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15037 - C96 Mausers In OZ?
11/29/2014
Australia

Maker: Mauser C1896, Model: BOLO Or Like, Caliber: 9 Mm, Barrel Length: 6'', Finish: Blue, SN: NOT KNOWN

Question:
Where is a good place to find a German, Chinese or Spanish 1896 in good firing condition. They make excellent service match guns as the sights are adjustable. But finding a good one is something else!

Answer:
I am also a fan of the C96 Mauser but not for the same reasons as you. I love the way they look and the quality of their workmanship, but when it comes to shooting one, I do not like the v-notch type sights or the narrow "broom handle" grips.

If you were in the USA, a good place to find one of these pistols is the Big Reno Gunshow that is held 3 times a year, or the Denver Collectors Gunshow that happens every spring. I just about always see a nice C96 for sale at these shows. I have never been to Australia, so I do not know where to look there, or if they are even permitted. Sorry that I can not be of much assistance in helping you find a local source. Marc

14919 - Mind Reading Failure
11/29/2014
Jack, Lily Lake, Illinois

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ~37 Inches, Finish: Don't Know, SN: ?

Markings:
None

Question:
Many years ago I was given a ball and cap rifle by an uncle (long since deceased). I can find no markings on the rifle indicating who made it or when. It's not in collectible condition inasmuch as it appears to have been repainted over some corrosion and the ramrod is missing. I do not see any rifling in the barrel. The firing mechanism still works. I am curious as to the age and other details about this rifle that might be possible to determine. If needed, I can send a photo. Jack Kramer - llranch339@sbcglobal.net

Answer:
Jack- Sorry, but my crystal ball is in the shop for repairs so I cannot even make a guess as to who made your percussion rifle with a 37 inch barrel. John Spangler

14917 - James R. Cooper Pepperbox Pistol
11/25/2014
Chris, Coldlake, Alberta, Canada

Maker: Pepperbox, Model: 36 Cal J R Cooper, Caliber: 36 Cal, Barrel Length: 5 To 6 Inch X 6 Barrels, Finish: Other, SN: NONE

Markings:
J R Cooper Patentee

Question:
I have a J.R.Cooper six barrel smooth bore pepperbox that I am trying to date. The only identification mark on the frame is ''J R Cooper patentee'' Would this indicate a prior date to when he received the patented for his percussion pepperbox? Can anyone give a close approximate production date? Thank you.

Answer:
Chris- I have not heard of a Cooper pepperbox, and at first thought it might be related to the J.M. Cooper of Philadelphia who made copies of Colt style revolvers. However, it turns out that James Rock Cooper was actually a Birmingham, England, maker who worked circa 1838-1863. These usually have a “ring trigger” instead of the bar hammer on the top as common with most American made pepperboxes.

Cooper was granted British patents 7610, 8347 and 12,781 between 1838 and 1849 which seem to be for pepperbox features, as well as numerous other patents. DeWitt Bailey considers him to be the principal designer and manufacturer of British pepperbox revolvers. I would think most of his production was in the 1840s to early 1850s at which point the pepperbox faded from popularity in favor of more common revolver designs. I have seen several listings for sale, and prices seem to fall in the $500-800 range, comparable to American pepperboxes in similar condition. John Spangler

15039 - Winchester 290
11/25/2014
brendan, baldwin,ny usa

Maker: Winchester, Model: 290, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: 19.25 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: CANT FIND ONE

Markings:
Barrel marked WINCHESTER 22 S,L,orLR Made in USA By sights, on either side it says WINCHESTER, other side it says MODEL 290, no other markings to be seen. Is there a serial number under wood somewhere?

Question:
Grandfather gave me this semi-auto when I was ten, most prized possession, when was it made, and why is it hard to find info on this gun, Thank You.

Answer:
brendan, prior to 1968 there was no requirement for manufacturers to put serial numbers on their guns, so some did, and some did not. Since your Winchester does not have a serial number, I can not give you an exact year of manufacture, I can only tell you that the Winchester Model 290 rifle was manufactured between 1965 and 1975. The fact that your rifle does not have a serial number can further narrow the date range down to between 1965 and 1968.

