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15021 - Civil War Merrill Carbine Markings
1/31/2015
Joe, Riverton, KS

Maker: Merrill, Model: 1st Type Carbine, Caliber: 54, Barrel Length: 22.125, Finish: Don't Know, SN: 783

Question:
Is the serial number on a 1st Model Merrill on the loading lever, and is it possible to learn more of this weapon's history by the serial number? The breech lever bears the number 783 and the iron patchbox cover has the number 90 (or maybe 06)on the inside of the door. The lockplate has no discernible markings on it anymore.

Answer:
Joe- As the prison boss told Luke, “What we have here is a failure to communicate.” In this case, you are asking about an early model Merrill with numbers on the loading lever. However, Robert M. Reilly’s superb U.S. Military Shoulder Arms 1816-1865 suggests your type is the second or later type. However, it is possible since the lock plate markings are no longer visible that you might be right, but let’s check some details.

For quick ID- the First Model Merrills had the serial number at the back of the lockplate, and the flat loading lever latch has checkered edges, and the rear sight has a square step or notch cut all the way across between the part where the lever latch engages and the screw for the sight leaf. I don’t think the levers are numbered on these, but that is not 100% clear.

The Second Model has a date at the rear of the lockplate, the lever latch has rounded screw head type ends, and the rear sight has a gentle curve between the latch and the sight leaf screw. And, the serial number is on the rear of the loading lever. All of the early Merrills had patchboxes, but only a few of the later type. The numbers on the patch box are probably “match” number to mate up the door and head parts during final assembly.

There is no documented history for number 783. John Spangler

15090 - 243 Krag
1/31/2015
Alexandre,St-Damien,Canada

Maker: Krag Jorgensen, Model: ?, Caliber: 243, Barrel Length: 22, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Someone want to sell me a Krag Jorgensen, he leave very far of my city, he tell me the caliber is 243.It is possible? On picture the gun is very nice and clean but I don't find information on Google. Please can you answer me. Thank you.

Answer:
Alexandre, in years past, Krag rifles were readily available at inexpensive prices on the surplus market. The availability and cheap prices of Krag rifles combined with their smooth actions made them a popular basis for gunsmiths and back yard tinkers to turn into custom sporting rifles. If the rifle you are interested in is a U. S. Krag Jorgensen, it originally came chambered in 30-40 Krag caliber. If it is chambered in .243 caliber, it has been modified. If you are looking for a rifle in original condition, this rifle is not the gun for you, if you are just looking for a shooter, it may be OK. If you decide to purchase, I would advise you to have the rifle checked for safety before you attempt to fire it. Marc

15079 - .455 Enfield Revolver
1/27/2015
Brad, Wasilla, Alaska

Maker: Enfield, Model: MK VI, Caliber: 455 - 760, Barrel Length: 6'', Finish: Blue, SN: A710

Question:
I've had this hand gun for 15 plus years (handed down from my late grandfather. The same serial number is on both pieces of the frame and the cylinder. What is the approximate value of this gun?

Answer:
Brad, the Enfield manufactured .455 revolvers are more rare than those that were manufactured by Webley. 455 revolver manufacture started at Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield in 1921, and only about 27,000 made there prior to the adoption of the .38 caliber pistols as replacements for the .455s.

As for value, you did not mention anything about condition so I can only tell you that values for Enfield .455 revolvers ranges from $100 to about $1400 depending on condition and weather or not the cylinder has been trimmed to accept .45 ACP ammo. Marc

15019 - ENFIELD SWIVELS OFFSET TO THE SIDE
1/27/2015

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

Question:
I am restoring a sporterized 1917 Enfield and had to order a new stock set and the muzzle end metal pieces for it. The rifle Stacking Swivel appears to have the metal screw piece not centered on the swivel. It appears that the swivel could be screwed onto the upper band in either direction which would cause the swivel to shift either more to the left or to the right as viewed from the shooters position. Do you know which way they came from the factor?

Answer:
Fritz- Pattern 1913 .303 rifles had a long range "volley sight" mounted on the left side of the receiver and the stock. The swivels were made so that the long part would be located to the bolt side of the rifle, keeping the swivels and sling from obscuring the line of sight when using the volley sights.

