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15304 - FIE PL-22
12/29/2015
Jake

Maker: FIE Miami Fl, Model: P22, Caliber: 22 Long/ 22 Magnum, Barrel Length: Aprox. 6.1/2 In., Finish: Blue, SN: A25560

Markings:
it has a small star with PSF under it as well as some sort of cup or bowl with cross swords threw it, on what appears to be a shield with an animal over the top of it: as well as the letters AE. says made in Italy

Question:
how much is it worth, how old is it and anything else interesting about it?

Answer:
Jake, sorry to have to tell you bad news but there is not much value or interesting information to tell about most FIE firearms. FIE stands for Firearms Import Export company, they operated out of Hialeah, Florida (part of Miami) from about 1980 until 1990 when they declared bankruptcy.

You indicate that your revolver is a model P22. There is no listing for any FIE P22 models in my reference books so my guess is that you have a Legend SAA (PL-22 SERIES) revolver. The FIE PL-22 series of revolvers were manufactured in Brescia, Italy and discontinued in 1984. Revolvers were available with blue finish only and cambered in both .22 LR and .22 Mag. calibers. Blue book values for these revolvers is in the $25 to $75 range depending on condition. Marc

15231 - R.L. Gary 60 Marked Rifle
12/29/2015
Texas

Maker: Possibly Home Made, Model: Octagon Barrel, Caliber: 50, Barrel Length: 47 1/2'', Finish: Other, SN: NONE

Markings:
hand engraved R L Gary 60

Question:
What`s it worth if it`s the real deal?. It`s got a barrel sight front and an elaborate flip up rear site. Mahogany with different center wood and but plate Heavy 47 1/2'' octagon barrel. No other markings. This is no reenactment piece. Old. Some hand made parts lock plate no mark) Brass trigger guard. I have some pix.

Answer:
Sir- Photos would be a big help. Based on your description, my bet would be that it is a modern made replica. The 47.5” barrel is exceptionally long. It is not unusual to find a mix of old and new parts on modern made replica arms, either because they like the looks, or more often because the old parts were available and or cheap. Many of these guns were made in the 1940s, 50s and 60s, and after a bit of use and age and neglect they can appear to be old. Occasionally some scoundrel will deliberately age replica arms and try to sell them as originals, so be a bit skeptical with anything like that. John Spangler

15224 - Krag Rifle With High Serial Number 488087
12/26/2015
d.r.bilyeu@gmail.com

Maker: Krag, Model: Model 1898, Caliber: 30 Caliber, Barrel Length: 23 And 1/2 To Receiver, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 488087

Question:
The serial numbers for this only goes to 478694. It has the U.S. mark so what is the story

Answer:
Sir- I am not sure where you saw that the highest Krag serial number was 478694, but there are quite a few with higher numbers reported. On the Krags, the number “3” frequently looks like “8” so some may be simply misreadings of the number. The Springfield Research Service database includes 18 numbers above your high number of 478694. These include:
479895
479964
480120
480690
480778
480792
480799
481739
486086
486270
486750
486825
488438
497288
499036
759246
855865
857217

My bet is that the last three on this list are misreading of numbers, or clerical errors in transcribing data. The 497xxx and 499xxx may be as well, since the “3” can also be misread as a “9.”

Your barrel length of 23.5 inches to the receiver suggests it is a cut down rifle. John Spangler

15303 - Howard Revolver
12/26/2015
Chris, MALTA

Maker: Howard, Model: Revolver, Caliber: .38, Barrel Length: 6 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: UNKNOWN

Markings:
Plastic Grips

Question:
I have been offered this gun but I could not find any information. The owner claims that it is made in the U.S. Can you please advise as to whether this is true, who are the manufacturers and the approximate current value? Best Regards, Chris AgiusMALTAP.S. Sorry but I forgot to check the serial number.

