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15662  - Old Shotgun
7/25/2017
Chris, Lake Jackson, Tx

Maker: Riverside Arms Co, Model: Shotgun, Caliber: 12g, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 29162 B

Question:
Just looking for any information on this gun.

 Answer:
Chris, I do not have a lot of information on this firearm, 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



15596  - Amberg 1856 Muzzle Loading Rifle
7/25/2017
Johan van Zyl, Gordon`s Bay, South Africa

Maker: Amberg, Model: 1856, Caliber: .69 Inch, Barrel Length: 35 Inches, Finish: Other, SN: 8325

Markings:
It is marked Amberg 1856 over crown. It has a cheek piece, rear sight with adjustable elevation, double set triggers, no provision for a bayonet catch. Four deep grooves. Three barrel bands. Octagonal barrel becoming round to the front. Percussion type ignition. Uses top-hat type caps.

Question:
I have asked so many collectors about this rifle. No-one seems to have any clue whatsoever. My books do not even list it. I wondered why the obscurity. Rare? Is it a hunting rifle or a clunker? Does it use conical or round ball bullets? Thank you very much.

 Answer:
Johan- You have an interesting rifle, but we do not know much more than the basics about it, and there is a real dearth of literature on mid-19th century European military arms.

Amberg was the Royal Armory for Bavaria, then one of the many independent German states, as German unification did not take place until 1871. Each of the independent states did their own thing as far as arms, sometimes adopting the same or similar patterns and other times sticking with something unique. Your gun is almost certainly one of those designated Model 1854 made in .67 caliber, and 1856 is probably the date of manufacture. The next model did not appear until 1858 and they were in .54 caliber. Captain Baron von Pedewils was the director of the armory at Amberg and sometimes these arms will be called “Podewils” although t5his is usually applied only to the Model 1858. and you may find more digging under that term.

Germanic arms tended to be made in several versions, a long arm taking a bayonet for infantry use; a shorter version for Jaeger (Yaeger) or rifle units, and another model for special sharpshooters. I am not sure if yours is the Jaeger version (which should be about 51 inches overall, or about 36 inch barrel length. The octagon barrel would be typical on a rifle (as opposed to an infantry musket), but you mention it turning round at the front. If this change is fairly far towards the breech, that would be okay on a rifle, but if it is just the front 3 inches or so at the muzzle, that would be for taking a socket bayonet.

The Model 1854 were “au tige” rifles which meant there was a metal post sticking up from the breech plug, allowing the powder loaded from the muzzle to settle around the post for easy ignition, but the top of the post providing a resting location for a round ball. A heavy pounding with the ramrod would expand the bullet as it was squeezed against the “tige” so it would grip the rifling. (The expanding Minie ball with its hollow base to facilitate expansion into the rifling grooves was not yet universally adopted.)

With both set triggers and adjustable rear sight and slightly shorter barrel I think this is probably one of the scarcer sharpshooter rifles. Many of the Model 1854 Amberg arms were imported into America for our Civil War, but many remained to be sold on the world surplus markets at later dates, so there are multiple possibilities to explain how it might have ended up in South Africa.

As far as value, that will vary greatly on where the buyer is located. If proven to be one of the Civil War imports, that will appeal to some collectors. As an example of an early European military army it will appeal to another group, or the South African connection may appeal to others. I have no idea what sort of price this might bring, but here in the U.S. I would think maybe $900-1200 since it is probably the sharpshooter version, while an infantry version might sell for half that. Hope that helps. John Spangler



15648  - Mis - Matched P.38 With Capture Papers
7/22/2017
Joe, Ronkonkoma, New York

Maker: Walther, Model: P38, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 5'', Finish: Blue, SN: 3540 I

Markings:
ac41, slide and frame have serial number 3540 i on them, barrel has 5993 h, Also have returning GI capture paper to go with it. I know that the firing pin and magazine are not original to the weapon. Almost forgot I have the lead slug that was removed from the barrel to authenticate the barrel was on the weapon at time of capture.

Question:
I am now looking to sell this piece of history. I have no idea of its value. Looking thru your site you seam to be of a fine moral and trusting character and was hoping you could help.

