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15097 -
4/28/2015
Scotty Dayton tn

Maker: Mossberg, Model: 500AT, Caliber: 12 Gauge, Barrel Length: 28, Finish: Blue, SN: G505314

Question:
What year was this gun made I just inherited it from my grandpa and can't find any thing on the web to help me

Answer:
Scotty, I do not know of a source for information on Model 500 serial numbers but I have heard that the people at Mossberg are quite friendly and happy to help. You can contact them directly at (800) 363-3555, their website address is http://www.mossberg.com/service. Hope this helps. Marc

15072 - British Proofed Remington Rolling Block
4/28/2015
Doug, Randolph,MA

Maker: Remington, Model: Rolling Block No.2, Caliber: 32-20, Barrel Length: 24'' Half Octagon/round, Finish: Blue, SN: 1139

Markings:
British proof marks on the barrel and the upper receiver. crown over CP, crown over V, and one more on barrel ?.

Question:
I would like to know any information on this rifle, as it was my Grandfathers, and unfortunately he has passed and I can't seem to find any info. The rifle is in poor condition, bore is also poor, but it is a family piece and would like to know a little about it's history.

Answer:
Doug- Sounds like an interesting gun, and we always like it when guns with family history stay in the family.

The British proof marks indicate the gun went through England at some point, most likely before being sold in the UK, or perhaps to a British colony. Maybe your ancestor purchased it while overseas, perhaps while in the military, or maybe he bought it in the U.S. from an immigrant who brought it with him from his home country.

The Model 2 is a relatively scarce model, with a few thousand made circa 1873 to 1910, in a variety of calibers. Values are modest, and in poor condition it will be very modest indeed. It may be worth the cost to get it refinished and have the barrel relined and rechambered either to .32-30 or maybe a different caliber if you like. Neither would hurt the collector value, and may make it more fun for family use, and someday someone will be able to proudly say “This was Great-Grandpa’s gun and it was in horrible condition until Uncle Doug fixed it up so we can shoot it again.” John Spangler

15071 - P.T Banum Was Right!
4/25/2015
Danny Greensburg ,Ks

Maker: Marlin, Model: 1894, Caliber: 32-20, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 88491

Markings:
has Wells Fargo brass plate in stock .Oct 11 1887,april 2 1889

Question:
when was it made and value

Answer:
Danny- The serial number and patent dates you listed are for the Model 1889 rifle, not the Model 1894, although both were offered in .32-30 caliber, and Marlin did overlap serial numbers among different models, so while I think it is the Model 1889, you may be correct with the 1894 designation if that is what is marked on the receiver tang. About 55,072 of the Model 1889s were made between 1889 and 1899.

What I really have a problem with is the Wells Fargo tag. It is possible that it is authentic, but it is also possible that a nymphomaniac heiress to a brewery will fall in love with you today, although neither is very likely.

There has been a flourishing (albeit despicable) industry providing fake “old west collectibles” especially Wells Fargo marked items. These are often “old guns” with minimal value that are “enhanced” with addition of fake markings, sometimes on plates like yours, or carved, stamped or branded on the wood. A less evil trade is supplying the “Cowboy Action Shooter” market and it is possible that this may have had the Wells Fargo markings added to complement “Stagecoach Bubba’s” fictional persona when he was competing in matches.

A Wells Fargo connection might be more plausible for a rifle in .38-40 or .44-40 caliber, but I cannot imagine why Wells Fargo would need a .32-20 caliber rifle. In my opinion about 99% of the “Wells Fargo” guns are fakes, and I am suspicious of the other 1% and cannot tell for sure if one is authentic or not. Fakers seem to have discovered that P.T. Barnum was right when he said “There is a sucker born every minute.” I hope you did not pay any premium for the Wells Fargo markings. John Spangler

15101 - Model 24 Value
4/25/2015
Mike Liberty lake Wa.

Maker: Savage, Model: Model 24, Caliber: 22 Over 410, Barrel Length: 24 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: NO SERIAL NUMBER

Markings:
no patent. no pat. pending. no serial number. One stamped oval with 18k inside it.