Answer:
Chris, my references tell me that Howard Arms Co. was a Trade name used by the Meriden Firearms Company of Meriden, Conn., U.S.A. The Meriden Firearms Company operated roughly between 1895 and 1915 and sold a line of low quality "suicide special" type revolvers under various the trade names. There is a good possibility that an inexpensive old revolver like this is unsafe, it should be checked by a competent gunsmith before firing. 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. If you decide to purchase, values are in the $25 range. Marc

15223 - Winchester 1894 In .32-40 Caliber
12/23/2015
Mike

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1894, Caliber: 32-40, Barrel Length: 26 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 385904

Markings:
Barrel has W P in a circle and a P inside a circle. the barrel also has King sights with Pat Aug 1533. receiver also has W P inside a circle

Question:
Is the barrel nickel steel? Can it handle smoke less powder? Also, what should the groove diameter be? Thanks so much

Answer:
Mike- Your rifle was made in February 1908, and the 26 inch barrel was known as the “sporting rifle” model, as opposed to the 20 inch carbine or 24 inch rifle versions. (However, for an extra charge, Winchester offered all sorts of variations in barrel length and everything else.) The Model 1894 was one of firearms genius John M. Browning’s many designs, filling the niche for a rifle chambering intermediate cartridges between the heavy calibers of his Model 1886 and the pistol calibers of the Model 1892. In between, he made the lever action Model 1887 shotgun at Winchester’s request to capitalize on their reputation for lever action arms. Anyway, the 1894 was initially offered in two popular medium power black powder cartridges, the .38-55 and .32-40.

The .32-40 Ballard is the same as the .32-40 Winchester and was first developed in 1884 as a black powder match or target cartridge for the single shot Ballard target rifles using a a 165 grain lead bullet and a 40 grain charge of black powder. It won a reputation for fine accuracy and Winchester and Marlin included it in their offerings beginning after 1886. The .32-40 was a highly respected cartridge. One collector I know specializes in only .32-40 arms and has about 50 different examples along with a ton of related items making a most impressive display which has won top awards at several gun shows.

Of course, in 1894 nearly all ammunition was black powder loaded, and smokeless powder was in its infancy mainly in military cartridges such as the French 8mm Lebel, the .303 British, .30-40 Krag, and the 6mm Lee Navy cartridge. However, smokeless was clearly the emerging trend and Winchester was working on developing suitable steels to cope with the increased pressures and erosion from higher velocity jacketed bullets in smokeless ammunition. In late 1895 Winchester nickel-steel barrel issues were more or less resolved and Winchester introduced its first smokeless powder sporting cartridge-the .25-35 Winchester Center Fire (WCF), in the Model 1894. A few months later they expanded the neck of the .25-35 to .30 caliber, creating the .30 WCF better known as the .30-30, and this was added as a standard caliber for the Model 1894 in August 1895.

Bert Hartman has done some superb research in the original Winchester factory records available at https://www.shootersforum.com/winchester-94-lever-guns/67350-winchester-model-1894-94-factory-records.html. This shows that up until the time your rifle was made, about 78% of the Model 1894s were rifles and 21% were carbines. The popularity of calibers during that period (but not necessarily through the nearly 7 million eventually made) was that of the total, 46% were in .30-30 caliber; 23% in .38-55, 11% in .32-40; 10% in .25-35 and 9% in .32 Winchester Special, the latter introduced in 1901.

Nickel steel was always used in the barrels for the smokeless cartridges and usually (but not always) was prominently stamped on the side of the barrel near the rear sight. However,

The .32-40 or .38-55 could be special ordered with a nickel steel barrel, and would be marked as such. Most of the .32-40 and .38-55 Model 1894s are not marked" Nickel Steel Especially For Smokeless Powder" as the .30WCF and .32WS are. However, some barrels for the black powder cartridges are marked with the type of steel on the bottom flat of the barrel, adjacent to the receiver. The forend must be removed and the magazine tube slid forward to see the inspectors marks, view proofs, etc. If the barrel is nickel steel you will see M.N.S, or sometimes I.N.S., stamped on this flat. If not marked on the side or bottom, it probably is the earlier non-nickel steel used with most black powder cartridges. It should be safe to use with smokeless loads duplicating the pressures and velocities of black powder loads, but not the hotter loads.

