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15617 - Tuning Forks?
4/29/2017
Tonya SW MO

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

Question:
I have come to ownership of 3 tuning forks. What are they worth and really what are or were they used for ?

Answer:
Tonya, do you realize that you are asking this question on a Q&A for guns and militaria? At OldGuns,net we do not have much to do with musical items, suggest you check with a piano tuner. Marc

15534 - M1 GARAND VALUE
4/29/2017
Dustin Old Hickory, TN, USA

Maker: Springfield, Model: M1 Garand, Caliber: .30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 1540886

Question:
I am trying to buy this M1 Garand and would like it know it`s value. According to the current owner it has never been fired and came from Camp Perry. It was made in 1943 according to the Springfield museum. Any help is greatly appreciated. It appears to be in mint condition. Thanks for the help. I can be emailed at Dustin.chester@gmail.com

Answer:
Dustin- Value of this rifle will depend on several things. First, is it a standard service rifle or was it later converted to a National Match rifle, and if the latter is it the first or second type? Regardless of model, are all the parts correct and original for that specific model and date? That will mean matching up the drawing numbers stamped on each of the parts against listings of what the “correct” parts would be. Then, you need to evaluate the condition of each of the parts to see if they show that same amount of wear, indicating they are “original” and not a “restoration.” Then, you need to evaluate the overall condition, and decide if it has been refinished, and if so, was it official arsenal work, or some later owner. Finally, if a match rifle, the bore condition becomes much more important. John Spangler

15609 - Nickel Plated Walther PP
4/25/2017

Maker: Walther, Model: PP, Caliber: .32, Barrel Length: 3 7/8", Finish: Nickel, SN: 288XXX P

Question:
Could I have some information on the following Walther PP: .32caliber-nickel plated, serial number 288XXX P, plastic grips with Walther Banner, NO Walther banner or other identification on slide, ejection port on right side, there may have been a lanyard ring at base of grip, small proofmark just under and in ejection port--appears to be an eagle (wings spread)over a capital "N"--the spread of the wings is about 5 to 6 times the width of the "N". By the way, the "N" and eagle would be upright only if the pistol were pointed straight up. Any help would be appreciated as we have been trying to get some history on this pistol for some time. Thanks.

Answer:
The Eagle N stamping that you describe is a Nazi commercial proof. Eagle N proofs were stamped on Walther PP’s manufactured from 1940 to 1945. Walther PP’s produced prior to 1940 are stamped with a Crown N proof. Eagle N proofs should be stamped on the right side of the slide under the ejection port , on the right side of the chamber, and also on the right side of the barrel near the muzzle. Walther PP’s in the 288XXX P serial number range should have the Walther Banner and legend stamped on the left hand side of the slide. A serial number that matches the one stamped on the frame should be stamped on the right hand side of the slide or the last 3 digits of the serial number should be scribed on the inside of the slide. Walther PP’s with original factory nickel finish are extremely rare. After WWII the French added a lanyard ring to some Walther PP pistols. The nickel plating, absence of some standard markings and the lanyard ring all lead me to believe that your Walther PP has been refinished... Marc

15528 - Krag Cut Down Or Carbine?
4/25/2017
Joe, New Market, Tennessee

Maker: US Springfield Armory, Model: 1898, Caliber: 30-40 Krag, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 453500

Markings:
A star on the Nader side of the barrel and some very faint numbers just before the barrel. The first number is a 4 then maybe a 2 but it`s hard to say.

Question:
I know very little about these rifles and bought on a whim at a flea market. I would like to know if it`s an original carbine or if it`s been modified. I hope you can help me with this. Thanks Joe joe.jasj@gmail.com

Answer:
Joe- Every number with any data for a long way either side of this one is a full length rifle, so I am certain your gun is a cut down rifle, not a carbine. Besides, by this time the carbines were all made with receivers marked “MODEL 1899” instead of MODEL 1898. People really need to do a bit of research BEFORE buying Krag or Trapdoor “carbines” from places other than reputable dealers. You might get lucky, but you are more likely to buy an education. John Spangler

15527 - Two Krags For One Money- Investment Or Waste Of Money?
4/22/2017
Levi, Bremerton, WA

Maker: US Springfield Armory, Model: 1898, Caliber: 30-40 Krag, Barrel Length: 24'', 22'', Finish: Blue, SN: 209484, 94609

Markings:
SN#209484 has notches on the stock, 23 on the right side and 6 or 7 on the left.

