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15564 - SHARPS CARBINE INFO
5/30/2017
Ed Sweetwater, NJ

Maker: Sharps, Model: New Mod 1863 Carbine, Caliber: 54, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 99749

Question:
Do you have any information for the date it was manufactured, who it was delivered to or any other information about my carbine? Thank you very much for your time.

Answer:
Ed- I could not locate any info on your number. Nearby numbers seem to have been in the field by August or September 1864, so obviously they were made before that, but it may have been only a few weeks or maybe many months earlier, but probably sometime in 1864. “If only this gun could talk.” But, they cannot, which makes the guns with documented history so much more interesting. John Spangler

15625 - Winchester 1890 Value
5/30/2017
Edward Shady Shores Texas

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1890, Caliber: 22 Short, Barrel Length: 23 And 1/4 '' Octagon Shaped, Finish: Blue, SN: 546658

Markings:
Two small brazing spots where mag tube was brazed to barrel Also it is in firing condition

Question:
Could you please give me a ballpark figure on what it is worth?

Answer:
Edward, the Winchester, slide-action MODEL 1890 SPORTING RIFLE was a John M Browning design that was manufactured by the Winchester Repeating Arms Company of New Haven, Connecticut (officially) from 1890 to 1932, my records indicate that your rifle was manufactured in 1910. Winchester Model 1890s are different than most of the modern pump action .22s in that they are chambered for only one type of .22 ammunition. Most of the modern rifles will chamber .22 Short, Long and Long Rifle. The braising that you mention that has been done to your rifle ruins interest in it for most collectors, and since your rifle will only chamber 22 short, shooter interest is also low. The blue book lists 1890 values between about $500 and about $1000, it indicates to deduct 20 to 30 percent because of the .22 short chambering. I think that a fair price for a rifle like yours would be in the $250 or less range. Marc

15623 - Post 64 Model 94 Sales Help
5/27/2017
Melissa Fulton, Ms

Maker: Winchester, Model: 94, Caliber: 30/30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 6548622

Markings:
Brand new. Still in the box

Question:
How much is it worth and where Would be the best place to sale it?

Answer:
Melissa, your Winchester was manufactured after 1964, there is not much collector interest in post 1964 Winchester firearms so you will have to sell it as a shooter instead of a collectors item. A good place to sell firearms is at the next local gunshow. Take the rifle around to several dealers and get offers. Another place to sell and to check the value would be at GunBroker.com. You can check the listings there to see what similar firearms have sold for. When you visit GunBroker, make sure to look at prices of items that have actually sold, you will see lots of listings for items with prices that are so high that they will never sell. Hope this helps. Marc

15563 - M1903 Mark I Springfield Rifle
5/27/2017
C. Mark

Maker: Springfield Armory, Model: M1903 Mark I, Caliber: .30`06, Barrel Length: N/a, Finish: Blue, SN: 1170267

Markings:
Sedgley barrel

Question:
On wrist of the stock is cartouche ''B.A.-W.L.'' with a faint outline of a ''box'' around it. I know BA is Benicia Arsenal, but have never been able to find the inspector ''WL''. I posted this question on a M1911 forum and received this response, ''William Maxon Lewis, a foreman/ armorer at Benicia Arsenal.'' ''..born in Massachusetts & drafted in WW I.'' Could this be valid? NRA life member & your website is an incredible resource for information & some humor. Thank you both.

Answer:
C. Mark- Thanks for the kind words. Glad you like our website. There is no documented history on this number. Most of the rifle s with Sedgley barrels were assembled in the last few decades as surplus barrels dated 1943-44 which were somewhat common for a while. If the barrel date is 1941 or 42 then there is a much greater chance that it was installed, probably by the Marine Corps, during WW2. The stock may or may not have been with that action since WW2, or last month, so drawing conclusions from a cartouche can be risky. The B.A.-W.L. cartouche is well known as a post WW1 rework mark from Benicia Arsenal, but the identity of W.L is unknown, even in the great new book “U.S. Military Arms Inspector Marks” by Charles Pate and Anthony Daum. The attribution to William Maxon Lewis may or may not be accurate. John Spangler

