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15017  - Bullet / Firearm Identification By Year
12/30/2014
Jason Louisiana

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

Question:
Hi. I am an archaeologist in Louisiana and every so often my company recovers cartridges and/or bullets from the 1800s. I am looking for a list that gives date ranges for all calibers. For example, I have several .32 bullets recovered from an archaeological site that I think dates from 1890-1905. Where can I find a list that would give me a date indicating when .32 caliber bullets were first used? Thanks

Answer:
Jason- Excellent questions, but there are no easy answers. If you are talking about center fire cartridge cases with headstamp markings, then the answers will be relatively easy to get.

If talking about rimfire cases, then it gets a bit harder.

If talking about only bullets (projectiles) without an associated cartridge case, then it gets nearly impossible.

Probably 2/3 of the items can be correctly identified by knowledgeable collectors, but the remainder may require the combined expertise of a group of collectors.

One readily available, but not infallible, is the book "Cartridges of the World" by Frank Barnes, which has been published in at least 11 editions over probably 40 years. For your purposes, just about any one would be sufficient. The newer editions may have a few more pieces of useful information, but mainly are updates to include newly invented cartridges of no real value to your work. (Any book seller source should have a variety of editions available, and older editions are usually pretty cheap.

As for your specific question, ,32 caliber muzzle loading bullets (projectiles only) probably were in use by 1800. Rimfire .32 caliber cartridges were used during the Civil War. Centerfire .32 caliber cartridges probably date to circa 1873. Headstamp markings on a cartridge case can narrow down the date of manufacture considerably.

Of course, while date of introduction of a cartridge can establish a "no earlier than" date for a site, shooters tend to be thrift and many use ammunition 25, 50 or more years after it was originally made. Context of the site where the objects were recovered are always important.

Hope that helps.

The best site for help, and one already used by some historians and archaeologists, is the forum of the International Ammunition Association. You must register to post there, but it is easy and free, and if you provide a photo, some measurements and a bit of context you will be amazed at what people there can tell you. http://iaaforum.org/forum3/

The information on the home IAA site may also be helpful at http://cartridgecollectors.org/

John Spangler




15062  - Pre-64 Winchester Model 88 In .284?
12/30/2014
Jerry, Florence, Co. , USA

Maker: Winchester, Model: 88, Caliber: .284, Barrel Length: 22, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Did Winchester make any model 88s in .284 prior to 1964?

Answer:
Jerry, The Winchester model 88 was manufactured from 1955 to 1973, and was offered in several calibers including .243, .308, 284 and .358. The Model 88 differed from other Winchester lever action rifles in that it made use of a box magazine instead of the customary Winchester tubular type. Because of it's box magazine, the Model 88 could fire pointed-nose cartridges which are dangerous to load in tubular magazines for obvious reasons. My references tell me that Winchester made the .284 chambering available in 1963. The only difference between pre-64 and post-64 model 88 Winchesters is that Model 88-s manufactured prior to 1964 had diamond cut checkering, while examples produced after had an impressed basket weave pattern type checkering. Marc



15054  - German Marked FN 1922
12/27/2014
Michael, Pensacola, Fl

Maker: Browning, Model: FN Browning M1922, Caliber: 32, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 82215A

Markings:
It has a couple of Eagle over swastika stamps

Question:
Just any information I can get on this pistol. My dad acquired it in WW2, and left it to me.

Answer:
Michael, the FN Model 1922 was developed from the earlier FN Model 1910. Both pistols were designed by John M. Browning of Ogden, Utah, they were some of the many pistol designs that he created between 1900 and his death in 1926. One thing that sets the design of the Model 1922 apart from other pistols of this type is that it has a longer barrel with a detachable slide end to simplify disassembly.

When the Germans overran Belgium and captured the FN plant in May of 1940, it continued to operate under German supervision and FN started to manufacture pistols and other arms for Germany. The eagle markings that you mention are probably either German police markings or German WW-II Heerswaffenamt inspector's marks, I would need more detailed information about them to tell you for sure.