As far as the bore dimensions, I am not sure what the Winchester specifications were in 1908, but the current Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute (SAAMI) specifications call for .315” bore diameter and .320” groove diameter with six grooves and a 16 inch twist. http://www.saami.org/pubresources/cc_drawings/Rifle/32-40%20Winchester.pdf Hope that helps. John Spangler

15300 - Webley & Scott .32 Automatic Pistol Model,1906
12/23/2015
Pablo egitli@sol.racsa.co.cr

Maker: Webley & Scott, Model: Unknown, Caliber: 7.62m/m & 32 Automatic, Barrel Length: 3 1/2 Inches Aprox, Finish: Unknown, SN: 48XXX

Markings:
What appears to be BV SP at the base of the chamber (visible through the ejection hole) The marking are very tiny, though, and I might not have read right

Question:
I would like to know it's year of manufacture, if it was a service pistol and any bit of history or technical data you might have on it. I thank you in advance and really appreciate your effort. It's hard to get this kind of information in Costa Rica

Answer:
Pablo, it sounds like you have a Webley & Scott .32 Automatic Pistol Model,1906 (Patent 15,982. 4 August 1905). The Model 1906 was first offered on the market in 1906, and was still being sold in 1940. It was first adopted by the Metropolitan Police in 1911, legend has it that the famous Siege of Sidney Street inspired the police to discard their revolvers and take to automatics, although revolvers continued in police service until the present day. Throughout the existence of this pistol, it underwent several changes, none of them fundamental, and all intended to simplify manufacture or assist in use. The most obvious change concerns the safety, which on the first models was a catch on the left side of the external hammer By pressing the catch down when the hammer was at half-cock, it was locked and the pistol could be carried without danger. On later versions, the catch was positioned on the left of the frame above the grip, where it could be worked with the right thumb. Barrel length was 3.5 inches, the magazine held eight rounds and it was chambered for 32ACP and .380, both rimless cartridges. A feature of all these small Webley automatic pistols was that the spring-steel trigger guard was used to lock the barrel to the body by means of two lugs on the front leg of the guard. The BV and SP markings that you mention are Birmingham proof marks... Marc

15299 - Winchester Model 37 Shotgun
12/19/2015
John

Maker: Winchester, Model: Model 37, Caliber: 16 Ga, Barrel Length: 30 In., Finish: Blue, SN: DID NOT SEE ONE.

Question:
What can you tell me about this shotgun ? Was inherited from my father. Thanks, John

Answer:
John, you could not find a serial number on your Model 37, because Winchester Model 37 shotguns were not numbered. The Winchester Model 37 was popular because it was well made and inexpensive. Over 1,015,000 Model 37's were manufactured from 1936 to 1963 and another 600,000+ were manufactured between 1968 and 1980 as the Model 370 and the Model 37A. In my opinion Models 370 and 37A were of poorer quality and workmanship than the original Model 37. The Model 37 was offered in 12, 16, 20, 28 and.410 Gauges and came only in full choke. Values for a Model 37 in 16 gauge would range from $75.00 to $150.00 depending upon condition... Marc

15222 - Pedersen Device Wrench
12/19/2015
Gerry - Beaumont, Tx.

Maker: Springfield 1903, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Seeking a Pederson device wrench.

Answer:
Gerry- Me too! If someone with an original could put one on a scanner we would have an exact outline, and if they gave the thickness measurement it would be possible to cut one out from some flat stock, or even easier to laser cut some for mass production.

