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15285  - Remington Model 11 Shotgun
2/27/2016
Jeffrey

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

Question:
I inherited this shotgun after my grandfather passed away. It has no serial number. The only information I have is imprinted on the barrel in very small type:

Manufactured Remington arms co Browning pat oct 8 1900 sept 30 02 june 18 03 Around the adjustable choke is printed:

Polychoke co. Hartfield conn patented

Full V - 1 V - Imp Cyl V - 3 V - Mod V - 5 V

It has a 26" barrel, 12 ga semi auto shotgun with wooden stock. The shape and style reminds me of a silhouette of an old Sharps 50.

I used it during my college days (30 yrs ago) and had a great time hunting dove, pheasant, duck & geese. Thank you.

Answer:
Jeffrey- You have a Remington Model 11. This was invented by John M. Browning in 1898.

For at least 15 years, Browning has been selling all his new long arm designs to Winchester, which had gotten rich from making and selling them. With his auto loading shotgun, Browning decided he would like to sell the design on a royalty basis rather than outright. Winchester got greedy and refused. So, he took the gun to Remington, but while Browning was waiting outside his office, the President of Remington died of a heart attack. So, Browning took the design to FN in Belgium, where he had been selling auto loading handgun designs, and they bought the rights on a royalty basis. A few years later, he made arrangements with Remington to make the gun in the U.S., and later even sold the rights to Savage.

I would expect this to have a serial number, either on the tang behind the trigger guard, or on the bottom of the receiver somewhere or on the side of the receiver.

They are good solid guns, although the wooden forends often crack. Read the assembly instructions carefully (available on line with a Google search) to be sure the spacer for the recoil spring is in the right location for the loads you are using.

Value wise, the old Remington Model 11s do not bring a lot of money, maybe $200-300 for a nice one although a few with special features or in pristine condition may have more collector value.

Hope that helps. John Spangler




15363  - Father`s 1911A1
2/27/2016
Bill, New Smyrna Beach, Florida

Maker: Unknown, Model: 1911, Caliber: .45 ACP, Barrel Length: 5 Inches, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: UNKNOWN

Question:
My father served in the Army Air Core(8th Air Force) during WW2. He was a tail gunner on a B24 bomber flying missions out of England on Germany sometime between 1944 - 945. When he returned home he was able to bring his service issued 1911 pistol with him. Regretfully, the pistol is no longer in our family. For sentimental reasons, I would like to acquire a similar one but I cannot remember if the make was Colt, Remington Rand, or Springfield. I do not have a serial number. Please give me a best guess of the make. Thank you, Bill

Answer:
Bill, based on the number of guns manufactured, statistical probability is that your father was most likely to have been issued a Remington Rand. With the military who knows, he could have easily received a pistol from another maker and any of the makers would be possible.

Prices on the Model 1911A1 pistols have gone up substantially over the last five years with Colts in high condition selling between $2500 and $3000. Remington Rands have experienced the least increase in price, so if cost is consideration then I would choose a Remington Rand. Let us know if you are looking to purchase and we can help you find a good 1911A1. Marc




15335  - Physic Question
2/23/2016
Treasure okc ok

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: G501981

Question:
I was given this shotgun by my great grandfather and was wondering what brand and if it had value to it

Answer:
From the information that you provided, there is not much that I can tell you. My guess is that this shotgun is probably one of a huge number made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and sold through various retail outlets. This type of firearm falls into the category of "old guns" that no one seems to be interested in as shooters, but collectors do not want them either. Generally these were basic inexpensive simple guns which sold at modest prices and still have little interest or value on market today. On the retail market they usually sell in the $25-125 range depending on condition and general appearance for use as a "wall hanger" over a fireplace. Where there is any family history, we encourage people to keep these old guns for sentimental value. Please be warned that most of these are not considered safe to shoot.