We have listed quite a few FN 1922 pistols in our handguns catalog over the last few years, I believe that there is one listed there now. We usually sell our 1922 pistols in the $450 to $650 range depending on condition. Hope this helps. Marc




15058  - Winchester DOM Link
12/27/2014
Brad, Laramie, Wyoming

Maker: Winchester, Model: Model 12, Caliber: 12 Gauge, Barrel Length: 28'', Finish: Blue, SN: 677581

Question:
When was this gun made?

Answer:
http://winchestercollector.org/dates/



15056  - Merry Christmas From John And Marc.
12/23/2014


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

Answer:

It's almost Christmas, John and Marc hope you are spending time with family and friends, laughing, enjoying each other's company, and eating good food.

Please remember our troops who are still overseas. Let's not forget their sacrifice as they're away from their families. If you know someone who is serving, please give them a big thank you and a Merry Christmas.

We would like to thank all of our visitors, customers, old friends and new friends that we have made this year for helping us have a great 2014. We appreciate your support, business, the questions that you send us and your friendship. We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. Remember, though, if Santa forgot to bring that special gift, we just might have it! Check all of our catalog pages to see if there is something that maybe you should have asked for... but forgot to. Then let us know and we can do the job when you're in town, or something festive like that.

Marc Wade and John Spangler




15004  - Starting A Gun Shop?
12/20/2014


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

Question:
Me and a friend want to start a shop after we are done with college and I need to know how to get guns to sell. Any info is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Sir- Starting a gun shop is not as easy as you might think.

First, you need a location to do business where gun shops are allowed by zoning. You need business and sales tax licenses. THEN, you need a federal firearms license which takes about 2-6 months to get, and the BATFE will want to inspect your location and other licenses. You also need business and liability insurance which can be expensive and hard to get. There may be additional licenses and restrictions at the local or state level as well. Make sure your premises are secure from burglary or robbery- bars, cameras, lighting, alarms, etc. You also need to get set up with bank accounts and a credit card processing service, and most will NOT work with anyone selling guns.

As far as getting guns to sell, if you are selling new guns (and competing with every other dealer out there) you get them from wholesalers at a significant discount from list price, but often not much less than some cut rate sellers might be charging, or what Wal-Mart might as for them. Some dealers (especially starting out) do not maintain inventory, but order items as needed for a small markup. But, you still need the FFL and other licenses.

You may find that the profit margins are better on ammo and accessories than guns themselves, and may bring back customers for small stuff and have them make an impulse buy on a new gun they see when they stopped for a box of ammo. You need to keep up the traffic to the store.

If buying used guns, you can get them from trade-ins, or from individuals, estates or even other dealers or pawn shops who are not interested in certain items. You can also work with lawyers who handle divorces and estates and let them know you buy guns. You can buy guns from individuals at gun shows.

To stay in business, you need to provide some service or feature that will bring customers in and bring them back. This can be any combination of price, service, attitude, honesty, patience (listening to endless stories that are often impossible or absurd), providing gunsmithing services (special skills and more licenses needed) and your location. A growing number of gun sales are to women, so a female friendly location, atmosphere and staff are plus. Surly attitude, lousy service, dishonesty, not knowing your products, unpredictable hours, or a poor location can kill a business.

Remember, your profits need to cover cost of goods, rent, insurance, licenses, advertising, utilities, mark downs for damaged or slow selling items, government taxes and fees, and last, but most importantly, enough money to pay you a decent wage.

These days, some people would recommend setting up an on-line operation instead of a storefront, and that has many advantages, but you need to be good at websites, and have a market niche to draw and keep customers, not compete with the gun store mile from a customer's house. Licensing requirements are the same.

Probably the best thing to do would be to get a part time job in an existing gun store to get a feel for the business. You will find that it is 90% "business" and 10% "guns," so if you do not like doing the business stuff, it may not be as much fun as you think. Good luck! John Spangler




15051  - Vickers Luger
12/20/2014
Scott

Maker: Luger, Model: ?, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: Short, Finish: Blued, SN: 8778

Markings:
Brass plate soldered to left of frame markings "i-Mar. Atj" and the number "5"top marked "Vickers" and safety has the word "Rust"1929 stamped on barrel

Question:
What does the brass plate mean? and is this one of a batch sold to Holland using the Vickers name? (or another country)---plus any other info available

