritation like poison ivy if it is sanded. (Not some nefarious scheme, just an incidental and unintended fact if someone sands the finish.)

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16424 - M-1 Garand With A Winchester Receiver
2/20/2021
Jeff jjm@sweetwater.net

Maker: Winchester, Model: M1 Garand, Caliber: 30.06, Barrel Length: 24¨, Finish: Parkerized, SN: 131XXX

Question:
I purchased this M1 as a shooter. After doing a little reading, I discovered that the receiver may be somewhat rare. The rest of the gun is made up of SA parts but it looks like the receiver has never been refinished. I was considering having the gun refurbished, but wonder if a collector would like to have the receiver as is. I would hate to ruin something this old. Do you know of someone I am not experienced in this sort of thing, but I would call it NRA Good or better. If it is worth keeping as is, I would like to trade or sell it as I am more interested in shooting them than looking at them. This gun occasionally releases the clip when partially full. Operating rod catch?

Answer:
Jeff, thanks for the question. My records indicate that your receiver was manufactured in 1941. Due to the fact that so many M-1 Garands were re-barreled during the 1950's and 1960's, and to the use of corrosive ammunition, original WW-II M-1 Garand barrels (both Winchester and Springfield) are much harder to find than the receivers are. If your barrel is an original Winchester it will be marked on top (under the handguard) with the initials W.R.A. and the drawing number D35448. If your M-1 Garand has both a Winchester barrel and receiver you will probably have no problem trading it for a mis-matched M-1 shooter in excellent condition. If only your receiver is Winchester it is doubtful that there will be much collector interest in it... Marc

16394 - Unidentified Handgun
2/20/2021
Robert, Reading, PA

Maker: Belgian British, Model: Model: Top Break Revolver, Caliber: .45, Barrel Length: 4 78, Finish: Rusty, SN: 9477

Markings:
Markings: C.F.G. on barrel ELG inside a circle on chamber

Question:
Question: I would like to know the identfication of this pistol i.e. Make approximate year history. Is this a rare item I have searched hundreds of photos and not found a match.

Answer:
Robert- Please send some photos and we will see if we can help. The proof marks confirm it was made in Belgium, so at least we know the country. Without photos, we cannot help on this one as anything we told you would be a wild guess. John Spangler

16396 - TANK GUN SHELLS
2/16/2021
Connor

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

Question:
I am looking for m3 90mm tank shells, 76mm shells and 75mm shells if you have them.

Answer:
Connor- We very seldom get loose shells (projectiles) for these, but occasionally have cases or cases with projectiles and those will be listed on our heavy ordnance page. http://OldGuns.net/catho.htm

I don`t think we have had any for the 90mm gun M3, but get quite a few for the 90mm gun M36.

The numbering system can seem confusing, but in the big picture it makes sense. Since the 1920s, each piece of military equipment is given a Model or M number, starting with M1. This can be binoculars, rifles, carbines, tanks, bayonets, shovels, or hundreds of other things. The second model is M2, then M3, etc.

Then you match different items into larger items. The M3 tank may have M7 periscopes, M76 telescopes, M2 machine guns and M8 cannon. The cannon may fire different types of ammunition, with projectiles such as High Explosive M48, Armor Piercing M61, etc, and the different types of projectiles all loaded into the M18 brass cartridge cases, with the primer, powder, projectile and fuze given its own model. When all these individually identified parts are assembled into a complete round that might end up being ``Shell [or sometimes Cartridge], High Explosive M48`` for use in the M8 gun in the M3 tank. So, you need to be specific with as many details as possible. Otherwise the supply guys will send you stuff you cannot use. This was a huge problem during the civil war when different types of breech loading carbines needing different ammo were being purchased, but the nomenclature system had not been spelled out yet.

Our heavy ordnance catalog descriptions try to point out which ``gun`` a cartridge was used in, and the same gun may have been installed in several different tanks or wheeled mounts, and we usually try to identify some of those as well.

The M36 Jackson Tank Destroyer used the M3 gun. The 90mm cannons M36 and M41 were mounted in the M46, M47 and M48-M48A3 series tanks and the M54 cannon on the nifty M56 ``Scorpion`` anti-tank vehicle. TheM36, M41 and M54 guns all used the same 90mm ammo, which is NOT the same as that used in the M3 gun (although ammo for the M3 gun could be fired in the others).

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16425 - Unusual Mod 94 Lower Tang
2/16/2021
Rich

Maker: Winchester, Model: 94 Lower Tang, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
Recently I purchased a bag of Model 94 pre 64 parts. While sorting through the parts and examining them, I noticed that the lower tang had a different curvature than a normal 94 lower tang. It has all the cutout features of the 94 but instead of curving downward, there is a slight upward curve and all the cutouts for the trigger and it`s parts are slightly larger. Any idea what this could be?