15284  - M60 Machine Gun Ammunition Can
2/23/2016


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

Question:
I have an ammo box and was just wanting to know a little more about it. Its a steel box painted green and the writing is yellow. Top says For M. G. M60-M73. Side says 200 Cartridges, 7.62 MM, NATO, M80, Cartons, M13 Lot TW-L-18565 A143. It also has the symbols of a circle with a cross in it, a solid circle, a line with circles and the only way to describe the last is a square with a triangle removed from the bottom corners, similar to the Marlboro cigarette pack. Was just wanting any info u could give me, including price if possible. Thank you for any answers you can give me.

Answer:
Sir- You have an ammo can which was at one time loaded with ammunition for use in the widely used M60 machine gun, and also the M73 machine guns used only on the M48 and M60 tanks. It probably dates to the Vietnam era.

"200 Cartridges, 7.62 MM, NATO, M80, Cartons, M13" identifies the type of cartridge, the fact that it meets NATO standards, and is packed in links, with 100 rounds in each of two cardboard cartons with cloth bandoleers for use with the portable M60 machine gun. Lot TW L 18565 is the specific lot number for the ammunition so they could identify it in case there were problems which limited its use. A143 is the Department of Defense Identification Code for this specific caliber and packing.

The circle with a cross symbol indicates it is NATO standard ammunition, the solid circle shows it is "ball" ammunition, the line of circles indicates it is linked and the last symbol indicates it is in the cartons with bandoleers, not just linked in the can.

The same ".30 caliber ammo cans" have been used for all sorts of different calibers of ammunition in different packing configurations, and some people collect these, either all types, or just certain calibers. However, most variations were packed in huge numbers, so values tend to be modest, and they are very popular for storing shooting ammo, tools, hardware, etc. Most of the .30 caliber size cans seem to sell for about $10 or less, but one with really cool exotic markings might bring $30-40 from a handful of fanatical collectors.

Hope that helps. John Spangler




15355  - Found Treasure
2/20/2016
Lawton, Georgetown SC

Maker: Remington, Model: Springfield 03-A3, Caliber: 30.06, Barrel Length: 23 inches, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 3415282

Question:
What is the value of this gun, never fired, no front sight, scope mount but no scope? Would you recommend (a) converting to sporting rifle or (b) selling and buying modern sporting rifle, and if (b) how would you sell? Many thanks !

Answer:
The missing front sight that you mention, and the fact that you seem to be able to read the serial number with the scope mount attached are indications that you may have a valuable rifle. I checked your serial number and it falls into a range of M1903-A4 sniper rifles that were manufactured in 1943 (4992001-4997045 M1903A4).

I would advise you to NOT sporterize this rifle. Values for M1903A4 sniper rifles can range from around $1500 to over $4000 depending on condition and the completeness of the rifle. If you turn this rifle into a sporter, value will top out at around $500.

If you are looking for a sporting rifle, your best course of action would be to sell your M1903A4 and then purchase a new modern sporting rifle with the proceeds of the sale. We may be interested in purchasing your M1903A4 depending on condition. Contact us at the following link: http://oldguns.net/email/ if you would like to sell to us. Marc




15283  - Old Winchester Rifle
2/20/2016
Paul

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

Question:
Hello, I have an old rifle that I took to a local gun shop that I wanted to have them look at for insurance purposes. I think they were trying to pull one over on me. I paid fifty some bucks for them to look at it and give me an approximate value which they said was between $13-20k. They wanted another $100 to verify the rifle. It has been in the family a long time and I am interested with getting accurate idea of net worth and potential ideas of where I might entertain offers for some one that will take car of this rifle instead of sitting under spare bedroom bed.

I can send pictures and serial number, etc. What do you suggest? Thank you.

Answer:
Paul- We certainly cannot tell you anything more than someone who has actually been able to handle it. It is important to verify the original configuration, especially with potentially high dollar guns, and that requires a "factory letter" and those are not cheap. If the people you took it to placed a value of $13-20K on it, I doubt if they were trying to pull something over on you.