Question:
Picked these two up at an auction. Paid $450 for the pair. I`m just curious if I paid too much for them or if they are worth something. I`m pretty sure they aren`t original. Sporterized I believe. I`ve got some pictures if that helps. Thanks.

Answer:
Levi- Both guns started off as full length infantry rifles with 30 inch barrels, so they have been altered for sporting use. Krags are noted for their exceptionally smooth actions and the .30-40 cartridge is pretty good in various loadings for just about any North American medium to large game animal. They are probably good shooters, although probably not worth a whole lot more than what you paid for them. You could possibly part them out for about the same amount, but probably a little less.

Like many auction buyers, it is easy to get carried away with a desire to “win” and go higher than the lot is worth, especially if at an auction where they add on “buyers’ premiums” and other junk fees to jack up the price even further. Not to mention their sometimes outrageous shipping charges. But, sometimes you can get rare items or good deals at auction, so it can work either way. John Spangler

15612 - Maschinengewer Luger
4/22/2017
Harvey

Maker: Luger, Model: DWM 1917, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 3 in, Finish: blue, SN: 5274

Markings:
Toggle is mismatched ser. # 07 rest matches including magazine. Gripstrap is marked RIR 72 and MGK 412. Right side of receiver forward are 4 German proofs. ¨Geschert¨ under safety. Thanks

Question:
What info if any might you have regarding this piece?, specifically the regimental markings?¨

Answer:
Harvey, I am always happy to find German weapons with regimental markings, for me the markings add to the history and nostalgia of the piece and make it much more desirable. Jeff Noll's book "The Imperial German Regimental Marking", has several examples of Lugers that have similar markings. From the examples in Mr. Noll's book I am able conclude that "R.I.R. 72" stands for "Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment number 72" and "MGK 412" stands for "Maschinengewer-Kompagnie 412". Hope that this helps, Marc.

15606 - What Is It Worth?
4/18/2017
Rich Bradford pa

Maker: Astra, Model: 600, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 6in, Finish: Blue, SN: 6272

Markings:
German marking

Question:
What is it worth

Answer:
Rich, during WWII the German Heereswaffenamt asked Astra to develop a pistol built around the 9MM parabellum round that was smaller than the model 400. Fifty prototypes were assembled in 1943 as test pieces. The prototypes were approved by the Heereswaffenamt and Astra commenced manufacture their new model 600.

Between May 16 and July 16 of 1944, a total of 10,450 Model 600 pistols were sent to the town of Irun on the French border for use by German troops that were then occupying France. The serial number range of these pistols was 51-10500. A short time later an additional 28,000 pistols were delivered to the border, but could not be accepted by the Germans because they were evacuating the area as a result of the Allied invasion of Normandy. The serial number range of pistols that could not be delivered was 10501-38500. These pistols were returned to Spain where they were used by the Spanish Government. Model 600 production was terminated in 1945 with pistol # 59546. Serail numbers 38501 to 59546 were placed in stock by the factory and eventually sold to the West German Government.

Astra 600 pistols with German markings are worth about twice what their counterparts without German markings are. Depending on condition, your pistol could be worth anywhere from $200 for an example with allot of pitting and mis-matched parts to around $1200 for a pistol in excellent condition. Marc

15526 - Beretta M38/42 Submachine Gun
4/18/2017
lilfrankcon@gmail.com

Maker: Beretta, Model: M38/42 Sub Machine Gun, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Would there be much interest from buyers/collectors for the gun. I have no children to pass it on to, so I would like to sell. Also have BATF paper work.

Answer:
Frank- Unlike many of the people who contact us with fully automatic weapons, you have the BATF paperwork, which makes a huge difference. With the papers you can legally sell yours, albeit the process is a bit tricky with fingerprints, background checks, a $200 tax stamp, permission from the FBI and/or BATF and other wickets to jump through.

We are not licensed to deal in Class 3 weapons, so we do not mess with them at all, and do not follow prices, but they seem to start at the $5,000 range and go up rapidly for the more popular or better condition items, with some of the really great items getting into the six digit price range. Some of the major firearms auction houses regularly handle sales of class 3 weapons, and I would recommend either Cowans in Cincinnati or Rock Island in Moline, IL. John Spangler

15522 - M1903 Springfield In .22 Caliber
4/15/2017
Alex,Meadview,AZ

Maker: Springfield, Model: 1903, Caliber: .22, Barrel Length: 24.5'', Finish: Parkerized, SN: 327083

Markings:
Ser# indicates 1907, barrel dated S A 2-25, M2 bolt Ser# D 28223-2, M2 clip in milled out bottom plate. Blued plate to hold mag in well has ser#2835. Faint proof/inspection marks on stock, looks refinished. If barrel was lined to .22 it was a very good job.