 Answer:
Joe, the capture papers that you mention will help the value of your pistol, especially if the papers have the serial number of the pistol on them. I always add $100 to $200 or more for capture papers depending on the condition, desirability and rarity of a firearm. Since a lead slug can be taken from any barrel at any time, I am not sure how such a slug would authenticate that the barrel was on the pistol at time of capture, maybe it would be more obvious to me if I saw the slug, pistol and papers in person.

The mis-matched barrel and replacement firing pin really hurt value. I would estimate value for a mis-matched ac - 41 P.38 with capture papers, to be in the $400 to $650 range depending on condition. Values for early P.38 pistols like this are much higher if they are all matching and in good condition. Marc



15589  - Springfield Armory M1A Rifle
7/22/2017
Clifford Toledo Ohio

Maker: Springfield, Model: M1A1, Caliber: 308, Barrel Length: 22?, Finish: Blue, SN: 000519

Question:
Can you tell me anything about this gun I know it is old maybe started as a M14? when it was made etc. It looks like the stock had little sections filled in Cliff

 Answer:
Clifford- If you look carefully the rifle is marked “M1A” not “M1A1.” The term M1A1 only applies to the M1A1 carbine with the folding stock, or to the M1A1 Thompson submachine gun. Since a “4” looks a lot like an “A” the folks at the commercial firm Springfield Armory decided to call their semi-auto only version of the U.S. military M14 rifle the “M1A.” While most of the parts in the early guns were indeed genuine U.S. military contract parts which had been sold as surplus, the receivers were entirely newly made. Civilian ownership of real M14 rifles is restricted by their status as full automatic “Class 3” weapons subject to all sorts of restrictions, so it was necessary to use newly made “never a machine gun” commercial receivers. When using military stocks, there was a large empty area near the right rear of the receiver where some of the select fire parts had been located on the M14, and quite often these were filled just for the sake of appearance.

Over the years the supply of surplus military parts dried up and many of the parts used today are newly made commercial parts. Still, they are nice guns and about as close as most people will ever get to owning a M14. The (commercial) Springfield Armory products and a few others are pretty good, but some of the Chinese copies are reportedly pretty inferior, so most people tend to stay away from those unless they are looking for an inexpensive representative example and willing to sacrifice quality for price.

The earliest commercial M1A rifles were made in Devine, Texas when Elmer Balance started up the company by that name in September 1971. In 1994 he sold the company to the Reese family of Geneseo, IL where it continues in business today. While under Mr. Balance’s ownership Springfield Armory sold complete rifles, barreled receivers and stripped receivers, reaching about serial number 2700, about 2000 of those being complete rifles. There are some variations in the exact markings used, but they are discussed here:

http://m14forum.com/devine-m1a/47790-devine-serial-numbers.html

On one forum they have been collecting a census to correlate M1A serial numbers and dates of manufacture, and it looks like your rifle is one of the Devine, Texas rifles and was made around November or December 1972.

There is an exceptionally detailed and comprehensive study by Lee Emerson, “M14 Rifle History and Development” which can be downloaded as a 75 page Word document, and is highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of the M14 and its clones. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=20&ved=0ahUKEwi01tvw2unUAhUK4GMKHa7VA2c4ChAWCFYwCQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.imageseek.com%2Fm1a%2FM14%2520Rifle%2520History%2520and%2520Development.doc&usg=AFQjCNELCE2jyY0UbCw98RAQVCDmIMhEQQ&cad=rja

Hope that helps. John Spangler



15603  - EIBAR .38 SPECIAL REVOLVER
7/18/2017
Viper

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: 38 Special, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have that ebar 38 Special that's been in my family for a while and it says it's a US service ctg On the top of the Barrel and it's made in Spain. And I was wanting to find more information about it

 Answer:
Sir- Several makers in the Spanish city of Eibar made copies of Colt or S&W revolvers, varying in quality from pretty good to pretty miserable. These were intended mainly for the export market, and markings could be misunderstood by purchasers to suggest that these were actually made in the USA. Marks usually included ".38 Smith & Wesson Cartridge" or "U.S. Secret Service."