If you are going to sell the gun, then your best bet is to place it with one of the major firearms auction houses and let them do the description and photos and presentation before a large group of qualified buyers. An auction will get the fair market value, whatever that may be.

Of course, auctions have a lot of fees so the seller nets about 2/3 of what the buyer actually pays. If you want to mess around with selling it yourself, then you would keep all of what the buyer pays, but you may not get nearly as high a selling price as a well advertised auction.

Average quality and modestly priced guns are relatively easy to sell as there is usually a very broad market for them with lots of people having ready cash for impulse buys, so you can take them to a local gun show, or sell them via various other venues, and you can easily see what comparable examples are selling for. However at prices over $5K the size of the market shrinks considerably, and buyers tend to be a lot pickier about details and it is much harder to find exactly comparable sales. So, as the value goes up, it becomes more worthwhile to engage the services of a professional who can get it before an appropriate group of buyers, instead of local tire kicker Bubbas who don't have any money left after paying to get into the local gun show.

Good luck with it. We really do not have the expertise to properly evaluate a Winchester in that price range. John Spangler




15334  - Quakenbush Value
2/16/2016
Dan Winchester IN. USA

Maker: H.M. Quakenbush, Model: ?, Caliber: 22 Caliber, Barrel Length: 18 Inches, Finish: Rusty, SN: HAS NONE

Markings:
It was has Patent in U.S. and Eng. Feb. 23 86 & Belc. Mar. 15 86

Question:
What is this rifle worth on the gun market?

Answer:
Dan, Your best bet is to go to http://GunBroker.com and click on the advanced search tab. Then click on "completed" and search for `Quakenbush` That will show all that have been listed. Then look through and you will see that many have 0 bids, and did not sell, so ignore those. Look for the ones that actually sold, and then click on that item to see what it sold for and get a better idea of condition and features. You want to find one, in the same caliber, same condition, same barrel length, and that will tell you what price a willing buyer and seller agreed was fair market value. Hope that helps. Marc



15282  - Information On A Gun My Dad Had
2/16/2016
Zeke

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

Question:
Need information on a gun my dad had. It says. S and W 32W.CFCTG And on the butt of handle it is stamped 357

Answer:
Zeke- The 357 is just a serial number and does not mean anything beyond that.

The S&W 32 WCF CTG indicates it is chambered for the .32-20 cartridge, also called the .32 Winchester Center Fire.

The barrel should have some markings to indicate maker, but if none are there, then this was probably made by a foreign maker, probably in Spain or Belgium, and I would estimate the dates as between 1880 and 1920. Generally these do not seem to have a lot of collector interest or value compared to guns actually made by S&W or Colt. Some are good quality and others are marginally safe to shoot, especially with modern smokeless ammunition. John Spangler




15329  - FN 1922
2/13/2016
Robert

Maker: FN, Model: 1922, Caliber: 32, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 36289

Question:
I have a FN Browning model 1922, .32acp pistol - the serial number is 36289 which appears in all 4 locations it should plus the Yugoslavian crown is seen on top of the slide ejector window. There is a box 6 on the left side of the trigger guard, also on the left side of the slide and on the frame appears two stamps...(1) an asterisk like symbol with a horizontal dash and sideways PV and (2) a star next to an "acorn" like symbol or a circle with a cross on top of the circle.

The pistol appears in great shape and also in the original condition.

I think the time line this was in your control was 1923 through the late 1930's...hopefully the serial number will tell.

I would greatly appreciate your reply and any information you might have for this pistol.

Answer:
The Model 1922 FN pistol was first made for Yugoslavia. They had specified a barrel of 114 mm (about 4.5 inches) and an eight round magazine capacity. They also required the pistol be chambered in 380, not 32 caliber. FN responded by taking their Model 1910, increasing the frame size to include another cartridge, and putting an extension on the front of the slide to accommodate the longer barrel. This extension could be removed by rotating it, and was serial numbered to the pistol. A number of European countries bought the Model 1922 for use by police or military including Holland, Denmark and Greece. After capturing the FN plant in 1940 the German’s had the caliber changed back to 32 and made a large number of them, principally for use by the Luftwaffe. We are offering one of these for sale in our collectible handguns catalog.