Answer:
Rich, our main focus is militaria, we get lever action Winchesters from time to time but we are not experts. You may want to check with the Winchester collectors people at:

https://winchestercollector.org/forum/

Hope this helps, Marc

16432 - IBM M1 Carbine Value
2/14/2021
Tom Geary New York

Maker: IBM, Model: M1 Carbine, Caliber: 30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Long Gun - Blue, SN: 3962626

Question:
What is the value of this m1

Answer:
Tom - with the adoption of the U.S. Model 1903 rifle the United States Army was one of the first in the world to abandon the concept of a short rifle usually called a carbine for use by cavalry, artillery, etc., and a long rifle for use by infantry. The developments of smokeless powder had made this possible. But doubts still persisted about the wisdom of this decision. Large numbers of personnel in support roles (cooks, clerks, truck drivers, etc.) had been given the U.S. Model 1911 pistol during World War I, and most had difficulty obtaining any competence with it.

In 1940 with war already underway in Europe the U.S. decided to develop a semiautomatic carbine firing a round intermediate between a pistol and rifle to arm these support personnel. Winchester won the design competition, but could not meet the anticipated production schedule of several million carbines, so nine other manufactures were recruited. None had prior experience with firearms manufacturing, but most had experience with precision machining of metal. Two were typewriter/adding machine companies, Underwood and IBM, one a juke box manufacturing company, Rockola, and several were automotive parts manufacturers, Inland, Standard Products, and Saginaw. This system of manufacture was so successful that over 5 million carbines were produced well ahead of the original schedule.

The International Business Machine Company (IBM) was known for it s adding machines long before there was such a thing as a computer. IBM was one of the companies selected to manufacture the M1 Carbine. They produced about 346,000 of the 5,000,000 made. They also made barrels for a number of the manufacturers. Because of IBM`s subsequent fame as giant in the computer world their carbines are one of the most sought after.

M1 Carbine values depend on many factors including original condition, amount of original finish remaining, having the correct parts and more. Value for IBM carbines can range from $500 for one that has been modified or is in poor condition to over $2000 for one in excellent condition with all correct and matching parts. Marc

16397 - 1893 Ithaca Wells Fargo Double Barrel 12ga
2/14/2021
Susan

Maker: Ithaca, Model: Double, Caliber: 12 Gs, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have an Ithaca double barrel 12ga stamped ``WF&Co EXP`` on the trigger guard. Serial # 24772 which according to Ithaca serial number lookup was made in 1893. Can you tell me what this gun would be worth if I were willing to sell it?

Answer:
Susan- Frankly, I am unable to put a value on this one. First I know very little about Ithaca shotguns and their valuations. But, more importantly, I am extremely skeptical about the authenticity of any gun or other item marked with purported connections to Wells Fargo Express Company, or other western history individuals or groups.

For at least 60 years it has been very common for people to add spurious markings such as you describe to old guns or other relics and selling them. Sometimes they are honestly described, and intended for decorative or conversational purposes. Other times they are sold as the genuine thing with a genuine historical connection, and if a gullible buyer is found they can bring a handsome profit. Often the guns themselves are old shotguns in poor condition with little collector or shooter value, but adding some history gains a handsome, if dishonest, profit.

Wells Fargo did have some shotguns, but unless there is some really good surviving documentation to support a specific gun`s history, it is almost certain that the markings are not authentic. Also, it is just about as easy to fake old documents as to doctor up old guns, so be very wary of any documents as well as the guns.

For those reasons, I avoid all these guns with ``western history markings`` am unable to put any sort of value on your gun.

There is a good article by my friend Jim Supica, former head of the NRA Museums on the topic, and I recommend you read it:

https://www.ogca.com/pieces_of_history_by_jim_supica.htm

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16430 - Winchester Model 97 Date Of Manufacture
2/9/2021
Jim Bear Delaware

Maker: Winchester, Model: 97, Caliber: 12 Ga., Barrel Length: 30, Finish: Shotgun (Non-Military) - Blue, SN: E704678

Question:
Looking to find out when the gun was manufactured

Answer:
Jim, the Winchester Model 1897 was designed by John Moses Browning, it was first listed for sale in the November 1897 Winchester catalog as a 12 gauge solid frame model. The 12 gauge takedown version was added in October 1898, and the 16 gauge takedown in February of 1900. The Model 1897 was the first "take down" type shotgun, with a barrel that could be easily removed from the frame. In later years, the take down design became a standard in pump shotguns and also many 22 rifles. The Model 1897 was in production from 1897 until 1957 and records indicate that over 1,024,700 were manufactured. According the good people at the Winchester Arms Collectors Association (https://winchestercollector.org/dates/) your shotgun was manufactured in 1918. Marc