15604 - S&W Serial Number CFW7510
5/23/2017
Edward Reedsport Oregon 97467

Maker: Smith & Wesson, Model: Unknown, Caliber: 38, Barrel Length: 2, Finish: Blue, SN: CFW7510

Question:
What model of Smith & Wesson do I have my email address is ednbon777@gmail.com

Answer:
Edward, according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica and Richard Nahas, serial number prefix ``CFW`` was used for the model 37-2 in April of 2003. The Model 37 Chiefs Special Airweight is similar to Model 36 Chiefs Special, except that it has an alloy frame and 1 & 7/8 inch barrel. Finish is either blue or nickel and barrels are marked ``Airweight``. Marc

15552 - Krag History
5/23/2017
Tom,Largo,Florida

Maker: Krag, Model: 1898, Caliber: 30-40, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 448064

Question:
This was my grandpaps gun. I`ve seen posts of guys getting info on their guns history. Where would I go to find info on this gun. Not really looking for value as its not for sale. He hunted with it and used it as bush gun for deer for years. I looked up the serial number. It was manufactured in 1903 that`s all I know. Thanks.

Answer:
Tom- Sorry, but there is no information at all on this number, other than the approximate date of manufacture. Nearby numbers are all rifles, so this probably had a 30 inch barrel when made, but may have been cut down for hunting use. That would destroy the collector value but it still should have some sentimental value or as a shooter. John Spangler

15551 - How Old And Price Today
5/20/2017
Howard corner Brook no canada

Maker: Noumann Bros, Model: Double Barrel, Caliber: Musket, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Stainless Steel, SN: 100883693

Question:
''How old and price today

Answer:
Howard- Sorry, I am guessing you have some sort of double barrel percussion or early cartridge shotgun. These are generally not worth much on this side of the border, and in Canada they may have more or less demand. John Spangler

15595 - S&W .32 Safety Hammerless 2nd Model
5/20/2017
DONNY, ALBANY,GA.

Maker: S&W, Model: MINTY WWI-era S&W 32 Safety Double Action Revolver, Caliber: Caliber: .32 S&W (centerfire), Barrel Length: Barrel Is 3 Inches In Length., Finish: Stainless Steel, SN: 165389

Markings:
MINTY WWI-era S&W 32 Safety Double Action Revolver. The case colors are vibrant, the blue is deep and shiny, the nickel is virtually complete and mirror-like. The markings are clear and legible. The grips and bore are in fine condition. The action is excellent, glassy smooth and masterfully crafted.

Question:
How much will MINTY WWI-era S&W 32 Safety Double Action Revolver go sale (cost)? Because I`m looking to sale.

Answer:
Donny, 78,500 S&W .32 Safety Hammerless 2nd Model revolvers were manufactured between 1902 and 1909, the serial number range for this variation was from 91418 to about 170000. The revolvers were double-action-only and came with a 5-shot fluted cylinder. Standard barrel lengths were 3`` or 3-1/2``, with 6`` and 2`` modles being rare. The gun has a round ribbed barrel, with blue or nickel (not stainless steel) finish, checkered hard rubber grips with S&W monograms. The front sight is pinned in the barrel rib and the rear sight is a notched raised portion of the barrel latch. Revolvers have a top-break action, with round trigger guard. Barrels are marked “32 S&W CTG” on the left side and the right side is blank. The grip safety is checked. The sideplate on the frame’s left side is held in place with two screws while a small S&W trademark is on the frame’s right side. Prices for these revolvers range from about $50.00 to over $500 depending on condition. Marc

15547 - REMINGTON M1903 MANN ACCURACY BARREL
5/16/2017
John

Maker: Remington, Model: 1903A1, Caliber: 308, Barrel Length: 21, Finish: Blue, SN: 3889954

Markings:
Engravings on barrel D7553795 F68-7029 No.633 WLKR

Question:
I was wanting to know as much info as I can about this rifle and what it`s worth. I know it was a test rifle in designing the 308 also that the receiver was made in 1909. The barrel is 21'' in length and 1.25'' in diameter. Also know Mike Walker made it and according to the number on the barrel it is #5 of 15 he made. Thanks for your time.