I`m guessing the numbers on the trigger guard are inspectors marks. Similar numbers are seen on the FN High Power. The symbol with PV is likely the firing proof marks used by the Belgium proof house. The serial number is certainly with the range of the Yugoslavian contract. The only puzzle is the 32 caliber. It should be 380. Marc




15281  - Mauser M98 Rifle 8 X 57mm Made By H. Dorwal
2/13/2016


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

Question:
Hello, I traded a old truck box off a friend for old Mauser rifle that I cant seem to identify. The markings are "Germany, H Dorwal, 8x57, 1286. That’s about it, I believe "1286" may be thee serial number. If you can get back to me on this one, it would mean so much, thank you.

Answer:
Sir- Your rifle is undoubtedly based on a German Model 98 Mauser action, and is in 8mm Mauser caliber. Al that I can find on H. Dorwal is that he was located in Solingen, Germany, and concentrated on exports to the Canadian market. I found mention of a number of knives, single and double barrel shotguns and several Mauser rifles. The rifles seem to be typical German sporting rifle styles, not of the highly finished and engraved grades, but rather good solid, well made sporting arms, not simply a sporterized military rifle. Reportedly, H. Dorwal operated circa 1900-1920 but like any information based on internet sources that may be totally accurate, or not.

I don't think there is a lot of collector interest in these, but as a shooter it probably has a retail value in the several hundred dollar range to someone who likes the style, caliber and condition. Hope that helps. John Spangler




15328  - Safe To Shoot?
2/9/2016
James, Monroeville, PA

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1890, Caliber: 22 W.R.F., Barrel Length: 24 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: 342439

Question:
Octagon barrel has a bulge 7 inches from end of barrel. I believe it was fired with moisture in the barrel. Is it safe to shoot?

Answer:
James, you would be foolish to trust the word of someone who has never even seen your rifle to tell you weather or not it is safe to fire. In our society where everyone seems to be ready to file a law suit for even the slightest provocation, I would be just as foolish to answer that kind of question. Take the safe rout and consult a local gunsmith who will be able to examine the rifle. Marc



15280  - Making M1903 Rifle From Scratch
2/9/2016
Cole

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

Question:
Question - I'm trying to CNC a new stock for a 1903 Springfield but I need to know the dimensions of the stock inside and out first. Any information about the stock dimension is greatly appreciated.

Answer:
Cole- That sounds like an interesting project. Fortunately, your request is an easy one, if you look at the right resources.

A complete stock will be a very difficult project, mainly due to the length and the tendency of the wood to flex during machining, and the likely need for many specialized cutters. Also, finding a reliable source of gun stock quality American black walnut may be difficult and expensive.

Dunlap Woodcarving makes a pretty good quality 90% finished M1903 stock (along with a long list of other gun stocks, mostly for muzzle loading muskets.)

As a starter project, you may want to play around making the "spare parts containers" that fit in the M1903 butt stock. These were usually made from walnut. Details including drawings are on pages 240-242 of the link below. I think there is a collectors' market for these.

The complete stock details are found starting on pages 244-268. https://archive.org/details/unitedstatesrifl00colvrich

Fred H. Colvin & Ethan Viall, Manufacture of the Model 1903 Springfield Service Rifle.

This is available as a soft cover Wolf reprint edition for about $70.00, and also under the original title "United States rifles and machine guns, a detailed account of the methods used in manufacturing the Springfield, 1903 model service rifle, also descriptions of the modified Enfield rifle and three types of machine guns" in the original 1917 hardbound edition (with brittle old paper) or in "print on demand" paper copies, but on smaller paper, and also as "print on demand" .pdf files.

Unlike many of the print on demand books, the drawings should be okay in these, because the are printed on the regular pages, not fold out plates in the back which the copiers usually do not bother to copy.