The offset swivels were retained when the Model 1917 rifles were created, even though the volley sight was eliminated. But, they should still be installed with the longer part on the bolt handle side. John Spangler

15078 - Atlas Parts Needed
1/24/2015
Skip, Grand Forks, ND

Maker: Atlas, Model: ?, Caliber: .20, Barrel Length: 18 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
Atlas Gun Co. Ilion, NY

Question:
I was given this gun and there is a piece missing at the beginning of the barrel along side the breech. I believe 8th to be an extractor. I have cleaned this gun up and would love to see the missing piece. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Skip, 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

Marc

15009 - Marble Game Getter
1/24/2015
Shirley,Union,Oregon USA

Maker: Marble Game Getter, Model: 1908, Caliber: Top Barrel .22 , Bottom Barrel .44 Both Barrels Ri, Barrel Length: 6 1/2'', Finish: Blue, SN: 7247

Markings:
None

Question:
Has any one ever run across one of these pistols with the .22 caliber upper barrel and a .44 caliber WCF lower barrel . Both barrels are rifled .Does not look like anyone has messed with the barrels , they look factory. any info would be great.

Answer:
Shirley- Some may not be familiar with the Marble “Game Getter” so we need to explain that it was a lightweight over-under combination gun usually with one rifled barrel and a smoothbore barrel, and usually a folding skeleton stock. These were offered in various barrel lengths, usually 12 15 or 18inches long. Those with barrels under 18” were made illegal with passage of the National Firearms Act in 1934, unless the owner obtained the appropriate registration papers from BATF after payment of a fee.

I have never heard of one with a 6 ½” barrel, but to be honest I don’t know (or care) a lot about these, so this might be a factory configuration, but probably not.

Although there were probably some other variations, most seem to have been .22 rimfire in the upper rifle barrel, and the lower barrel was smoothbore for either a .44 or .410 gage shotshell. There was a specific .44 Game Getter cartridge, although it seems to be little more than their brand name version of the .44-40 shot cartridge. Later, the .410 shotshell was most common.

I suspect your gun has been modified, but by whom, or when is unclear. John Spangler

15077 - Femaru Model M1937 Pistol
1/20/2015
Todd

Maker: ?, Model: Pistole M37 KAL 7.65mm, Caliber: 7.65, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 2183

Markings:
Jvh41

Question:
Was wondering what it is worth. Have done research as that it is Hungarian made and that the four digest serial number meant that there was only about 4000 made also have 2 mags that say P Mod 37. I can not find a price. It looks almost new

Answer:
Todd, the Femaru Model M1937 pistol was manufactured by Femaru-Fegyver-es Gepgyar R. T. of Budapest, Hungary. Many more than 4000 of these pistols were produced, there were approximately 200,000 of them made from 1937 to 1944-1945.

M1937 sides that were manufactured under German supervision are marked "Pistole M.37, CAL 7.65 mm jhv 41" or "P.MOD. 37, KAL. 7.65 jhv 41" on the left hand side. These model M1937 pistols should also be marked with Eagle over 58, Eagle over WaA58 or Eagle over WaA173 on left trigger guard web.

Your magazines should have serial numbers that match number of the pistol. The magazine numbers are stamped on the bottom of the magazine but they are difficult to see and easily overlooked unless one is specifically looking for them.

M37 pistols were well made and they are popular with collectors. Jan C. Still's book, "Axis Pistols" book indicates that most of the jhv 41 variation M37 pistols went to the Luftwaffe. All the reported M37 holsters bear Luftwaffe acceptance stamps; however, it is probable that some of the jhv 43 variation went to the German Army. In all, about 80,000 M37's were procured by the German military.

I would estimate value for a M37 pistol in "almost new" condition to be in the $650 to $750 range, if at least one of the magazines has a matching serial number. If both magazines have matching numbers value is in the upper end of the range. If neither magazine matches, maybe around $550. Marc

14992 - M1903A3 Mystery Markings
1/20/2015
Nate, Attica, OH

Maker: Remington, Model: 1903a3, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: 24in, Finish: Blue, SN: 4168420

Markings:
On the end of the barrel where the cannon ball and flames are usually found are the letters G R, a crown underneath it, and 10 - 0 below that.

Question:
I can't find anything out about this marking and would be happy with any information.