There is almost no collector interest in these, and values are modest, probably around $100 or less. John Spangler



15598  - K98 In 16GA?
7/18/2017
Clay, Clarksville, Tn

Maker: Mouser, Model: K98, Caliber: 16 Gauge, Barrel Length: Unk, Finish: Other, SN: 9127

Question:
I would just like to know when it was made and an estimated value on it.

 Answer:
Clay, I have never heard of a K98 shotgun in 16 GA, I suspect that you need to re-check your facts. Marc



15644  - S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece
7/15/2017
Francis, Tulare, Ca

Maker: Smith & Wesson, Model: 15, Caliber: 38, Barrel Length: 4inch, Finish: Blue, SN: K 248448

Question:
Could you please give me the age and approximate value. Thank you.

 Answer:
Francis, the S&W Model 15 Combat Masterpiece was manufactured from 1949 to 1999, your revolver (serial number K 248448) was manufactured in 1955. The double-action revolver, was built on the S&W square butt K target frame which was continued from the postwar K-38 Combat Masterpiece. Revolvers came with 6-shot fluted cylinders and were originally offered with a 4 inch barrel. Later in production, 2, 5, 6 and even 8 & 3/8 inch barrels became available, all of which had a machined narrow rib on top. Available finishes were blue or nickel and the sights were Baughman Quick Draw front sight on a plain ramp base with micrometer click adjustable rear sight. Values in the blue book for this model range from about $200 to just under $600 depending on condition. Marc



15587  - M1903A1 NATIONAL MATCH SPRINGFIELD RESEARCH SERVICE
7/15/2017
Ken ,Myrtle Beach, SC, USA

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1903 National Match, Caliber: 30, Barrel Length: 24 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 1497403

Markings:
Star marking on the Barrel Crest, polished bolt with etched serial number Cocking piece Marked, other marks consistent with National Match Springfield`s

Question:
I am trying to obtain a letter for SRS. The link seems to be broken. phone 843.940.3208

 Answer:
Ken- Your rifle is listed in my copy of the SRS publications as a M1903A1 National Match, sold through the DCM program in 1937. It would be an excellent idea to get a letter from SRS to document this, and they can usually provide a copy of the original sales record listing the purchaser. However, you need to contact SRS for that, and the best contact for the owner, Wayne Gagner seems to be: editor@usmartialarmscollector.com or his website http://usmartialarmscollector.com John Spangler



15641  - Marking Identification
7/11/2017
St. Louis, MO

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

Markings:
Three pointed crown imprint above and forward of trigger

Question:
Hi there. A friend forwarded me a photo of a marking on a handgun right above the trigger. It`s a three pointed crown with circles at the top of each point. I have a photo but no other info about the gun. Was curious if you know what mfr this could be. Doesn`t appear to be Westinghouse. No other close matches. Thanks for your help.

 Answer:
Sorry, I do not recognize that marking so I can not be of much assistance. I recommend you check your local library or Amazon for a gun markings book. I think that there is one called The Official Guide To Gunmarks. I checked it out of my library at one time but I have not seen it in several years. Good luck, Marc



15586  - Colt New Army New Navy 1892 Revolver Grips
7/11/2017
Ken Leicester NC

Maker: Colt, Model: 1892 DA, Caliber: .38, Barrel Length: 6'', Finish: Blue, SN: 4514

Markings:
Has Chrysanthemums on either side of the ''Colt'' round insert. A ''VA'' stampeded on bottom of trigger housing. Gun was refurbished and now called an 1895 model

Question:
What is the significance of the 2 flowers?

 Answer:
Ken- The double action .38 caliber Colt revolvers made circa 1889-1908 are filled with changes, variations, modifications, updates and switched parts. The only way to make sense out of this entire family of guns is a thorough reading to Robert Best’s superb book “A Study of Colt’s New Army and Navy Pattern Double Action Revolvers 1889-1908.”