In its day, the 290 was Winchester's Deluxe model autoloader 22. The stock was selected walnut with a fluted Monte Carlo comb and a low-relief cheek piece. It came with machine-cut basket-weave checkering and sling swivels.

I imagine that the difficulties in finding information on your 290 stems in part from the model's unpopularity in the collector community. The 290 was introduced at a time when many believe that Winchester was sacrificing quality in an effort to cut costs. The alloy receiver with painted finish also contribute to the models unpopularity among collectors.

There are complaints on the Internet about the 290's weak receiver and its tendency to jam, among other things, but there are also a lot of people like you who love them.

I am glad that you have this rifle to remind you of your grandfather and I hope that you can pass it down to your own grandson some day. Marc

14914 - Winchester Model 62 Or 62A
11/22/2014
Ben, Jacobsburg, Ohio

Maker: Winchester, Model: 62A, Caliber: .22 S-L-LR, Barrel Length: 23, Finish: Blue, SN: 4567

Question:
I am trying to locate information on a Winchester 62A .22 Rifle that I have acquired. The Serial Number on the rifle is 4567. I have been unable to locate any information on the rifle. It has the Correct markings and wood for a 62A but the serial number baffles me. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank You Ben

Answer:
Ben- The Model 62 was the evolved version of John M. Browning’s .22 caliber pump Model 1890 and 1906 rifles, and the Model 62A was the last of the series.

The model 62 and 62A serial numbers ran sequentially, so serial number 4567 was made during 1932, the first year of production. The main difference between the 62 and 62A is some minor details in the construction of the bolt, but I believe that the whole bolt assembly can be switched between them. In my opinion, you have an early Model 62 which was refurbished with a new barrel and wood at a later date. I am not sure it that makes it a rare variation that collectors would like or if they would consider it an undesirable alteration. In any case, it is probably still a great shooter, so enjoy it for that. John Spangler

15036 - Good Place To Sell An Antique Shotgun
11/22/2014

Maker: Marlin, Model: 49, Caliber: 12, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I'm trying to help an old Army buddy sell his 1897 Marlin model 49 12ga pump shotgun (excellent condition) but am unable to list it on Craig's List or ebay...any suggestions?

Answer:
We like to help people sell their guns on consignment here at OldGuns.net but we try to stay away from shotguns whenever we can. I think the best place for you to sell your shotgun is Gun Broker at the following URL: http://www.gunbroker.com/. If this shotgun was manufactured in 1897, it is classified as an antique by the BATF and it will not need to be transferred through a FFL dealer. Good Luck, Marc

15033 - Unmarked Colt
11/18/2014
David, Simi Valley, California

Maker: Colt, Model: New Service, Caliber: 44-40 WCF, Barrel Length: 5 - /2'', Finish: Blue, SN: 75170 (WITH AN E, BELOW THIS) ??

Markings:
No special markings, but rather lack of markings. Gun was manufactured in 1915 (according to Colt) and is apparently a commercial revolver, with about 98% glossy bluing! It has NO Rampant Colt insignia on left side of frame, and is the only New Service I've ever seen without this marking! The original (walnut?) grips are very dark, but in good condition. About 30 years ago I installed a beautiful set of Herritt ''Jorden Trooper'' stocks on the gun and have a signed/autographed note from Bill Jorden (in his book, ''No Second Place Winner''), indicating it is one of the ''finest'' examples of the Colt revolver ever made! He had examined the gun during an appearance and shooting demonstration in Denver, Colorado, that I had attended.

Question:
Perhaps you could advise me of why this revolver does not have the ''Rampant Colt'' insignia/logo, and what it's approximate value in today's market would be? Thank you very much, David Elliott Simi Valley, CA 93063

Answer:
David, I don't have a good answer for you, I am not an expert on the Colt New Service revolver but I have owned, and still own quite a few of them. I have a friend who tells the story of his father who had one made in 455 Ely and sent to England during World War II, then returned and converted to 45 Long Colt cartridge. I also remember Sergeant Preston of the Yukon and his Colt New Service.