Question:
I cannot determine what year it was made. Great shape. I got it from my father who has passed. My best recollection is that he told me he bought it new in 1943. Has side -s- or button. My investigation has said the rifles were not serialized until 1945. Has not be fired more than 25 times. all wood is great and plain with original finish. The stamped oval with 18K in it was a code used but finding reliable code marking data has been impossible. I have an offer for $350 but all I see for sale are newer Mfg. dates. The range is $425 to $799. Please can you help? I am disabled and have to sell it for medical bills.

Answer:
Mike, if you have a Savage Model 24, it was manufactured after 1950. The Model 24 design was first introduced in 1938 as the Model 22-410 by J. Stevens & Co of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. It was a budget priced combination gun with a smoothbore .410 shotgun barrel under a .22 rimfire rifle barrel making use of a single, common, sight, hammer, and trigger. Soon after the Model 22-410 was introduced, the Army Air force ordered 15,000 for use as aircrew survival rifles. In 1950, the 22-410 design went out of production with Stevens and was taken over by Savage who had been the parent company of Stevens since 1920.

You may see people asking all sorts of unrealistic prices for items on auction sights but the question is, what are items really selling for. In the blue book, values for these guns top out at around $500 or a little more. If your gun is in excellent condition, an offer of $350 sounds a little low. Marc

15070 - Charles Webley Shotgun
4/21/2015

Maker: Charles Webley, Model: Shotgun, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
Any ideas about a "Charles Webley, London Fine Twist", Double Barrel Shotgun? Looks like black Powder. Has a serial number of 21017 and what looks like a number engraved on the grip behind the triggers of 11016.

Answer:
Sir- There is no listing for Charles Webley in any of my maker reference books. Therefore, I am pretty sure that this was one of the many Belgian made shotguns marked with names that sounded like famous English gun makers, but were actually somewhat inferior quality, but good enough to fool gullible farmers and ranchers in America, which was their major market.

If you look on the barrel and find a proof mark of an oval with ELG, or something that looks like the Washington monument, that would confirm Belgian origin.

Value on these tend to be very modest, mainly for their decorative appearance over a fireplace, often in the range of $100-150 in really nice condition. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15159 - 39-A With ``Hand Carved Wood``
4/21/2015
Rena, Houston, Texas

Maker: Golden Marlin, Model: 39-A, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Other, SN: ?

Markings:
IT has beautifully hand carved wood. can`t find a year stamped on it.

Question:
What year did they start stamping the year on the Golden Marlins? Where might I find the serial number? How much is it worth? (Range only due to limited info) I know it`s old. It belonged to my 93 year old grandfather.

Answer:
Rena, references indicate that Marlin first introduced the Model 39 in 1922, the model was a Lever Action - .22 rifle that could chamber .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle cartridges. Model 39 rifles had 24-inch octagon barrels, case hardened receivers, and lever, S-shaped pistol grip stocks with hard rubber buttplates. Marlin manufactured 40,000 to 50,000 Model 39 rifles from 1922 to 1938.

The Model 39A rifle, was manufactured from 1939 to the present, it was similar to the Model 39, but had a round barrel, and a heavier beavertail-type forend. Early 39A rifles (manufactured before 1945) had a case hardened receiver, rifles manufactured after 1945 had a blue receiver. Butstocks with flutes and a comb were introduced in 1951, and Micro-Groove rifling was introduced in 1954. For more information, try contacting the Marlin Firearms Collectors Association http://marlin-collectors.com Marc

15157 - Shooting A Commemorative
4/18/2015
Tom Rochelle, IL

Maker: Winchester, Model: 94 Canadian Centennial, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: Long Octagon, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
factory engraved receiver

Question:
How much will shooting this firearm reduce its value?

Answer:
Tom - I have never liked commemoratives much, but anyone with one is wise not to fire it and to save the box and original papers. For a commemorative to have any value over a regular model, it must be in 100% new condition, never have been fired, and have it's original box and papers. If you do not have the original box and papers you can deduct $100 to $150 from the value. If a commemorative has been fired or shows any signs of wear, it is just a ''fancy shooter'', worth little more (or maybe even less) than the same model that is not a commemorative. I would advise you to check and carefully clean and oil your commemorative periodically. I know someone who bought a new commemorative and left it for years in its original box without ever looking at it. When the box was opened, he found that the gun had acquired a fine coating of rust. Never cock or dry fire a commemorative. Marc