Answer:
Scott, Vickers LTD was an English company to whom a Dutch military contract to manufacture Lugers was awarded. The Dutch picked an English company instead of a German one due to hostilities between Germany and Holland at the time of the contract. Vickers Lugers are marked "Rust" (the Dutch word for safe) and have the brass plate that you mention, with the Vickers name. Quite often the brass plates are missing or have been filed clean. Vickers Lugers are often encountered with a rough finish and appear to have been sandblasted, then blued. Some experts theorize that the rough finish is original while others claim that examples with the original finish have a more brilliant rust blue and that the rough finish is due to arsenal reblue. The 1929 stamping is the year that your Luger was manufactured, references tell me that Vickers manufactured Lugers from 1923 to about 1933. Your Luger should also be marked with a Dutch proof on left side of receiver and a British proof on the barrel, breechblock, front and rear toggle links, and, frame. Vickers Lugers are a rare variation that is seldom seen, in the 20 or more years that I have been collecting firearms I have only encountered 2 or 3 at gunshows and have never personally owned one. Marc



14967  - Cleaning An Antique Gun
12/16/2014
Melinda Cable, San Jose, CA

Maker: Civil War Musket, Model: Musket, Caliber: Don't Know, Barrel Length: Don't Know, Finish: Blue, SN: DON'T HAVE

Markings:
It has a rod to push down the barrel.

Question:
I have a civil war musket that is passed down. I want to clean off handling fingerprints off the metal barrel and the wooden stock. What should I use? Rubbing alcohol? Please recommend. Thank you. Melindacable@sbcglobal.net

Answer:
Melinda- As the doctors say, “First, do no harm.”

As for removing fingerprint rust, try rubbing lightly with extra fine (0000 grade) steel wool, lubricated with some WD-40 or lightweight oil. I would leave the stock alone as any cleaning will probably do more harm than good. John Spangler




15052  - Possible Ex-Dragoon
12/16/2014
Alan, Bryson City NC

Maker: Tula 91/30, Model: Tula M91/30, Caliber: 7.62x54r, Barrel Length: 91/30, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
Big Hammer pre-28 Tula

Question:
I have a Hex Mosin Tula made pre `28 rebarreled at Tula in 1943. I can't find another like it and it's not even listed on 7.62.net on the ''rarity'' page.. I can't get thru to his email, Thanks for your help..Alan

Answer:
Alan, the rifle you described is most likely a standard 1891 that was worn out and needed to be rebarreled so it could return to service in the Red Army during the second world war. If this is the case, it is a relatively common Nagant. However, as with all things Nagant, there is a lot of minutia that can greatly alter the value. It is possible that you have a rifle that is referred to as an "ex-dragoon." If the rear sight is the standard metric sight, and it appears to be welded on to the barrel that is an indication you own an ex-dragoon. It also must have the globe and post front sight rather than the blade type seen on 1891's. Ex-dragoon rifles are more desirable, and typically (depending on condition of course) command a small premium over standard rifles. Josh Wade



14953  - WW2 ANTI-TANK RIFLE GRENADE (INERT)
12/13/2014
Edward Patterson N.Y

Maker: Unknown, Model: Unknown, Caliber: Unknown, Barrel Length: None, Finish: Other, SN: NONE

Question:
Thank You for answering My previous question on Webley Green revolvers. I would like to buy a W.W.2 deactivated anti tank rifle grenade. I have never seen one other than training dummies. Are these available? approx. what price would they be ? Thanks again. Happy 4th 0f July.

Answer:
Edward, the most commonly seen WW2 anti-tank rifle grenades are the M11 series (M11, M11A1, M11A2, M11A3, M11A4) which are practice versions made with a machined tube for the tail section, a cast iron body and a pressed sheet steel nose piece that screws on to the body, and a ring type tail fin. Visually these are about identical to the M9 series High Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) rifle grenades which had a different body and nose cap, and included explosive filler and a copper cone to make it function as a “shaped charge” to concentrate the blast so it would punch through enemy armor. A live example of the M9 would be a “destructive device” and illegal to own unless registered with BATF. I have never heard of one in the collector world, and due to their potential danger only an idiot would want one under any circumstances. There are probably some that were made with inert fillers for training or display purposes, but I think I have seen or heard of less than a handful of those over the last 40 years. So, unless you get very lucky, get one of the M11 series practice jobs and live happily ever after. John Spangler



15050  - Great Western Derringer Info & Parts
12/13/2014
Sam

Maker: Great Western Arms Co., Model: 2 Shot Derringer, Caliber: .38, Barrel Length: 3 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: 480

Markings:
Great Western Arms Co. stamped along the top rib. Serial number stamped above the trigger area.