Question:
So, what do I have here? Doesn`t seem to match any conversion kits I have been able to find. Beautiful rifle, shoots like a target gun!

Answer:
Alex- I am certain that you have a regular .30-06 M1903 Springfield rifle that someone converted to .22 caliber using M1922 Springfield .22 caliber parts. The M1903 and M1922 receivers were nearly identical except that the machining for feeding .30 caliber cartridges requiring nearly all the bottom over the magazine to be cut away, while the .22 caliber only needed a small cut so the .22 magazine would line up for feeding. The barrel date is appropriate for a M1922 barrel made in .22 Long Rifle caliber and while having the usual date/flaming bomb/SA near the muzzle, it would also have a marking on the left side of the chamber area “LONG RIFLE CART’GE ONLY.”

The bolt and magazine are M2 style (sometimes called M1922M2 which technically is correct only the earlier M1922 or M1922M1 rifles which were (arsenal) updated to M2 configuration.

You specify that it has a milled out bottom plate and M2 magazine, so that rules out the interesting conversion unit made by Numrich Gun Parts in the 1960s which used a modified stamped M1903A3 trigger guard and a Harrington & Richardson magazine. The Numrich conversion also used a barrel insert which slipped into the .30 caliber barrel and was turned 90 degrees to lock it in place. Those are pretty collectible, and reportedly good shooters. However, your hybrid M1903 would probably be an excellent shooter, even if the collector interest and value are significantly lower than for a “real” .22 Springfield. John Spangler

15608 - Marlin 336 Value
4/15/2017
Jesse , Tulsa Oklahoma

Maker: Marlin, Model: 336, Caliber: 3030, Barrel Length: 24, Finish: Blue, SN: 20175982

Question:
My understanding is some of the Marlins are not really worth having unless they are older ones this is a 1980 model How can I tell if it`s worth purchasing for under $400

Answer:
Jesse, unfortunately, Marlins are an area we never had much interest in, so we really cannot help much with this question. I can tell you that the blue book indicates that starting in 1973, the year of production for Marlin rifles can be determined by subtracting the first 2 numbers of the serial number from 100 so you are correct that this rifle was manufactured in 1980. As for value, blue book prices for the various 336 models generally seem to top out in the $400 range so the $400 asking price for the Marlin you are interested in does not seem to be much of a bargain.

For more information, a quick Google search provided me with a link to the Marlin Collectors Site at the following URL: http://www.marlin-collectors.com. There is a forum there for you to post questions. Good Luck - Marc

15601 - Nazi HP Value
4/11/2017
Joe, Des Moines, IA

Maker: Browning (Belgium), Model: Hi-Power Automatic, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Nickel, SN: 29665A

Markings:
Wartime (Belgium) production, small Nazi stamp on side of gun

Question:
Approximate sales value person to person

Answer:

Al, the High Power pistol was designed by John Moses Browning and manufactured by Fabrique Nationale (FN) in Herstal, Belgium. The Belgians were first armed forces to adopt the High Power as an official sidearm, they did this in 1935. Between 1935 and the German capture of the FN factory on May 29, 1940 contracts were filled for the armed forces of several countries including Belgium, China, Peru, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Sweden and France.

From the plant's seizure by the Germans in May of 1940 to its liberation in September of 1944, over 319,000 High Powers pistols were manufactured for the German Wehrmacht. The first several thousand pistols were made up from captured parts and had a high polish finish, a shoulder stock slot cut into the rear grip strap and tangent rear sight. To speed production, the Germans eliminated the shoulder stock slot and then the tangent sight at about serial number 145000. As production continued, the quality of finish was reduced to dull blue over a progressively less polished metal. The Germans used three Waffenenamt stamps on High Power pistols:

Eagle over WaA613
Eagle over WaA103
Eagle over WaA140.

Your pistol is the third variation, these were stamped with eagle over WaA140, had fixed 50-meter sights, wood or brown plastic grips and dull military-blue finish over rough machine marks. The approximate serial range for this variation is 145000 to 210000, then 01a to 100000a and finally 01b to 63000b.