15065 - Sharps Model 1874 “Old Reliable” Target
4/18/2015
Dave, Chardon, Ohio

Maker: 1874 Sharps ''Old Reliable'', Model: 1874 Sharps Rifle, Caliber: .45 - 10, Barrel Length: 29 - /4'', Finish: Blue, SN: 162189

Markings:
Pistol grip, double set triggers, checkered, Vernier Sight, Tang sight, globe, level front sight, heavy barrel

Question:
I received this gun from my father-in-law a few years ago and it has been in his family since the late 1800`s. The story that was told from long ago was that this gun was picked up off the battlefield of Little Big Horn. I don't know if this is even possible but it has always been the story. I am trying to find out more info on this gun as I am coming up on dead ends and would like to know if you may be able to uncover more about this gun. There is no ''invoice'' from the Sharps Company records as confirmed by Dr. Lebowski (?) from New York so it just adds to the mystery. Please let me know if you can find any new info. Thank You, Dave

Answer:
Dave- The photos you sent help a lot, and I ran those by a friend who is one of the leading Sharps collectors, and his comments were: br>
“Dick [Labowski] was right, the gun has no shipping information. Not uncommon. However, it is in the last portion of guns made with a hammer, mid to late 1878. Company quit making 74s soon thereafter and only made 1878 Borchardt models until they closed in 1881. A Bridgeport gun, since Hartfords were only made through 1875. Almost all 1874 guns sold in this period were wholesaled in batches to various parts of the country. They were closing down the 74 production and cleaning out the inventory. This was made as a "target" style gun with the spirit level front sight and the long range tang sight, along with the serial number placement for the tang. (Meaning the gun was finished for use of a tang sight). Being 45 2 7/8" it was probably sold/made for a long range hunter as it is way too big for target work. Someone bought this to shoot large game at a distance. Undoubtedly went west somewhere. Probably spent a lot of time on a horse or in a wagon as it is too heavy to carry. NOT fun to shoot for everyday. Tired, but not abused condition which normally means a serious user/hunter. Did not care about the outside, but took care of the inside. Remember, these were tools at the time, not play things. Too late for the buffalo, unless in Montana or Canada, and then at the end. A fair number of these late guns were bought for hunters because they were then cheap and still large calibers (unlike Winchesters). Value might be somewhere in the $5,000-8,000 range. Sights are worth about $2,000 alone, gun is about $4-5K, but loses value IF sights are sold alone. Sights are rarer than the guns because sights became lost, broken, etc. and most guns survived. Anything closer to value would depend on examining the gun in person.”

I cannot add anything to what he said, other than it is almost certain that this was shipped too late for any possible Custer campaign use. John Spangler

15063 - Colt SAA History Dead End
4/14/2015
Robert, Boerne, Texas

Maker: 1882 Colt, Model: Single Action Army, Caliber: 44, Barrel Length: 4 3/4'', Finish: Nickel, SN: 82593

Question:
I recently purchased this revolver and received documentation from Colt Mfg that it was shipped to Shoverling, Daly, and Gales. Can you recommend someone I can talk with to find out more information on this pistol regarding its purchase history?

Answer:
Robert- Unfortunately, not all leads can be followed up to another level. I am afraid you are at the end of the trail on this one.

Here is some information from http://www.american-firearms.com/american-firearms/z-html/company-S/Schoverling%20and%20Daly/Schoverling%20and%20Daly.html on Schoverling, Daly, and Gales:

The company started in 1865 and operated until 1873 as Schoverling and Daly, and in 1873 Gales was added and they continued in operation from 1865 to 1939. They were located at 302-304 Broadway in New York City, about two blocks from Francis Bannerman’s famous store at 501 Broadway.

They (S, D & G) had the Ballard patent rights and arranged with John M. Marlin to work over the patents and begin production in his plant. The first gun was made in 1875. Until 1891 more than 20 different models of the Ballard single shot rifle were offered. They were importers and distributors of guns and sporting goods. In 1875 they imported high end side by side shotguns under the name of Charles Daly. These shotguns were mainly European imports from Tolly of England, Newmann of Belgium Schiller and Charles Linder of Prussia and Lefever Arms Co. of New York. Henry Modell bought the company in 1919 and sold it to the Walzer family in the late 1920s.