The only reason I can think of as to why there is no Colt Logo on the left is that the side plate has been replaced, and the replacement part was not marked with the Colt logo. Is it possible that your side plate is a replacement part? Marc

14913 - Springfield Model 1795 Musket- Early
11/18/2014
Kirk Hallowell, Maine

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1795 Type 1, Caliber: 69, Barrel Length: 42, Finish: Rusty, SN: NONE

Markings:
No marking, but I believe the first lot of type 1 muskets were not marked

Question:
I have what I believe is a true us Springfield model 1795 type 1. It has no markings at all, I understand that Springfield did not mark this first production. Does anyone have information about this first model. I have tried to research it but there is very little that I can find. Any info would be helpful. Thanks

Answer:
Kirk- Congratulations, if you actually have one of those! However, identification is difficult, and may be impossible. Flayderman notes that “Specimens made prior to 1799 unmarked: none have been positively identified.”

I would check the following books and study what they say and compare it with your musket.

Robert M. Reilly- U.S. Martial Flintlocks. George Moller- American Military Shoulder Arms, Volume 2. Peter Schmidt- U.S. Military Flintlock Muskets and Their Bayonets: The Early Years, 1790-1815.

However, the Model 1795 Springfield was patterned after the French Charleville musket, which was pretty much the universal pattern for military muskets in America at the end of the 18th Century, both for federal contracts, state contracts and private sales and thousands of those were made.

I urge you to compare your musket with the many other similar muskets described in detail in Moller’s book, and you may discover it is a match for one of those, and not one of the elusive but very desirable (if verified) unmarked pre-1799 Springfields. Good luck! John Spangler

14912 - Mauser 8mm Rifle With Scope And .22 Conversion Kit
11/15/2014
Kenneth Simmons Charleston WV

Maker: Mauser, Model: 96 Not A 98, Caliber: 8mm, Barrel Length: 23 3/4, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
A civilian model taken by the military for war service. I was told. Factory set triggers, Zeiss scope, and .22 Erma conversion kit all matching numbers but no locking rod or wood case. 6474 is on most of the parts but sadly not all. The weapon has also re-blued Scope # is 37886

Question:
My question is how and where do I get the scope fixed? The rear mount has come lose from the body. The mount is still on the scope. What is a model 96 and where do I find Information on it?

Answer:
Kenneth- I am not sure where the Model 96 designation comes from, but I suspect it is actually a Model 98 Mauser. The scope repair may be tricky, as the mounts were usually attached by solder. Someone who knows how to do that can reattach it with solder, but I suspect that a good gunsmith could remove most of the old solder and use modern epoxy which would not involve heat discoloration or risk damage to the internal parts of the scope.

The double set triggers seems to confirm this was a civilian sporter model, but I doubt if it was taken for military use. More likely, it was a civilian gun confiscated from the owner at the end of WW2 and brought home by an American soldier as a souvenir. I suspect that the .22 conversion kit was taken at the same time since it would fit the sporting rifle.

Frankly, the conversion kit alone may be worth as much as the rest of the rifle, although the kit would be worth more with the wooden case and accessories. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15032 - Sporterized Eddystone
11/15/2014
markcda id

Maker: Springfield Or Win, Model: E Or F DDY S Or 5, Caliber: 30 06, Barrel Length: 21 Apox, Finish: Blue, SN: 6

Markings:
Marked US all parts have a E mark hard to read but I can make out model and then E or F DDY S or 5 below is a 6 it has a flaming cannon ball and an eagle head lots of custom gun work I think

Question:
what do I have, someone said it maybe a custom officers gun??????

Answer:
markcda - It sounds like you have a sporterized M1917 Eddystone rifle. Sporterization refers to the once popular practice of modifying military-type firearms to make them suitable for civilian sporting use. Firearms have been sporterized by a wide range of people and businesses ranging from famous gunsmiths like Sedgely and Griffin & Howe to Bubba working in his basement with a six pack of beer and a hacksaw.

Unfortunately sporterizing a firearm ruins it's value for most collectors. In most cases, values for sporterized military firearms are a fraction of what they would be for the same firearm in original condition. Marc

14896 - “ Cry Baby ” Tear Gas Gun
11/11/2014
Chad Highland Ks

Maker: Valor?, Model: Cry Baby, Caliber: .410 Or 12mm, Barrel Length: 2 Inch Aprox, Finish: Don't Know, SN: VALOR # 138737

Markings:
P.O.E. Co St Joesph MO. This is a pocket gun that shoots tear gas. The owner is 98yo and it was his fathers as a city Marshall in Troy Ks in the 1920s and 30s. I appears to still be functional but not even going try to fire live round.