Answer:
Nate- If we had photos of these markings, we might be able to do a better job. I cannot exactly identify the markings you describe. My guess is that they may be British export proof marks placed on arms that were being shipped out of the UK usually in the 1960s or more recently. However, the crown over GR is usually a British military property marking applied during the reign of one of the George, and George VI reigned from 1936 to 1952, so that may be a related fact. However, I really need to say this is unidentified. John Spangler

15074 - Llama Value
1/17/2015
luis,coon rapids,mn

Maker: Llama, Model: Co 6730, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 5 1/2'', Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
knight helmet, a bomb follow by M 2

Question:
NEVER FIRE,HOW MUCH IS WORTH.

Answer:
luis, there is not much collector interest in Llama firearms, I would expect to see a pistol like yours selling at a gunshow in the $250 range (IS WORTH MAYBE 250 U.S. DOLLARS). For more information, try checking some of the auction sites to see what pistols that are similar to yours are selling for. Marc

14988 - Winchester Rifle From Meeker Massacre?
1/17/2015
Art Salt Lake City UT

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1850 King Improved, Caliber: 40-60, Barrel Length: 28 Inches Octogon, Finish: Blue, SN: 42098

Markings:
Kings Improvement Patent October16 1850 We also have both reloading tools

Question:
Value / The Gun was used in the Meeker Masaker Gun and tools are in excellent condition

Answer:
Winchester Model 1866 and 1873 rifles had the Kings Improvement Patent October 16, 1860 marking on the barrel, so I am pretty sure it is one of these.

However, the .40-60 caliber cartridge was not used with either of these rifle, and it was first offered in the Model 1886 Winchester in 1884.
The 28 inch barrel length is not a standard barrel length for either the Model 1866 or 1873, but was standard rifle length in the Model 1876.
Serial number 42098 was made in 1870 if this is a Model 1866; 1880 if the Model 1873; or 1884 if it is the Model 1876.

The Meeker Massacre took place near what is today Meeker, Colorado when former newspaperman turned Indian Agent Nathan Meeker ticked off the Ute Indian tribe the government was “caring for.” He demanded that they abandon their hunter-gatherer nomadic lifestyle and settle down to do dirt farming with plowed fields and irrigation in the western Colorado mountains. He spitefully plowed up a dirt track where the Utes raced their ponies, which was the precipitating incident on September 29, 1879. The Utes killed Meeker and 10 male employees, and took the white women hostage and fled the scene. A small force of Army troops en route to the reservation from what is today Rawlins, Wyoming was then attached, and suffered 13 dead and 28 injured. The survivors hunkered down with the aid of 35 black “Buffalo Soldiers’ from what is now Durango, Colorado, and were under siege until larger relief expeditions from what are now Cheyenne and Rawlins, Wyoming arrived. With the larger forces, the Army defeated the Utes on October 8, 1879 in what is known as the Battle of Milk Creek. The Army then built the “Camp on white River” near Meeker, which they occupied for the next four years.

In retribution for the Massacre, the federal government abrogated their treaty with the Utes and forced them all to move to less hospitable lands in eastern Utah.

So, the legend of your gun’s use in the Meeker Massacre cannot be true unless it is the Model 1866 with a brass frame, made in 1870, but that is impossible because it is in a caliber not introduced until 1884. I give up, but you get a free history lesson as an example of how legends sometimes conflict with other facts and can take a lot of work to figure out exactly what the true story is. Most of the time, it is just old family members got confused or mixed a couple of events together. But sometimes, unscrupulous dealers will deliberately fabricate impossible tales to profit from gullible but uninformed buyers. I wish we could get this one sorted out for you. John Spangler

15073 - Anschultz 54 DOM
1/14/2015
Rusty Bill . Midlothian ,TX

Maker: Anschultz, Model: Model .54 Match, Caliber: 22LR, Barrel Length: Not Sure . Long, Finish: Blue, SN: 14259

Markings:
The barrel , action and the bolt all have a wing looking stamp on them . Very small.

Question:
What year is it ?