Perhaps their records survive somewhere, but I doubt it and if they do, I have no idea where they might be. John Spangler

15155 - Model B In Need Of Parts
4/14/2015
Ron Sumrall MS USA

Maker: O.F Mossburg And Sons Inc, Model: Model B, Caliber: .22 Cal, Barrel Length: Look Like A Thirty, Finish: Other, SN: DON'T NO WHERE IT FOUND

Markings:
Model B New Haven conn 22 LS & LR single shot bolt action.

Question:
First time see one so I bought it. Where is serial number located? I would like to no more about. It look like a youth gun, and where can I find a bolt action assembly ?

Answer:

Ron, your Mossberg probably does not have a serial number, it is pretty common for inexpensive guns manufactured before the late 1960s to not have one. References indicate that the Mossberg B was manufactured from 1930 to 1932, prior to 1968 there was no requirement for manufacturers to put serial numbers on their guns, so some did, and some did not.

For a parts source, we recommend you check 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

Hope this helps. Marc

15100 - 8.25 Inch Broomhandle
4/11/2015
ronald dent

Maker: MAUSER, Model: 96C BROOMHANDLE, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 8 1/4, Finish: Blue, SN: 803782

Question:
IS the length of the BARREL 8 1/4 right.? for THIS GUN.

Answer:
I just got out my "Red 9" Mauser C96 pistol usually referred to as "the Broom handle" and measured the barrel length. From the front of the bolt to the tip of the barrel was 5.5 inches. From the back of the ejection port it measures 7.5 inches.

I'm not an expert on all of the variations of C96 pistols, but I've never seen an original with as long a barrel as you describe. The barrel of the C96 pistol is part of the forging that includes the rear end of the upper frame, and because of this cannot be replaced by screwing in a new barrel. There were several gunsmiths in the 1980's and 1990's who set up restoration services for the glut of Chinese import Broom Handle pistols that were on the market at the time. They would cut off shot out barrels, leaving a stub, then make a new barrel that screwed in to the stub at the base of the barrel. If I remember correctly, I think that FedOrd was doing this. I've seen two C96's where this was done. The workmanship one was so good it was extremely difficult to detect the newly made barrel was joined to the old frame. These guns were always re-chambered to 9 mm Luger.

A much longer than normal barrel makes me wonder if you do not have one that someone added an after market barrel. The fact that the gun is in 9mm and the serial number is not in the range of the "Red 9" pistols made for the German Army makes me think you have a pistol that has acquired a new barrel sometime after it left the factory. Marc

15061 - Jenks Breechloading Carbine Made By Remington
4/11/2015
Gene, Brooklyn, NY 11209

Maker: Remington, Model: Carbine ??, Caliber: 50, Barrel Length: 25 Inches, Finish: Other, SN: ?

Markings:
The markings on the top of the barrel ''W.Jenks'' over ''USN'' over ''RP'' over ''P'' over ''1847'' Marked ''Cast Steel'' Then side of the hammer mechanism is marked ''Remington's Herkimer NY''

Question:
Does it have any value?

Answer:
Gene- Your description and the photos you sent confirm this is one of about 1,000 U.S. Navy breech loading Jenks carbines made by Remington in 1847-1848. These were the latest innovative arms of the time, with the Maynard tape primer mechanism, and a nearly unique “mule ear” side swinging percussion hammer. Really neat guns, but alas, your photos show that the gun is in poor to fair condition, and unfortunately missing several large and important parts of the breech mechanism. So, the neatness factor is totally eclipsed by the condition issues. Therefore, while it has some collector value, it is mainly for parts, or as an incomplete wall hanger, maybe a few hundred dollars at most. John Spangler

15150 - RIA 1911 Pistol Manufactured In 1943?
4/7/2015
Ben, Dallas, Ga.

Maker: ?, Model: 1911, Caliber: 45, Barrel Length: 5 In, Finish: Blue, SN: RIA 1584724

Question:
I've been able to find out when it was made (1943), but not what it would be worth (ball park in good condition). Best guess?

Answer:
Ben, I am afraid that I may have bad news. I can not say for sure without seeing the pistol, but there several aspects to your question that raise red flags. The first is that you indicate that your pistol is a 1911 but that it was manufactured in 1943. The U.S. military adopted the 1911A1 pistol 1920s, they were not purchasing any 1911 pistols in 1943. M1911A1 pistols should have serial numbers higher than 700,000 with lower serial numbers designated M1911. You indicate that your pistol has a blued finish but by 1943, all 1911A1 pistols had a Parkerized finish. Finally, if you check the serial number charts for 1911 and 1911A1 pistols at coolgunsite.com, you will see that no U.S. 1911 / A1 pistols ever had serial numbers that contain the letters "RIA".