I suspect there are a number of them in boxes of old tools in junk shops or antique shops priced at a dollar or two, but no one has any idea what they are. John Spangler

15298 - Walther G43
12/15/2015
derek seltzer@mckesson.com

Maker: Walther, Model: G-43 Rifle, Caliber: 8mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 97XX

Markings:
waf.and ord marks,ac-44

Question:
Can you tell me a brief history of rifle, who and where they were used. mine has a winter trigger guard and zf-41 mounted scope.. thanks are there any books on this rifle..?

Answer:
Derek- Your G43 was made by Walther in 1944. There were used by a wide variety of units in all theaters. I do not know of any way to track German arms use by serial number records. If you have a zf-41 scope, it is incorrect, as that is for the K98k rifle with the scope rail on the rear sight base. The zf-4 scope (round ends but square center portion) was used on the G43. Smith & Smith "Small Arms of the World" and Senich "German Sniper 1914-1945" cover this gun pretty well. Marc

15217 - Handguns With R And D On Grips
12/15/2015
Sara Holm, Oshkosh, WI

Maker: Unknown, Model: Unknown, Caliber: Unknown, Barrel Length: 3'', Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 7559B

Markings:
An R and a D engraved on the side of the handle (see further discussion below)

Question:
I`d like to know if it`s even possible to trace the make of a small pistol (hand gun), that probably dates from the 1890`s, when the only marks of identification is a number (7559B) engraved on the butt of the handle? I don`t know if this is a serial # or something else. There is also an R and a D engraved on the side of the handle. This gun was unearthed 60 yrs ago in my parents` backyard. By the time of its discovery, it was completely corroded, the wood around the handle was gone, hence the exposure of the engraved number and letters. It`s a skeleton gun, is the best description. I know absolutely nothing about guns. It has 6 bullet chambers. It`s approx 7 1/2'' long from the tip of its barrel to the farthest end of its handle. The barrel is 3'' long. I wonder if you can give me some ideas on where to go from here, if indeed there is anywhere to go? It`s worth no money, but I`d like to know what was the make & year. I can provide photos, if that would help.

Answer:
Sara- Your question wins the award for the most contractions ever. Any more and we would think you were going into labor.

I cannot help with the ID of this gun, but a circa 1890s date certainly sounds reasonable. John Spangler

15297 - Winchester 62A On E-bay?
12/12/2015
Les, Oakdale, MN

Maker: Winchester, Model: 62A, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: 23'' (?), Finish: Blue, SN: 273484

Question:
I recently inherited this rifle from my father-in-law and I am trying to place a value on it. It is in excellent condition (no markings, fading, scratches, and so on). I have seen figures from $650 to $950 (dealer retail). What would a fair price be to offer it on the web, say on ebay?

Answer:
Les, you have done some good research. I was looking for a 61 or a 62 last November for a Christmas present. The prices that I have seen dealers offering them for at gunshows are about the same as what you mention. I was finally able to find a good deal on a pretty nice one for $475 and I considered myself to be pretty lucky. I noticed rifles priced at much over $650 weren't selling no matter how nice they were.

I am afraid that you will not be able to sell your Winchester on E-bay because they have a strict anti-gun policy. We would be interested in purchase or helping you sell on consignment. For more information about selling options, please take a look at the information that we have posted at the following URL: http://oldguns.net/selling.htm

Good Luck - Marc

15216 - Sharps 4 Barrel Derringer Parts
12/12/2015
Paul, Cardiff, CA

Maker: Sharps, Model: Pepperbox 4B, Caliber: .32 Long, Barrel Length: 2.5'', Finish: Blue, SN: 10728

Markings:
C Sharps Patent Jan 25, 1859

Question:
I have been asked to bring this gun back to firing order. The firing pin is missing and I would like to find one, find drawings so I can make one or get one that is good enough to create a new drawing so I can make one. Any information that you might have on this weapon would be helpful.