Answer:
Rusty, we do not see many of these at OldGuns.net, I have never owned one personally. I checked my reference books for an answer to your question and the best information that I could find is in S.P. Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values. Fjestad indicates that the Anschutz Model 54 was manufactured between 1996 and 1999. Hope that this helps. Marc

14986 - Sporterized Krag
1/14/2015
Patrick, Roosevelt, UT

Maker: US Springfield Armory, Model: Model 1898, Caliber: 30-40 Krag, Barrel Length: About 24 1/2'', Finish: Don't Know, SN: 320003

Question:
just trying to get some basic info on this gun, history, year it was made, etc. i was told by the previous owner that it had been ''sporterized'' and that's why i got it for a really good deal. i'm not sure what delegates the rifle as being ''sporterized'' so if you could also give me some info about what this model would look like fresh from the factory, what the sites and buttplate would be like, that sort of thing. after some research i noticed that some carbine models are pretty rare and pull upwards of 800 - 000 bucks so i also just want to know the general value of it. thanks for your help!

Answer:
Patrick- There is no documented history on this, other than that it was made sometime in 1901. Any carbines made in 1899 or later were specifically marked on the receiver MODEL 1899, instead of MODEL 1898, which was used on rifles, and carbines all had 22 inch barrels, so we can be sure yours is not now, and probably never was a carbine. The Krags have an exceptionally smooth action, and the .30-40 cartridge is adequate for any North American game, so they have been popular with sportsmen for over a hundred years, but were especially so circa 1930-1960s before the glut of post-WW2 surplus rifles provided a wide range of other options for cheap and reliable rifles. Sporterized Krags can be found at prices from about $125 up depending on how well (or poorly) they were sporterized and the current condition, especially bore condition. John Spangler

14979 - Springfield .22 M2 Rifle
1/10/2015
Joe Springville Ut

Maker: Springfield, Model: M-2, Caliber: 22 LR, Barrel Length: 24'', Finish: Blue, SN: 6013

Markings:
SA flaming bomb 4-44 on barrel. Bolt # D28223-2. Long Rifle Cart`ge only.

Question:
All packed in cosmoline and the barrel has not been fitted (still loose). The magazine is cosmo also. No marking on the stock. SA flaming bomb 4-42 on the front of the barrel. Butt plate is missing the lower screw. I found correct sights as they were missing. I'm looking to sell. Do I leave it in the cosmoline with the barrel loose or get it shootable to sell it? value? Thanks.

Answer:
Joe- That is pretty neat! Sounds like a “rifle kit.” I suspect that this is pretty much the accumulated parts purchased from the old DCM program (predecessor of the modern CMP program) when spare parts were routinely sold.

As far as getting maximum value, I think the end results would be about the same either way, but shooter buyers might prefer everything assembled. Collectors might think it is neater to keep it all separate. However, in both configurations, the price will probably be a bit less than a totally original arsenal assembled rifle. John Spangler

15067 - WWII 25 Caliber Japanese Rifle
1/10/2015
michelle

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: 25 Cal, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Value of WWII 25 Cal Japanese rifle with bayonet and scabbard

Answer:

michelle, your Japanese rifle is probably a Type 38, these were developed by Major Nambu Kijiro. The T.38 is one of the most produced and most commonly encountered of all WWII Japanese rifles, about 3400000 were manufactured. The T.38 was chambered in 6.5×50mmSR which is a .264 inch diameter bullet, not .25 caliber (.257 inch diameter bullet).

Given the information that you provided it is hard to set a price for your rifle. Value depends on condition and extras included with the rifle. I need to know:

Has the chrysanthemum had been ground off of the receiver?
What percent of original finish remains on the rifle?
Are all of the part numbers matching?
Is there any rust or pitting?
What condition is the bore in?
Has the rifle been sporterized or modified in any way?
What condition is the bayonet in?
Has the bayonet been sharpened?
Does the bayonet come with a scabbard?
If the bayonet has a scabbard, what condition the scabbard in?
Does the rifle come with a cleaning rod, dust cover or sling?

Marc

14971 - Converting .50-70 Trapdoor To .45-70
1/6/2015
Daniel, Hagerman, Idaho

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1870, Caliber: 50-70, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 46920

Markings:
Handle plate has a 1863 Stamp

Question:
I have an old trapdoor and it is stamped 1870 on breech. Could I convert to 45-70 by simply switching the barrel? and if so where could you reference me?