Question:
What is this and whats the value? Doing the research for the owner. Thank you

Answer:
Chad- Based on your description it sounds like this was made in the 1920s or so. Tear gas was developed during WW1, and became popular in a variety of gun type applications in the 1920s, mainly for police riot control use, but also in pistols or pen type guns for personal protection.

There some legal issues with some types of tear gas weapons. If they are “pen gun types” which can fire a regular “ball” type cartridge (even if it blows up in your hand) the BATFE probably considers it to be subject to the restrictions of the National Firearms Act, and must be registered to be legally possessed. If they are conventional handguns, then they probably regulated the same as other handguns, but some states may have different restrictions. As far as value, I really cannot help with that, but my guess might be very modest if legally possessed, or worthless if it is a restricted item. John Spangler

15031 - Universal Carbine Value
11/11/2014
Jake

Maker: Universal, Model: M1 30 Cal Carbine, Caliber: 30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 439757

Question:
I have a Universal M1 30 cal Carbine. Serial number 439757. If you can, please tell me the date of manufacture and the approximate value. Thank you for your help.

Answer:
Jake, Universal Sporting Goods, Inc., of Hialeah and Miami, manufactured a variety of M1 Carbine types and derivatives from the early 1960s until the company was purchased by lver Johnson in January 1983. The quality of Universal carbines for the most part was not bad, but was defiantly not up to the standards of U.S. government issue carbines. Initially the bulk of the components Universal used in their carbines were U.S. government surplus except for the forged receivers which were made by Repp Steel Company of Buffalo. Surplus slides and trigger housings were used as long as possible but toward the end of the Korean Conflict, when the surplus part market dried up, Universal started manufacturing all of their own parts including barrels, die cast trigger housings, recoil plates, recoil plate screw, and springs. There is very little if any collector demand for Universal M1 Carbines, the blue book lists values for most models between about $100 and about $350. Marc

14891 - Nickel Plated 1861-1866 Springfield Rifle
11/8/2014
Keith Buxton NC

Maker: Springfield, Model: Trapdoor, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 261/2 To Breech, Finish: Nickel, SN: NONE FOUND

Markings:
1861 on side plate 1865 or 1866 on breach hinge

Question:
There are so many conflicting issues with this gun I can't tell what I have. It's got the markings of a the 1865 but it's too short and only has 2 bands. Tons of markings on the breech that appear to be gunsmith marks. This gun was found in an old tobacco barn with three other non military guns. No clue where to turn. Nobody local seems to know either.

Answer:
Keith- You give us some pretty good clues. The 1865 or 1866 date on the breech hinge is undoubtedly 1866, which would be consistent with a 1861 date on the lockplate, typical of the Model 1866 .50-70 caliber Springfield “Second Allin” trapdoor rifles. The 26 ½ inch barrel and nickel plating are later alterations, probably for use by some local veterans group or school color guard. While an interesting and neat looking old gun, the actual cash value is probably very modest, probably only a couple hundred dollars at best, mainly for decorative use. John Spangler

15026 - Colt .32 Automatic Value
11/8/2014
thomas hermiston or

Maker: Colt Automatic, Model: Calibre 32 Rimless Smokeless, Caliber: 32 Rimless Smokeless, Barrel Length: 2 In, Finish: Blue, SN: 256007

Question:
What is guns value !

Answer:
thomas, value can range from under $100 to over $1000 depending on markings and condition. Marc

15025 - Differing Value Estimates
11/4/2014
carl, Bishop, ca

Maker: Winchester, Model: 95, Caliber: us30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 2232

Markings:
us30

Question:
1895 flatside..blue book says value $6500,some say $2000..why are estimates so far apart ? and how can I tell if this is rare gun or run of the mill?