16431 - Correct 1903 Bolt
2/9/2021
Gregory Pitcairn PA. USA

Maker: Springfield Armory, Model: 1903, Caliber: 3006, Barrel Length: 24, Finish: Long Gun - Parkerized, SN: 911161

Question:
What would be the correct bolt for a 1903 Springfield manufactured in July of 1918 Straight bolt handle or bent

Answer:
Gregory- Your rifle should have a bent bolt handle. Some experts seem to be able to narrow down the correct markings for a certain time period/serial number range, but that is a lot more specific than my knowledge. John Spangler

16414 - Battleship Model 12
2/6/2021
Gary Victorville CA

Maker: Winchester, Model: 12, Caliber: 12, Barrel Length: 29, Finish: Shotgun (Non-Military) - Other, SN: Y2006340

Markings:
It is made from steel acquired from a U.S. Battleship and therefore the steel has a Red Hue

Question:
Is this a rare gun what is its value Thank You in advance...

Answer:
Gary- Frankly, I think the value of your Model 12 with a reddish hue is probably less than most. There is no truth to the rumor that Winchester bought an old battleship and used the steel for barrels (or anything else).

Winchester DID use a nickel steel alloy for barrels starting around 1895 when smokeless cartridges were introduced. In the 1930s, Winchester Proof Steel began to be the standard barrel material. Neither has any relationship to old battleships, although undoubtedly some ships had some parts made of similar grades of steel (and many other parts with different alloys of steel, bronze, aluminum, etc).

The reddish hue found on some guns, especially Winchesters, comes from the alloy used and the bluing process used. Winchester knew which process to used for the specific alloy in the parts being made, including the correct chemicals, the correct temperature, correct time for treatment, and proper polishing and cleaning of the metal before finishing. If any of these are not an ideal match you will get oddball colors.

It is quite common for gunsmiths with limited experience to get a reddish hue on some Winchesters due to improper procedures when refinishing the gun. Don`t let them tell you it is rust from the salt water the battleship was in, or some other excuse.

Therefore, I believe your gun has been refinished, which reduces the collector value, although it may still be a good shooter.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16429 - Old Revolver
2/6/2021
John Lisbon NH USA

Maker: Belgian, Model: Revolver, Caliber: .320, Barrel Length: 2 Inches, Finish: Handgun - Rusty, SN: 5582

Markings:
League proof mark on cylinder serial on right of frame under cylinder 1 pc. wooden grip a crown with ML under it left side end of barrel on frame hexagon barrel6 shot looks like a brit. bulldog.

Question:
Can you tell me about it is it a replica is it really a Belgian made gun it safe to shoot one place I looked said its a .32 short colt. it looks like a lot of the pictures on the internet but not quite. most of them had round barrels mine is hexagonal can I get parts for it Thanks John

Answer:
John, it sounds like you have one of the Belgian ``Suicide Special`` type revolvers. Huge numbers of these were 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 still sell for modest prices depending on condition and general appearance for use as a ``wall hanger``. 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. I would strongly advise taking the revolver to a gunsmith for a determination of caliber and safety before attempting to fire it. Hope this helps. Marc

16416 - Winchester Bolt
2/2/2021
Robert Leonard MI 48367

Maker: Winchester, Model: 70 1964 PF, Caliber: 270 Win, Barrel Length: 24, Finish: Long Gun - Blue, SN: 734571

Question:
To whom it may concern Where can I find a Push Feed bolt for the above listed rifle Needs to be a 1964 to 1968 LA STD Caliber. Any finish. Bob Ellerman313-347-5998

Answer:
Robert- Sorry, we cannot help with that. Best options for parts would be on GunBroker.com, or Numrich Gun Parts, or Jack First Gun Parts. John Spangler

16427 - Follow Up On Question 16423
2/2/2021
Jim Lodi

Maker: Ernst Thalmann, Model: 1001, Caliber: .32, Barrel Length: 4, Finish: Handgun - Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Re question 16423- I too have a similar pistol. On researching it it is believed to be mfg by Ernst Thalman works in East Germany on captured Walther machinery. It is interesting in its own light. Hammerli is thought to be a way around buying Commie Bloc weapons Hammerli being Swiss. Otherwise it is a Walther PP clone.

Answer:
Thanks Jim

Return to Collectors Headquarters.