Answer:
John- The details seem to be right, but the research information you have found is mostly wrong.

The serial number and Remington manufacturer confirm that this was actually made in the summer of 1943 and the receiver should read U.S./ REMINGTON/ MODEL 03-A3 so it was originally made as a Model 1903A3, not M1903A1. This started in .30-06 caliber.

M1903 rifle actions have periodically been used to make special accuracy test guns, and for other special needs such as pressure test guns. Accuracy rifles use carefully made barrel to precise specifications and are used to test ammunition to ensure it meets the required accuracy standards. To eliminate all possible excuses or errors caused by sighting, the barrels usually have two large circular collars secured around the barrel, and these rest in a precision machined “V” groove test bench at a range with the necessary distance (often 600 yards). Dr. Horace Mann, famed ammunition experimenter invented the fixtures used, and these are often called Mann barrels or Mann rests. Round counts are carefully logged and sometimes several accuracy rifles will be used and the results averaged. Ammunition which fails to perform adequately is rejected. (See the excellent article at http://www.odcmp.org/1001/mann_inc.asp)

Your rifle was made with a Remington M1903A3 action, probably taken from a lightly used rifle. The barrel was supplied by Walker, presumably related to Mike Walker who was connected with famed barrel maker Clyde Hart, and Remington where he perfected their button rifling process. (Mentioned in the interesting article on barrel making at http://www.firearmsid.com/feature%20articles/rifledbarrelmanuf/barrelmanufacture.htm ) The barrel marking (electric penciled on others we have seen) D7553795/ F68 are probably the drawing number and contract or work order number. 7029 is probably the date it was made (Julian date 029 in year ending in 7, probably 1967 or possibly 1977) and 633 is probably the serial number of the barrel. The stock assembly normally found on these is just a small section of the original M1903A3 stock, cut off to be little more than a convenient grip for handling the device or while firing.

Most of these accuracy barrels were apparently assembled in the 1960s or 1970s, and were unused when turned over to the CMP program. This is a really neat oddball device to add to any M1903 Springfield collection, or even to a M14 or Vietnam era collection. While a handful turned up in very advanced collections in the past, these were almost unknown except for brief mention in Brophy’s book until the Army transferred all remaining inventory of them (a few hundred) to the CMP program around 2004. It seems that most were in 7.62 x 51mm NATO, some in .30-06, some in .30 carbine and a dozen or so in .22 Hornet. CMP has been sold out of these since 2012 and they are seldom found on the collector market. These were made long after the .308 cartridge (or 7.62 x 51mm NATO) was developed, and it is believed that Walker made a lot more than 15 barrels. John Spangler.

15605 - Beretta 418 Bantam
5/16/2017
Paul, Montgomery Village, MD

Maker: Beretta, Model: 418 Bantam, Caliber: .25, Barrel Length: 2 Inch, Finish: Other, SN: 74049A

Markings:
Chrome, Mother-of-Pearl grips, not engraved.

Question:
Pistol is marked 1953 and is in the original blue and white box. Purchased at J.L.Galef & Son, 85 Chambers Street, NYC. Box contains original manual and Italian certified hang-tag. I assume it has collector value.