These things lead me to believe that you have a modern production pistol that was manufactured by Armscor / Rock Island Armory. Values for modern Rock Island Armory pistols is in the $400 to $600 range depending on options, condition and the availability of a serious buyer. Marc

15059 - Winchester 94 Front Sight
4/7/2015
Ronnie, Midlothian, VA

Maker: Winchester, Model: 94, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: 20'', Finish: Blue, SN: 1518471

Question:
It appears the front sight (which is ramped) is damaged to the point it needs to be replaced. the carbine was built in 1949 according to sources. I would like to know the height of the original sight. Was it a Winchester product or, as noted by Arthur Pirkle, a Lyman number 31 W Gold Bead. I note that Lyman no longer offers a sight by this product number. Thank you for your services. Ron Gray

Answer:
Ronnie- I do not know enough about the subtle variations of the Winchester 94 to tell you anything. Art Pirkle, in addition to being the author of the excellent books on some of the Winchester models, is also a small dealer in Winchester parts. I recommend you try contacting him to see what he has. There are many other dealers selling parts, but I would start with Pirkle, and then maybe try Garry Fellers (see our links page) and then Google for other sources. John Spangler

15153 - Early Rusty Winchester in Mexico
4/4/2015
Bill, Scottsdale, Arizona

Maker: Winchester, Model: .30 WCR, Caliber: .30, Barrel Length: Unknown, Finish: Rusty, SN: 476566

Question:
I live in the Republic of Mexico and purchased this gun from a rancher a few years back. It is fully functional but in pretty rough shape. Just wondering if it is worth going through the hoops to import it into the U.S.

Answer:
Bill, your Winchester was manufactured in 1910. If only some of these old guns could talk, what stories they might have to tell. We have run into many Model 94 Winchesters that are in rough condition like yours. When they were new, rifles like these were often purchased for use as a tool, to help put food on the table and for protection. They were not considered to be collectors items until many years later, and they saw allot of hard use when they were new.

The blue book sets values for standard Winchester Model 94 rifles in rough condition like yours between $500 and abut $650. I do not have an import license and I have never tried to bring a firearm into this country so I do not know what is involved in the process, but for me, that kind of value would not be enough motivation to spend much time or effort. You would probably be far better off to purchase a similar old rifle that is already in the U.S. Marc

15060 - Fayetteville 1864 Musket Value
4/4/2015
ron, Dallas ga. USA

Maker: 1864 Fayetteville Musket, Model: ?, Caliber: 58, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: NONE

Markings:
CSA marked buttplate, and all parts are intact.

Question:
this piece is in good to very good condition according to the NRA antique grading guide. what is approx. value and how do I market it

Answer:
ron- Although the Fayetteville made arms are very similar to U.S. Springfield models, there are a number of differences. Sadly, the differences are small enough that many purported CS Fayetteville arms have been faked over the years, sometimes innocently as “fillers” or for use by reenactors, but more often by larcenous SOBs intent on fleecing unsuspecting or uncurious buyers. Therefore, I view all such arms with great suspicion. And, since I do not know all there is to know about them, I generally stay away from them entirely. As far as value, that depends on: first, being an original Fayetteville made product, and then the current condition. There is a strong demand for just about anything which is (or is claimed to be) Confederate, and values are often high to really high. Probably the best way to get maximum price for it is to put it in one of the major firearms auctions, not your local estate auction, or one of the internet sites, but a real live auction by folks who sell lots of high end collector guns. I like and trust Cowans in Cincinnati, OH, and Julia’s in Maine. Rock Island moves a lot of stuff and seems to do a good job for sellers, but I know at least two buyers who were not happy with how absentee bids were handled with that outfit. You can search for “CS Fayetteville auction” and see if you can find “prices realized” to see what comparable condition guns went for. Remember, however, the owner only gets the amount of the hammer price, less any commissions and fees, which can add up to quite a bit. Thus, you may actually end up with about the same amount as if you sold to a reputable dealer. Good luck! John Spangler

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