Answer:
carl, try checking some of the gun auction web sites for Winchesters that are similar to yours. My favorite site is Gun Broker at www.gunbroker.com. When you visit an auction site, you will probably find that some sellers ask unrealistically high prices for their items. Most of the time overpriced items do not sell, the only results that really have any meaning are for items that have sold.

Another good resource is S. P. Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values, you can purchase a copy online at the following link: http://bluebookofgunvalues.com/

Hope this helps. Marc

14887 - High Standard Model H-D Military Pistol
11/4/2014
Michael, Georgetown, California, USA

Maker: HI-STANDARD, Model: H-D MILITARY, Caliber: .22 LR, Barrel Length: 5.5 '', Finish: Other, SN: 173326

Markings:
Made in USA The Hi-Standard MFG.CO.New Haven, Conn. Patent Pending .22 cal. Long rifle

Question:
What year was it manufactured and issued to the US Army and what is its value? This was my Fathers Army issue pistol and I have the leather holster as well.

Answer:
Michael- There is a good article in the _ 2002 American Rifleman on the High Standard pistols. Another excellent resource is John Stimson’s http://www.highstandard.info site. He indicates that your pistol was made between 1945 and 1950. Many of the slightly earlier version were purchased for use as training pistols during WW2, and some were later purchased, mainly for competitive shooting use. However, the vast majority of the H-D military were NOT military issue. Value will vary greatly depending on condition, and if it is military marked, but probably in the several hundred dollar range. John Spangler

14886 - Engraved Colt 1862 Shipped To Winchester In 1882
11/1/2014
mike lebanon tn

Maker: Colt, Model: 1862 Police, Caliber: .38, Barrel Length: 4 1/2, Finish: Blue, SN: 37952 E

Markings:
factory engraved

Question:
I go my letter back from colt stating that this gun along with 55 others were shipped to Winchester 2/28/1882 ...I have heard of other guns from colt shipped to Winchester... why would colt ship to Winchester??

Answer:
Mike- Excellent question! I wish I knew the answer. But, there are some possible explanations that I would put out as my guesses. First, I commend you on including the “E” in the serial number that is typically found on engraved guns, and going to the trouble and expense to get a Colt letter to confirm the engraving and the shipment date and quantity.

a. Perhaps Winchester was doing a combined shipment to a large purchaser (foreign maybe?), and possibly getting a commission on the deal.
b. Perhaps the engraving was done by one of the well known engravers of the period who often worked for several makers at the same time, and these were guns shipped ready for engraving to the engraver who happened to be working 38 miles south in New Haven at the time instead of in Hartford.
c. Perhaps Colt purchased some raw materials or machinery or ammunition from Winchester and paid the bill by trading them some high dollar (but obsolescent) revolvers.

Now, those are all guesses. For the real answer, I suggest you dig into the books by R.L. Wilson on Colt and Winchester engraving, and Wilson’s excellent “Book of Colt Firearms.” In addition the Winchester Arms Collectors Association and the Colt Collectors Association have lots of members with very deep knowledge of the various business transactions. Check with them. In fact, if you are into engraved Colts, you should be a member of one or both those organizations.

Since these were shipped to Winchester, and you have a date, you might want to contact the nice folks at Cody and see if they have any information in their records on these revolvers, showing receipt in the warehouse, or ultimate disposition.

Let us know what you find out. John Spangler

15023 - Serial Number Date Source
11/1/2014
Paul

Maker: Mauser, Model: C-96, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 2400 RANGE

Question:
I live in Canada, and to be considered an antique, a broomhandle/cone hammer has to be made pre-1898. I am looking at one in the 2400 serial range, and I know that it is definitely an antique. I have been told it was made in 1896/97 But I need solid evidence, preferably from a book or official military documents (which I heard were conveniently all destroyed in a fire.)

It would be appreciated if you could let me know some solid sources as proof. Also I have the book by Erickson and Pate, but it has limited info on the manufacture dates. Thanks, Paul

Answer:
Paul, a good source for serial number information is the Blue Book of Gun Values by S.P. Fjestad. There is a serialization section in the book that has the information that you are looking for. Try the following link, I think that you can download this information for free:

http://bluebookofgunvalues.com/Info/PDF/Firearm/Serialize.pdf

Hope this helps. Marc

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