Answer:
Paul, the Model 418 was a .25 caliber pistol with fixed sights, loaded chamber indicator and grip safety. Most 418 pistols had steel frames but some frames were made of an aluminum alloy. Beretta manufactured about 178,000 Model 418 pistols from 1937 to 1961. Serial numbers on later guns like yours are suffixed with the letters A, B, and C. You did not mention condition but if the pistol is in the original box with the original papers, I will assume the condition to be like new. Although .25 caliber pistols are less popular with collectors, if the pistol is in new in the box condition, there will be some collector interest, although not allot of value. The blue book lists values for this model between about $100 to about $250 depending on condition. Marc

15624 - Winchester Date
5/16/2017
Connie China spring tx

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1894, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Nickel, SN: 753464

Question:
What is the year model

Answer:
https://winchestercollector.org/dates/

15544 - Mind Reading Test
5/14/2017
Dennis Hamiltom, Oh USA

Maker: Tom, Model: 635, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: 22 7/8, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
Hard to read markings. No trigger guard. Hex barrel. Single shot. Not sure of manufacturer. Barely read it. Old gun

Question:
What is gun worth Good cond other than one screw

Answer:
Dennis- Sorry, I cannot even begin to guess on this one. John Spangler

15618 - Baby Hammerless
5/14/2017
Art Orrville Ohio

Maker: ? Baby Hammerless, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 1'', Finish: Nickel, SN: FEB 2, 1892 ONLY NUMBERS

Markings:
Pearl Handled, excellent shape

Question:
My late Father was a gunsmith, and I found this in his estate inventory--how do I find its value and fair resale price? Thanks Art

Answer:
Art, my references indicate that Baby Hammerless was a name given in general to "Saturday Night / Suicide - Special" type revolvers manufactured by Henry M. Kolb of Philadelphia form 1892 to about 1930. Most baby hammerless revolvers were 5 shot models chambered in .22 short caliber with a folding trigger and a concealed hammer.

Several models of Baby Hammerless revolvers were produced including the models 1910, 1918, 1921 and 1924. The model 1910 was offered in .32 as well as .22 short caliber. In about 1930, Kolb became R. F. Sedgeley & Co.

There is not much collector interest in this type of firearm. Values for Baby Hammerless revolvers usually fall in the $75.00 range, I don't think that the caliber will make much difference. Marc

15611 - 200th Year Of American Liberty 10-22 Ruger Carbine
5/9/2017

Maker: Ruger, Model: 10/22 Carbine, Caliber: 22. LR, Barrel Length: Rifle-18-in, Finish: Blue, SN: 116-47897

Markings:
Made in the 200th year of American Liberty

Question:
Can you tell me if this gun was indeed made in 1976 and if so does this make it more of a collectors item. Any ideal of value, Thank You. Marv

Answer:
All Ruger firearms that were manufactured in 1976 have "Made in the 200th Year of American Liberty" stamped on their barrels. While surfing the Internet one sometimes hears about urban legends, a Ruger urban legend says that 200th year models which are unfired and in the original box will bring a premium. This is one urban legend that I can refute from personal experience, I have never had any success in getting anyone to pay more for a 200-th year model but I do plan to keep trying. Value for 10-22 carbines is in the $250 to $350 range. Marc

15542 - Old Cold? [Colt?]
5/9/2017
Jim, Neenah, WI 54956

Maker: Original Navy Cold, Model: 1861?????, Caliber: ?????, Barrel Length: 8'', Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 48329

Question:
what year was it manufactured? What value might it have?

Answer:
Jim- Too much conflicting or missing information to help much with this one. I assume this is a Colt, not a Cold. The lack of caliber information (usually stamped on the left side of the trigger guard) hinders identification a lot.

The Model 1861 was a “Navy” model with 7.5 inch barrel, and the Model 1851 Navy also had the 7.5 inch barrel. The Model 1860 was the .44 caliber “Army” model, and those had 8 inch (or sometimes 7.5 inch) barrels.

Guessing that this is actually a Model 1860 .44 caliber with 8 inch barrel, with serial number 48329, this would have been made in 1862, and guns in that range were in the field with Union troops by the summer of 1863. Given the uncertainty of the identification, I won’t even guess at value which will also depend a lot on condition. John Spangler

15610 - Luger Assembly Problems
5/6/2017
Scott

Maker: P.08, Model: Byf 41, Caliber: 9mm., Barrel Length: 4 -A- Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Pistol was put back together wrong with toggle feeding mechanism behind rather than in front of the loading spring. How to remedy this?