Yearly production of High Power pistols under German occupation was as follows:

1940..................... 8,500
1941..................... 65,700
1942..................... 80,600
1943..................... 101,200
1944..................... 63,000

Values for 3rd variation Nazi Proofed High Power pistols are in the $500 to $1400 range depending on condition. Marc

15521 - Rifle Sub Caliber, Caliber .30, M9 (106mm)
4/11/2017
Mike, Ocala, FL

Maker: Barrel/Supressor/Cap, Model: 5365, Caliber: 30 M9, Barrel Length: 26'', Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 730 7569

Markings:
No. 5365 Rifle Sub Cal 30 M9 ORD Corps U.S.A. WVT ARS INSP E.S.M. 730 7569

Question:
I have been trying to identify this barrel and suppressor guard assembly and find a value on it for a few years... Found in old family collection... Can you please help out???

Answer:
Mike- That is an easy one. You have the barrel from a subcaliber device used in the 106mm Recoilless rifle. Basically this was a dummy 106mm recoilless rifle cartridges with a .30 caliber rifle barrel fitted in the center of it.

Here is what Army Technical Manual 9-1300-204, Ammunition for Recoilless Rifles dated 25 May 1959 has to say about them: “Rifle, Subcaliber, Caliber .30, M9 (106mm)- This “rifle” is a subcaliber device used in training personnel in the use of 106mm recoilless rifles. It has the outward appearance of a 106mm cartridge case and the rear portion of a projectile with a preengraved rotating band. This part is called the muzzle shell. The subcaliber rifle contains a modified .30 machine gun barrel in which a regular caliber .30 ball cartridge is used for simulating the fire of a 106mm cartridges. The barrel contains gas ports to vent the propellant gasses. Effective training of personnel may be accomplished with this device as substantial savings. The device may also be used without the .30 ball cartridge as a drill cartridge, that is, for practice in loading the weapon. The device, which is not an ammunition item of issue is issued completely assembled similar in appearance to a complete round. For further information on this device, see ORD 8 SNL C33t section 20 which lists the component parts and equipment stocked for maintenance and rebuild of the device.”

I recall seeing one of these for sale a while back at a price that was something like $400 for the complete unit. Just the barrel would have some demand (especially from someone with a 106mm recoilless rifle they wanted to shoot, and willing to fabricate the remaining parts to make your barrel useful. Put it on one of the auction sites and see what people want to pay for it.

Similar subcaliber devices consisting of basically a rifle caliber barrel inserted in a cartridge case shaped holder were widely used in all sorts of artillery pieces from about 37mm up to large naval guns, including ones chambered for .45-70 and .30-40 Krag cartridges. Sometimes a whole rifle or cannon action and barrel were used (see M1903A2 Springfield) inserted into the bore, or a 37mm cannon bolted to the outside of a 10 inch naval gun. Quite a collecting niche if someone wanted to pursue it! John Spangler

15600 - Sporterized P-14
4/8/2017
Locke, trinity texas

Maker: Centr -u-, Model: P14, Caliber: 7mm Rem Mag, Barrel Length: Unknown, Finish: Blue, SN: 214555

Question:
Year made

Answer:
Locke- in 1913 the British were about to replace the old .303 Lee Enfield design and adopt a Mauser style “Pattern 1913” rifle using a .276 caliber rimless cartridge. However World War I started in 1914 so the British abandoned the plan and they modified the new rifle to use .303 ammunition, creating the Pattern 1914 rifle. While British factories were busy making Lee Enfields, the Pattern 1914 rifles were contracted out to American makers Winchester, Remington and a new Remington operation known as Eddystone. These were strong and reliable rifles and armed many Commonwealth troops during WW1 and again in WW2. When made, these had the usual receiver sights graduated to 1,600 yards. In addition, these had “volley sights” on the left side for firing at extreme ranges of 1,500 to 2,600 yards. If memory serves me correctly, P-14 the production took place 1914-1916. It is anybody's guess when your rifle was modified to chamber 7MM Mag. Marc

15510 - Miller Conversion Musket- Cut Down
4/8/2017
Bob, Springfield , Mass

Maker: Wh @Hw Miller, Model: Trapdoor/conversion, Caliber: 58cal, Barrel Length: 36'', Finish: Other, SN: 442

Markings:
Steel butplate U S stamping 2 barrel bands are also stamped U S

Question:
The cartridge extractor, that was attached too ``trapdoor hinge`` is missing lock plate and hammer are reproduction, what might the value be of this piece?