Basically, the U.S. Navy adopted the “Model 1889 New Model Navy Revolver” (the .36 caliber percussion revolver adopted in 1851 being the “old” model). The Army looked at the advantages of double action revolvers and lighter cartridges and adopted a nearly (but not quite) identical gun as the Model 1892 New Army Revolver. (The drugged up Islamic Moro rebels in the Philippines would not demonstrate the fallacy of the lighter cartridge quest until about 1900.)

Of course, the civilian market was eager to get guns similar to the latest military issue, so Colt began making and selling to that market as well, offering both the “New Navy” and “New Army” models. While the military guns had walnut grips, the commercial guns had hard rubber grips with molded in checkering and an oval with a logo at the top. The New Navy used a large “COLT” in the oval. The Model 1892 New Army was introduced with grips that had a fancier design with a small “COLT” at the top, the rampant colt in the center and the date 1892 underneath. This left blank spaces on either side of the prancing pony so two roses were added. The grip size was identical on both the Army and Navy models, and perhaps the fancier Army grips were simply a marketing or selling convenience to distinguish between them, or a ploy to sucker collectors into buying one of each so they would have all the models.

In 1894, the military Army model had some changes resulting in a new designation as the Model 1894, and of course civilian customers would be upset getting obsolete 1892 models instead of the current version, so Colt changed the date on the grips from 1892 to 1894. In 1895 the Navy adopted an improved Model 1895, and Colt tired of playing the date game and modified their grip molds to eliminate the date entirely. However, they continued to satisfy the civilian market with both a New Model Navy and New Model Army, the only difference being the oval COLT only logo grips on the Navy and the COLT/[pony]/[roses] on the Army grips. The grips are the same size and will interchange (and many have been by previous owners). There will usually be an assembly number scratched on the inside of the grips which will confirm if they are original to the gun.

In 1908 Colt replaced the New Navy and New Army models with the “Colt Army Special” Revolver which was the mechanical basis for the later Official Police and all subsequent medium frame double actions through the Python. The Army Special grips were checkered hard rubber with COLT in an oval at the top, a large stylized “C” around the grip screw and scrolls or flames above and below. These grips remained standard until about 1923 when walnut grips with nickeled Colt medallions replaced them.

In adition to the commercial New Army and New Navy models, the military models included the 1889, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901 and 1903, all in the span of 18 years. Bottom line is- Colt may have added the roses to the grip design to drive collectors nuts. John Spangler



15639  - This Gun Belonged To A German Officer
7/8/2017


Maker: Spreewerk, Model: P.38, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
I am looking into purchasing this firearm. I was told it belonged to a German officer. I am trying to find out if this is true and how I would verify this. I am also looking for a approx value so I know what to offer. All the serial numbers match. There is also a holster with a Nazi marking that comes with it.

 Answer:

Jonathan, I looked up a list of the 10 most common falsehoods on the internet, they include:

#10 "Your table will be ready in a minute."
#9 "One size fits all."
#8 "This will hurt me more than it hurts you."
#7 "I'm sorry I'm late. I got stuck in traffic."
#6 "The check is in the mail."
#5 "This offer is limited to the first 50 people who call in."
#4 "It's not the money. It's the principle of the thing."
#3 "I just need five minutes of your time."
#2 "I'll start my diet tomorrow."
#1 "I'm from the IRS and I'm here to help you."

I think that "this gun belonged to a German officer" should be added to the list as number 11. I hear the German officer story just about every time I purchase an old German WWII handgun. I hear it so often that I think that handguns that did not come from a German officer are much more scarce than ones that did. There is no way to verify the history of WWII German military firearms because all records were destroyed.

Value for a Spreewerk P.38 pistols can range from about $350 to a little over $950 depending on condition. If the holster is military issue (not commercial), in the original configuration and has the correct German military markings add $100 to $250 depending on condition. Many of the old German military holsters have been cut down, modified, or they have had someone's initials carved into them. If this the case, value for the holster will be in the $50 or less range. Marc





15585  - Trying To Find Information About This Muzzleloader
7/8/2017
Rob Evansville, IN USA

Maker: Tryon, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Other, SN: N/A

Markings:
Tryon Philad A on barrel, RD and game engravings on side, Can send pics

Question:
Trying to find out information about this muzzleloader I inherited. It appears to be pre 1841 Tryon. I can send Pics

 Answer:
Rob- William K. Tryon of Philadelphia was a major player in the (mostly) sporting arms field in the mid 19th century, but they also made Model 1841 Mississippi rifles under government contract in the 1840s. Since this has game carvings it is not a military arm, so even with photos we probably could not be very helpful with it.