Answer:
Scott, this is not an unusual thing to have happen. When it happens to me, I turn the Luger upside-down, slide the barrel extension (upper receiver) forward a little and give the Luger a shake. When you shake the Luger, the coupling link will usually fall free, you can often hear a small "tink" sound when it does. When the coupling link is free, you can slide the barrel extension (upper receiver) forward and remove it. When you put your Luger back together make sure to watch the coupling link to verify that it mates with the hooks on the recoil lever properly. Hope this helps, let me know if you would like to sell, I would be happy to purchase the Luger assembled or disassembled. Good Luck - Marc

15541 - Ballard Carbine Parts
5/6/2017
Blake, Cedar Rapids, IA

Maker: Ballard, Model: Carbine, Caliber: .44, Barrel Length: 20.25 To The Breech, Finish: Other, SN: 17575

Markings:
No. 44 on top of breech before hammer

Question:
I am missing the barrel band from this and want to find an original. I am wondering if there are any other bands (ie. Springfield, Enfield) that will fit this gun? Thank you greatly for your help.

Answer:
Blake- The Ballard carbines appeared late in the Civil War and never received the fame of the Sharps, Spencer, Smith or Burnside carbines, but were mechanically sound and went on to be a successful commercial product under the Marlin company. We do not have any experience with parts for these, but from photos it looks like the bands are pretty similar to those on Sharps carbines.

The fine folks at S&S Firearms (http://ssfirearms.com) have a good selection of original and repro parts for most Civil War era small arms, including Ballards. More important, they know a lot about them and can tell you what might or might not work as a substitute. Another source for Civil War parts is Lodgewood Manufacturing

(http://lodgewood.com). In many cases original parts are simply not available and you may have to go with the high quality reproduction parts. John Spangler

15613 - Bargain Colt Cobra
5/2/2017
Lance, Rockland, Idaho

Maker: Colt, Model: Cobra, Caliber: 38 Special, Barrel Length: 2 inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 115163 LW

Markings:
None

Question:
I just made a really good purchase. Went to look at a Sig P229. To motivate me to buy, the seller threw in the Colt Cobra. Got everything for $400.00. The Colt is easily 90% with only some minor bluing wear. I am curious about the year of manufacture and the value of the revolver. Thanks.

Answer:
Lance, the 'Cobra' is really the `Detective Special' with an alloy frame, thereby reducing the weight from 22 oz to l5 oz. A government contract for an aircrew protection pistol, incorporated an alloy cylinder as well, though Colt never used this feature for commercial sales. Unlike the 'Detective Special', the 'Cobra' is made in .22 caliber, although the majority were sold in .32 and .38 caliber. Cobra's were manufactured from 1950 to 1981.

There is a Colt link in the `Manufacture Dates` section of the menu that runs up and down the left hand side of all of the pages at our site OldGuns.net. This link will take you to the Colt`s official web site. Colt indicates that serial 115163 LW was manufactured in 1961. Blue book values for Cobra's range from $120.00 to about $800.00 depending upon condition and exact model. Marc

15537 - BENTLEY & SON SHOTGUN
5/2/2017
Robert, Appomattox, Va. USA

Maker: Bentley & Son, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 26'', Finish: Don`t Know, SN: ?

Markings:
London, Bird, Double action hammer, fancy engravings

Question:
Where can I find out what this gun is, not sure if it`s a shotgun, definitely black powder, has a short ramrod with a screw tip.

Answer:
Robert- Without some good photos it is hard to be sure what you have. I do not have a listing for “Bentley & Son” in London, and suspect that may be a bogus name applied by an unscrupulous Belgian maker on a low quality export gun in hopes of fooling some American farmer into thinking they got a better quality gun. Or, it may relate to “Bentley & Son” of 12 South Castle Street in Liverpool at least circa 1846-1854 and possibly into the 1870s when percussion guns faded from the market as breechloaders became readily available.

Another option would be “Bentley & Sons” (plural) of 40 Lime Street in Liverpool circa 1851, but that is less likely a match. John Spangler

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