Question:
How many .38 Derringers did the Great Western Arms Co. manufacture and are there any parts available for the derringers made by the GWA Co. such as plastic grips?

Answer:
Sam, the Great Western Arms Company operated from the early 1950s to the early 1960s. They sold both Colt SAA clones and Remington Double Derringer copies. Parts for the firearms that they marketed were imported from Europe (either Spain or Italy) and assembled in Los Angeles. When Colt began producing their Second Generation SAA revolvers in 1956 Great Western ceased assembly and sold their firearms in kit form only.

The Great Western Derringer was an improved version of the Remington Double Derringer. The model was available in .38 S&W and .38 S&W Special calibers. Values in the blue book for Great Western Derringers ranges in the $200 to $350 range depending on condition.

I have been unable to find a source of parts, 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. Marc




14935  - Model 1891 Argentine Mauser Rifle
12/9/2014
Emily

Maker: Mauser - 891, Model: Argentino, Caliber: 7.65 ??, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don't Know, SN: P8830

Markings:
Several small ''symbols''

Question:
Bolt action with a scope. Is this a sniper rifle, is it rare?

Answer:
Emily- Your rifle started off as the standard Model 1891 Argentine Mauser in 7.65mm caliber. A very small number of these rifles were altered for use with a 5 power telescope made in France by SOM, and mounted offset to the left side of the receiver with a very distinctive mount. These original sniper rifles are very rare and valuable.

However, I am willing to bet that your rifle has an American or Japanese made scope mounted directly above the receiver, and the bolt handle has been bent to clear it. If so, this is an alteration done by surplus dealers to sell these rifles to deer hunters. These have very minimal value or demand and I see some priced at $150 or so.

Your best reference is to check pages 77-78 of Colin Webster’s superb “Argentine Mauser Rifles 1871-1959.” John Spangler




15048  - Winchester With Two Serial Numbers
12/9/2014
Jim

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1906?, Caliber: .22cal, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 463313 or 355294?

Markings:
An ''A'' is stamped on the receiving block under the no.355294

Question:
What do I have here. One says that the no. 463313 is manufactured in 1916 and another says that no. 355294 was manufactured in 1913? Any idea where I can find out which is correct? How much is it worth?

Answer:
Jim, if your Winchester has two different serial numbers, it is probably a parts gun which was made up from at least two different donors. According to new information from the Winchester collectors web site, both of the dates that you mentioned are incorrect. The part that has serial number 355294 was manufactured in 1912, and the part that is stamped 463313 was manufactured in 1915.

Values for parts guns are much lower than they are for guns that have all matching numbers and for some reason, Winchester Model 1906 rifles are not as popular as the 1890s, the 61s or the 62s. I would estimate that value for a Winchester 1906 with two different serial numbers would top out at about $250-$300. Hope this answers your questions, Marc




15041  - Thames Arms Co. Pistol
12/6/2014
Larry, Metairie, La.

Maker: Thames Arms Co., Model: ?, Caliber: 38, Barrel Length: 3 Inches, Finish: Nickel, SN: UNKNOWN

Question:
I have a 5 shot 38 caliber pistol manufactured by Thames Arms Co. pat Jan. 5, Oct.5 1886. I haven't been able to find any info on it, would appreciate if you can find anything on it. Is it worth anything? Where can I bring it? What to do with it?

Answer:
Larry, the only info I could find on Thames Arms Co. is that they made cheap revolvers circa 1900. Harrington and Richardson used Thames as a brand name on some of their products later, so I suspect that Thames was absorbed by H&R. The "cheap revolvers" made in 1898 or earlier have some interest as decorator items and a few collectors like them because they can get a huge collection without spending very much money. Values run from about $25 up to maybe $100-150 for really nice ones with oddball features. However, if made after 1898 they are considered "modern guns" by the BATF and subject to all the record keeping and probably local licensing foolishness as if they were a brand new Smith & Wesson semi-automatic.