Hope that helps! Let me know how the project turns out. John Spangler




15279  - Winchester Model 1897 Shotgun
2/6/2016
Redbow

Maker: Winchester, Model: Model 1897, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 149374

Question:
I am trying to get information on a 12ga. model 1897, serial number 149374. I have been told in that when they were made, Winchester had a great fire and most that were saved did not have matching numbers but, a few did, and mine has matching numbers. I have looked over your numbers and dates, and I can not find my serial number, can you help me with this. Thank you.

Answer:
Sir- Your gun was made in October 1901, and as far as I know there was no major fire around that time, or any other time. Nearly all the Winchester Model 1897/97 shotguns are found with matching numbers, and only a few ended up with mixed numbers over the years, so I think the value of your gun will depend on the condition alone, or any special features. They are good guns, and most are still used regularly. I seem values running from maybe $250 up depending on condition and gauge and barrel length.

Hope that helps. John Spangler




15322  - Broomhandle Parts Source
2/6/2016
Ken, Coral Springs, FL

Maker: Mauser, Model: C 96 Broomhandle, Caliber: 9 Mm, Barrel Length: 5.5, Finish: Blue, SN: 117896

Question:
Do you have in stock or able to get an Extractor New Style (Late Model) for the above captioned pistol.

Answer:
We do not have the part that you need. Recommend you check with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Gun Parts Corp has just about everything. If that doesn't work, try posting it on our free "Wanted" page at the following URL:

http://oldguns.net/submitwn.htm




15323  - S&W Duty Weapon
2/2/2016


Maker: S&W, Model: ?, Caliber: 38, Barrel Length: 3", Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Valuation for insurance purposes - S&W revolver with holster, belt and badge.

My son in law has inherited his grandfather's duty weapon which was worn while serving in the Prescott Arizona PD from 1946 to 1950. It is a S&W 4 screw with barrel shroud. Barrel appears to me to be about 3" with no markings, .38 Special caliber. Weapon is in about 90% condition - the grips are in really good shape for a duty weapon, they are usually banged up getting in and out of vehicles - and the bore is bright and sharp. The internals are in excellent condition, the cylinder is timed correctly and locks up perfectly. No model designation

Answer:
This is a tough one. I believe Smith and Wesson changed from the five screw to the four screw frame about 1956 or 1957. The frame could not have been used in 1946 to 1950. The barrel with no markings is not original to the gun, and has to be replacement barrel. So if the barrel is a replacement and the frame are newer than the time of service with the police department the pistol is really a shooter worth what someone will pay for it as shooter, likely around $150 to $200.



15270  - Cracked Barrel Colt Value
2/2/2016
Jerry, Chattanooga Tn.

Maker: Colt, Model: 1851 Navy, Caliber: 36, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 113617

Question:
This gun has a very slight bulge in the barrel with a hairline crack above it. I believe there is a bullet lodged in it. It is not really noticeable until you look at it hard but it`s there. How much does a defect like this take away from it`s value ? It`s in otherwise pretty decent condition. Thanks in advance.

Answer:
Jerry- Thanks for the excellent description of the gun. But, the answer is not easy.

Some collectors are “condition collectors” and they would not want this one at any price. Others are bargain hunters and willing to accept guns with flaws and I suspect they would pay about half to two thirds of what a similar gun without the bulged/cracked barrel might bring. Others are “history collectors” and for them, they might overlook the flaws IF there was some documented history.

A few years ago I saw a M1851 Colt Navy with one chamber in the cylinder cracked, but with documented history to a specific Civil War regiment. I considered getting this one, and it is not too hard to find original parts and the cylinder could have been replaced. But, then the drop in value for mismatched numbers would probably cancel out any increase from the lack of damaged parts. Such a gun might bring a bit more from someone who is more of a “Civil War collector” than a “gun collector.”

Just for info, there is no documented history available on your gun, but others in the same serial number range were in the hands of different Civil War cavalry regiments as of November, 1862. Hope that helps. John Spangler