Answer:
Daniel- Short answer- Yes, but... It is physically possible to pull out the .50-70 barreled action and drop in one from a .45-70. Mechanically, the hammer would strike the firing pin okay. However, the barrel diameter on the .45-70 is smaller so it will be a very loose fit, and I think the receiver may be a bit smaller as well. This will cause the barrel bands to not fit properly, and the .45-70 barreled action will not be pinned against the stock along it full length. This will cause the full force of the recoil to be transferred by the contact with the stock at the back of the receiver and the tang. That will greatly increase the chances of stock damage upon firing.

The real question is why you would not go out and get another rifle in .45-70 if you want one to shoot?

Your description could fit either the Model 1868 rifle, which would have a serial number on the left side of the receiver and right next to it on the barrel. Or, if there are no serial numbers, it would be the Model 1870. You should be able to trade either of these for a comparable condition .45-70, but why anyone would trade a perfectly good gun instead of just adding another one to their collection is a mystery to me. John Spangler

15066 - Suicide Special
1/6/2015
UK

Maker: Unknown, Model: 6 Shot Small Revolver, Caliber: .30, Barrel Length: 1`` Approx, Finish: Blue, SN: NO MARKING

Markings:
ELG stamped on cylinder face. Capital C with `flower above stamped on cylinder and what looks to be a capital `L` with star mark.

Question:
Unable to determine the age, maker, (though Belgian proof mark) history of this weapon though believe antique. Has not a serial number stamped on any face. Can you help here? Thanks

Answer:
It sounds like your gun is what collectors call a “suicide special”. These were made in large numbers and sold at very cheap prices (with quality ranging from execrable to mediocre). Nickel plating was the usual finish on these, and caliber ranged from .22 to .32, .38 and even a few in .41 rimfire. These were all pretty puny blackpowder cartridges, and none of these guns should be fired with modern ammunition, even if you can find some. Fine quality arms were marked with the maker names, lesser quality often used imaginative names such as Tramp’s terror, Swamp Angel, Bulldog, etc. The makers of the worst were so embarrassed that they refused to mark their product with anything that would identify them, my guess is that this what you have.

This can be an interesting collecting field with a huge variety available at modest prices. Donald B. Webster’s book “Suicide Specials” is the best reference on them, although Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values is pretty useful as well. Marc

15064 - Thompson Auto-Ordnance 1911A1
1/3/2015
Webster, NH

Maker: Thompson, Model: 1911A1 Acp, Caliber: 45, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don't Know, SN: AOC6735

Question:
When it was manufactured How old is it

Answer:
Webster, the original Auto-Ordnance Company was formed in the early 1920s to market the Thompson submachine gun, with the actual manufacture of firearms being done by other firms. The Thompson patents and rights have passed through several hands and are now owned by Auto-Ordnance Company of West Hurley, New York. Auto-Ordnance became a division of Kahr Arms in 1999.

Auto-Ordnance (West Hurley) has no direct connection with the original founding company, however, it now does its own manufacturing of firearms. It still markets a semi-automatic version of the Thompson SMG and other small arms, one of which is a copy of the Colt M1911Al .45 pistol. Thompson is a trademark that Auto-Ordnance uses on pistols and carbines.

I have not been able to come up with any serial number information that would allow me to give you a manufacture date for your pistol. If memory servers me correctly, I think that I first remember seeing them on the market sometime in the 1980s. For more information, try contacting Auto-Ordnance, the website is at http://www.auto-ordnance.com. Good Luck. Marc

15018 - .45 A C P AMUNITION FOR M3 “GREASE GUN”
1/3/2015
Eric

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

Question:
1943 45acp with a "M 3" head stamp. Was there ever any 45 ammo just issued only for the for the m-3 submachine gun?

Answer:
Eric- Absolutely not!

The M3 Submachine gun, usually called the “grease gun” due to its resemblance to the all metal device used in lubricating automotive grease fittings, was designed to use the existing standard "cartridge, ball, caliber .45 Model 1911" originally adopted for the M1911 pistol. The Grease gun could also use the .45 ACP tracer ammunition. The .45 ACP ammunition was never issued or sorted for use only in pistols or the SMGs.

The Thompson SMGs used by the military were also all made for the standard .45 ACP cartridge. However, some of the early commercial Thompsons did use a proprietary .45 caliber cartridge with a longer case, especially for shot loads.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

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