As for your question about where you can bring it and what to do with it, that all depends on your situation. 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. If you just want to sell, I suggest that you take it to the next local gunshow and show it to dealers there who have similar items on their table. Tell them that the revolver is for sale and see if you get any offers. Marc




14926  - Remington Made By Pietta Or Pirelli
12/6/2014
David Cleburne TX

Maker: Pietta, Model: 1858 Remington, Caliber: 44, Barrel Length: 7 3/4, Finish: Other, SN: SERIAL # 233

Markings:
two diamond shape & # 015887

Question:
I would like to know any & all info on Pirelli

Answer:
David- Pirelli makes fine tires and people like them a lot. Pietta makes nice replicas of black powder firearms, and people like those too. Like most of the Italian made replica arms, there is little collector interest, although a few folks have become fascinated with them, and they can be an interesting and pretty inexpensive collecting field. Values typically run from $100-250 for decent ones and even pristine examples only bring a little more, and they are mostly nice shooters, I am told. Hope that helps. John Spangler



15038  - Remington DOM
12/2/2014
Tracy, Parma Michigan

Maker: Remington, Model: 1100 Sportsman 48, Caliber: 12 Gauge, Barrel Length: 28 Or 30?, Finish: Blue, SN: 307683.7

Question:
What year was this gun made?

Answer:
Tracy, I get asked this type of question about Remington's quite often, here is the answer that I usually give:

I only have information on Remingtons made between 1921 and 1972. Remingtons made between 1921 and 1972 have a code located on the left side of the barrel near the frame that identifies the year and month of manufacture. The following letters correspond to the months of the year, for example B=January, L= February and so on [ B - L - A - C - K - P - O - W - D - E - R - X ]. The following letters correspond to the year of manufacture starting in 1921 and ending in 1972. [ M - N - P - R - S - T - U - W - X - Y - Z - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - J - K - L - MM - NN - PP - RR - SS - TT - UU - WW - XX - YY - ZZ - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - J - K - L - M - N - P - R - S - T - U - W ]. Marc




14925  - German GEW 88 Mauser Rifle Made In 1891
12/2/2014
Alex, Bangor, Maine

Maker: Loewe Berlin, Model: 1891 Mauser?, Caliber: 8mm, Barrel Length: No Clue, Finish: Don't Know, SN: 6067

Markings:
67 on all parts except bolt which says 6067

Question:
This is what I know about this rifle, It was supposable taken from a WW1 or WW2 cant remember battlefield. It says on the part covering the front of the bolt ''Loewe Berlin 1891'' and on the side of the barrel next to the bolt ''Gew 88''. It has two markings on the back that from what I can tell are the letter B and what looks like a 6 with three circles or a crown about the 6. Every single piece on the rifle has the number 67 except the bolt that says 6067. ''I'm guessing that's the model number?'' Its missing the clip but the bolt still works which I found out by accidently dry firing it. ''Grandmother nearly killed me when I did'' But if anyone has any information about this gun, please let me know. and if you need any info about it, send me a email!

Answer:
Alex- Your rifle is the Model 1888 infantry rifle, designated the “Gewehr 88” as marked on the side of the receiver. It was made by Loewe in 1891, the firm that later merged with Mauser to become Deutsche Waffen und Munitions, the main German gun maker. It looks like all the parts match the 6067 serial number, and only the last two digits are used on the smaller parts, such as screws. These were pretty much obsolete by 1914, but still used by many second line units and for training, so the WW1 souvenir story is probably correct. However, there have been thousands of this model sold on the surplus market over the last 50 years, usually for very modest prices. Some, were only used by the Germans, while others which are considered much less desirable by collectors were passed along to Turkey where Arabic numbers were stamped on the sights and bolts, and the guns badly abused. Values for the Turked up examples are very low, but a good German used example can be over $500, with well used examples bringing less, but still more than the Turkish junk. John Spangler