The American Society of Arms Collectors site http://americansocietyofarmscollectors.org/resources/articles/ has an excellent article by Robert Sadler, “100 Years of Tryon” in Bulletin 79 which tells a lot more about this interesting maker. John Spangler



15640  - Duchenme Fletcher & Co. Shotgun
7/5/2017
Jesse, Farwell, MI

Maker: London Fine Twist, Model: Double-barrel, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 11

Markings:
Duchenme Fletcher & Co.

Question:
How old is this gun?

 Answer:
Jesse, I do not have a lot of information on this firearm, 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.

Sorry for our lack of information, 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. There are several dealers listed on our links page that specialize in shotguns who would be able to give you a better answer to your question.



15584  - International Flare Signal Company Flare Gun
7/5/2017
Bob, Kailua Kona, Hawaii, USA

Maker: International Flare Signal Co, Model: Brass Flare Gun With Lanyard, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 5'', Finish: Other, SN: ?

Markings:
This flare gun does not have a trigger guard.

Question:
Would like to know the difference between WWII flare gun with trigger guard vs without. I have original metal box with cardboard insert for 10 cartridges and original instructions. Cannot find another example of flare gun without trigger guard anywhere online. Wondering what no trigger guard designates? Would you know today`s value. Thank you in advance.

 Answer:
Bob- Although most flare guns date to WW2, many continued in production to outfit merchant ships in the post war period as well, so they are a bit hard to date. It is extra nice to have the complete kit with the waterproof container and the flares, as intended for use in lifeboats. Congratulations on this nice find.

The best reference on flare guns is a great book by Robert Gaynor “Flare Guns and Signal Pistols” which has a lot of good info on U.S. and foreign military and commercial flare or signal pistols of all time periods, along with ammo and accessories. We have these for sale on our http://OldGuns.net site.

Gaynor lists the Model 52 by International Flare Signal Company of Tippacanoe City, Ohio (sometimes just Tipp City), The example in his drawing has a trigger guard which appears to be a separate piece not integral with the frame, so perhaps the trigger guard on yours has been lost at some time. However, there are so many variations in flare guns that virtually anything is possible. John Spangler



15636  - Parts Needed
7/1/2017
Pres, Hobbs, New Mexico

Maker: Konkurrenz Und Meisterschafts, Model: Triump, Caliber: .22LR, Barrel Length: 14 5/16, Finish: Blue, SN: NO SERIAL NUMBER

Markings:
left side of Receiver at the point of barrel are letters DRGM left side of barrel is 0.2 gr N.G.P m/71

Question:
Are parts available - need the bolt, and square pivot pin

 Answer:
We do not have the parts that you need. 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



15582  - German Flare Value
7/1/2017
Tom, Inver Grove Hgts, MN

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

Question:
Any idea of what a person might pay for a ''326 Wurfkorper''? It is a 26.5mm flare for a German Z flare pistol. If you Google it, you will see a picture of it and it`s variants. Thanks Tom from MN

 Answer:
Tom- I am a bit confused. The German flare pistol is the “Worfkorper 361 Leuchtspistole” and there are a number of different munitions which can be used in it. The “326” associated with them is usually the “Wurfgranatpatrone 326” which is a high explosive grenade described as:

“This projectile, which is painted yellow, has the appearance of a small mortar shell. It is attached to a signal cartridge case by crimping. The head is hollow and contains a fixed needle which is separated from a pellet containing the detonator assembly and a 7-gram (0.247 ounce) TNT bursting charge by a creep spring.”

As an explosive projectile this is close enough to the ¼ ounce charge weight which would make it a “destructive device” requiring BATF registration, and it would be dangerous in any case so be careful when handling it.

Assuming however, that if it were actually a regular 26.5mm flare, not an explosive round, my guess is that the value would be in the $20-50 range. John Spangler