Answer:
Paul- Many years ago repro firing pins were available, but I have not seen any in a long time. Gun Parts Corp has a schematic showing the firing pin at https://www.gunpartscorp.com/Manufacturers/Sharps-33487/4BarrelDerringerReplica-40622.htm so you can get a rough idea of what you are dealing with. Bob’s Gun parts shows the firing pin as available for $25 so check to see if they still have any. http://www.gun-parts.com/derringer/

The Sharps 4 barrel derringers were made in several different models and calibers, but the info above should get you pretty close. John Spangler

15278 - Cold Rust Bluing
12/8/2015
Bill, Indianapolis, IN

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

Question:
Can you explain the slow ¨Belgian¨ rusting process in detail or know where I can find this detailed information? I would like to know what the rusting solution is composed of and how to make it too. Thank you very much. Bill

Answer:
Bill, the old "Belgian" or "Cold Rust" blueing process produces a beautiful high quality blue finish but it is quite time consuming and can be frustrating and finicky. Care must be taken to completely clean your project of all traces of dirt, grease and oil before you start and also to not contaminate the project with dirt and oils from your hands or other sources while you are in the process of bluing. Maintaining the proper temperature and humidity while you are bluing is also important. "Firearm Bluing and Browning" by R.H. Angier published by Stackpole Books of Harrisburg PA gives the recipe for several types of bluing solutions but the chemicals required to manufacture these solutions are quite dangerous. I recommend that you purchase Pilkington Classic American Rust Blue solution from Brownell's, Inc. of Montezuma, Iowa. Brownells will sell you enough bluing solution to last for years for $24.50. Brownells will furnish Pilkington's great detailed instructions, which can be used with his solution or with a comparable solution that you brew up yourself for free if you ask them. You can find Brownells on the Internet at the following URL: http://www.brownells.com/Index.html. Marc

15235 - USMC Single Shooting Glove
12/8/2015
Chris, California

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

Question:
I am looking for the single shooting glove used in boot camp at Edson range circa 1972.This glove is large and is used to stable the M14 when properly used. The glove did not have finger tips. I wear an extra large if you can locate one would be fantastic. Thank you very much....

Answer:
Chris- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. You will probably find one on eBay or other sites listed as shooting glove or shooting mitt, target shooter glove, or something like that. I think they were just commercial spec items, not mil-spec or USMC specific items, but not 100% sure. John Spangler

15277 - Hamilton Model 27 Info.
12/5/2015
Woody, Asheville, NC

Maker: Hamiliton, Model: ?, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Rusty, SN: ?

Question:
What can you tell us about a Hamilton rifle model # 27. Like when it was made and value, if any. Thanks

Answer:
Woody, the Model 27 was a tip-up design that was loaded by setting the hammer at half cock and then turning a small bolt upwards to release the barrel, thus allowing it to "tip-up". Barrel lengths varied from 14 7/8 inches to 16 inches. Frames were made of stamped sheet steel and blued as was the barrel. Stocks were thin birch with a walnut finish and slightly rounded edges. The left side of the frame was marked " The Hamilton Rifle No. 27, .22 cal. Patented Oct. 30, 1900 - Aug. 13, 1907 Mfd. by C. J. Hamilton and Son. Plymouth, Mich., U.S.A." The Model 27 was in production from the early 1900s until 1930 and it was Hamilton's most popular rifle. There are no remaining factory records in existence that would tell us the quantity that were produced, but most likely, it exceeded half a million.

I was unable to find a listing for this rifle in any of my gun value books but "boy's rifles" like this have some interest among collectors. I would expect to see an example in good condition sell for $300 or maybe even more. Marc.

15234 - Wards Western Field .22 Bolt Action Rifle Parts
12/5/2015
Dave

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

Question:
I ‘inherited' my grandfathers rifle upon his death. Shortly after that my home was hit by a tornado and a wall landed on top of that gun. It was not damaged - too bad, its ok except for the bolt being missing. We looked, but it could be miles away from there. It was a single shot, bolt action gun that is made by a manufacturer that no longer exists. Here is all the info:

Wards Western Field 36B --22 S.L. & L.P.