Answer:
Bob- Unfortunately, the value of your Miller conversion musket will be pretty low. The Miller conversions are an interesting concept, well executed, but never adopted for U.S. military use, although a few militia units purchased some. Thus, collector interest is pretty low. Many were cut down by Bannerman or other surplus merchants for sale to youth groups or military schools circa 1890-1920. The cut down versions have little demand except as decorative items or for the very few unaltered parts which might be useful in restoration of .58 caliber Civil War muskets. For all practical purposes no one will even notice the missing extractor. If someone offers you anything over $100, take it! John Spangler

15509 - KRAG RIFLE WITH “J” CARTOUCHE
4/4/2017
Chad, Metamora MI

Maker: Krag, 1898, Model: 1898, Caliber: 30/40, Barrel Length: Full Length, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
JSA 1901 cartouche with stand alone ''J'' to left side

Question:
Sir, I recently purchased a 1898 Krag that has a clear 1901 JSA cartouche, but just to the left side of the cartouche is a stand alone ''J''. I see that you have one similar in your inventory. Do you know what the stand along ''J'' stand for? is it rare or add to the value?

Answer:
Chad- As I recall, there are several single letter markings found on U.S. martial arms, but information is elusive. The only written source I could find (as opposed to “which exists”) is in Frank Mallory’s 2nd edition of The Krag Rifle Story on page 191, where he states:

“Around 1908, the practice of placing a special mark on rifles cleaned and repaired at government arsenals was initiate. This mark consists of the letter “A” for Springfield and a series of letters (“B”, “B”, “C”, etc) for Manila Ordnance Depot. The letter “C” has been observed on the left side of the stock of a Model 1898 rifle which appears to have been overhauled….”

Brophy’s “The Springfield Rifles” book on M1903 rifles shows a M1903 with the letter “M” in addition to the original cartouche, but no explanation.

The brand new book “U.S. Military Arms Inspector Marks” by noted researcher Charles Pate and advanced collector Anthony Daum which I thought might have something, does not, being focused mainly on original production, not rework. It is a great book, which I highly recommend, even if it did not answer this question. In any case, it is almost certainly a post-manufacture marking, which may add some interest but probably no additional value to arms bearing it. John Spangler

15597 - Cheap Shotgun DOM
4/4/2017
FOREST, MS. USA

Maker: STEVENS, Model: 940E, Caliber: 12 GA., Barrel Length: 28, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
WHEN IT WAS MADE

Answer:
Forest, Google is your friend. A quick Google search tells me that the Stevens 940 was "Made between 1961 and 1970. There are no records to give amore exact date. Marc

15594 - Fair RZM PPK
4/1/2017
USA

Maker: Walther, Model: PPK, Caliber: 7.65, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 825090

Markings:
RZM With 2 clips and holster (no markings on holster) gun is in fair condition.

Question:
Is this considered to be a wanted gun? Thanks John

Answer:
John, condition is a big factor in determining the desirability and value of any collectors item. While RZM PPK pistols are rare and highly sought after collectors items, one that is only in fair condition would be much less desirable to most collectors than an example that is in better condition. If you want to sell, send us some pictures and we can help you evaluate the pistol and figure out a fair price. 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 . Marc

15508 - Replica Sharps Four Barrel Derringer
4/1/2017
Mike, Sacramento, CA

Maker: C. Sharps & Co, Model: Pepperbox Pat. 1859 Mod. 1A Replica, Caliber: 22 LR, Barrel Length: 2.5'', Finish: Blue, SN: 728 MIROKU JAPAN

Markings:
SN is on butt of handle & underside of barrel group. Body of pistol is brass. Grips are smooth wood. Miroku Japan on the trigger side of the butt cross piece -SC- the SN is on the heal side. Solid brass receiver, 5/16'' short of barrel, squared off, not the nice long curve of original. 95% bluing on barrel group. Lightly used, stored in a purple velour presentation box with a silver fitted lining. No rust, damage, or missing parts. Functional.

Question:
Have tried to find a production date on what I believe is a replica / perhaps licensed (?) copy of the 1859 Pepperbox. The serial number is too low to be original. Have had zero luck on the Miroku firearms company. Any references would be appreciated. Ballpark valuation would be helpful. Thank you for your time. sammass4651@gmail.com if pictures would be helpful. Be Well. :-)

Answer:
Mike- The old C. Sharps company went out of business more than a century ago, so there is no way this could be a licensed copy. I recall hearing that someone had a bunch of replicas made up a decade or so ago, perhaps sold under the Navy Arms name. Miroku makes very nice quality guns, so this should be a quality piece, although the .22 long rifle is a lot more powerful than the original .22 short black powder loads the originals were designed for.

I found one of the copies made by Miroku sold on an auction site for $370.01, serial number 5460, so they probably made a bunch of them, and value would be close to that. My best guess on date would be circa 1980-2000, probably for the Cowboy Action Shooter market. John Spangler

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