It is a important to me because of its history with my grand father. I just want to buy a new bolt for it, but cannot find anything online for this manufacturer. HELP ! ? ! ?

Answer:
Dave- The Wards Western Field was sold by Montgomery Wards (a big department and mail order competitor of Sears Roebuck in the mid 20th century).

The gun was actually made by Mossberg, and the Mossberg model was either the Model 10 or Model 25, I am not sure which. You can Google search for images of those and when you are sure which one matches your gun, you can look for parts. Gun Parts Corp may have some, or maybe GunBroker.com. Good luck! John Spangler

15268 - Model 70 Bull Gun
12/1/2015
USA

Maker: Winchester, Model: Model 70, Caliber: 030 Govt 06, Barrel Length: 28, Finish: Blue, SN: 145684

Markings:
Bull barrel Winchester proof steel wide stock

Question:
What year made ? How much is it worth

Answer:
The rifle you have was produced in 1950, and it is likely to be what Winchester called the bull gun. With just over 2,700 bull guns produced between 1936 and 1963, the value of your rifle is difficult to determine. In short, this rifle is worth what ever the Model 70 addict who finds it is willing to pay for it. Originality is paramount to determining the possible value of your rifle, so here are a few tips:

Bull guns were only cataloged in either .30-06 or .300H&H, with .30-06 being the rarer caliber. Bull guns also should have a 28 inch heavy barrel with holes drilled a few inches forward of the receiver for attachment of a sight. Typically these barrels do not have a crown, although a few known examples left the factory with a slight counter bore. Finally, the stocks differ from the standard rifle most obviously in that the fore end is inlet for a metal bar that allows the user to adjust the position of the sling swivels, and the pistol grip protrudes notably more than what is found on the standard model. -JW

15233 - French Percussion Musket
12/1/2015
Paul, Tulsa, OK

Maker: Gulle Black Powder, Model: 1819 M-r, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
We are looking for information on this black powder gun, following is stamped on it, M18226 numbers 2281 with a line thru it followed with number 172 The numbers mentioned afore are stamped into the barrel and engraved on the wood stock. Inside the metal butt plate are the following, Numbers 003360 with a possible 3. The barrel is thin.

Answer:
Paul- You have a French Model (Mle) 1822 percussion musket made at "Manufacture Royale de Tulle" (Royal Arsenal at Tulle, France). Here is a description of one we sold last year. John Spangler

QUOTE

Civil War imported French Model 1822 .71 caliber percussion conversion rifled musket Beginning in 1840 when the French adopted the percussion ignition system, they began converting their earlier Model 1822 flintlock smoothbore muskets to be more like their new percussion arms which were rifles and .71 caliber.

This one was made at St. Etienne as a Model 1822. There were actually two Model 1822 muskets, one 55.9 inches overall and the other 57.9 inches, and this is the shorter of the two but I am not sure if it is the infantry model or the one for the Voltiguers, but in U.S. service they were considered to be about the same for all practical purposes.

This has an excellent plus sharp and bright bore and the nipple is in excellent condition. Good mechanics. The stock has sharp edges and crisp cartouches although I do not know their exact meanings. Looks like Tulle and Chatellerault with some roundels, possibly from the time of conversion. Barrel tang is marked Mle 1822 T (Model 1822

Transformed), and the barrel flats include “C de 18” (18mm or .71 caliber) crown/M and crown/R proofs and a serial number 394. Most of the exterior metal shows light to moderate pitting, but it has been cleaned and from a few feet away it looks pretty good, but it gets uglier as you get closer. (Allegedly some spouses have that problem too, but you can still love them!) Overall an inexpensive yet fairly good looking (except up close) example of the sort of arms that both sides used in large numbers during the early years of the Civil War. ANTIQUE- No FFL needed.

END QUOTE

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