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15817 - DWM RIFLE- “SPITZER BULLET
6/30/2018
Niel

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

Question:
I have an old military gun and am sending pictures separately. It has Spitzer bullet printed on the base of the barrel, it has a B in a circle, 55 in multiple places. a 7,9 on top. A jb in a circle on the bolt knob. Deutsche Waffen und Munitionsfabriken Berlin printed on side. It has a cartridge with it, says R-L 8 mm (8x57) that does fit in the gun. Can't find any serial numbers other than the 55 on the bolt, and barrel on the right side towards the base. No year stamp or serial numbers.

Answer:
Niel- Your rifle is made on a German made Model 1898 Mauser action made by Deutsche Waffen und MunitionsFabriken better known as DWM. The action is the standard military style and the barrel contours are also military style although it has had the original rear sight area trimmed a little and a small rear sight band added while the front sight remains the standard military style, allowing use of the muzzle cover shown in the photos. These actions were made with few changes from about 1898-1945 by DWM and a dozen other makers with different markings.

Exactly who assembled this rifle and when is a good question. It lacks the usual German proof marks required on all German made guns, so it is possible that this was assembled in the U.S. using a captured military rifle as the starting point and removing any extra marking from the barrel and receiver. The "55" (serial?) number suggests that whoever made it was involved in quantity production, not a simple one-off sporterizing job by a local gunsmith. The "Spitzer Bullet" marking ont he receiver ring is probably the best dating clue as it was marked on some sporting rifles made for sale by Hans Tauscher of New York City prior to WW1. The stock design with the rounded knob on the pistol grip and overall shape and checkering look to be typical European styles circa 1900-1940, not American styles popular when sporterizing WW2 Mausers brough home by returning soldiers.

However, the scope mount base made by Redfield with the crosshair/R logo dates from the 1960s and the bent bolt handle workmanship is lesser quality than the rest of the rifle, so I believe the scope and mount were added and the bolt handle bent and the ugly notch cut in the stock in the 1960s or 1970s. When originally sold it would have been intended for use with regular open sights, not a scope.

The circle B on the barrel may indicate the barrel maker or the steel used. I have not seen the marking on the bolt knob before, so I cannot tell what it means.

I am sure your rifle started out in 8mm Mauser caliber (also called 8x57mm Mauser or 7.92mm Mauser or 7.92x57mm- just different names for the same cartridge). Looksliek the bore needs a good cleaning, but after I do not see anything that would make me hesitate to shoot it, buy only an inspection by a competent gunsmith can tell if it is safe for someone else to shoot.

As far as value, I would expect to see one like this at a gun show selling for around $350-400 retail. Good solid old guns, but just not matching current tastes when competing against newer American made guns or different calibers. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15839 - 1916 Luger All Matching With `byf' Toggle
6/30/2018
Jim

Maker: ?, Model: 1916 Luger, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Markings:
All matching parts.

Question:
I would like to know the value of my 1916 German Luger. All matching parts, except magazine, pictures included.

Answer:
Jim, you have an unusual Luger in that it was made in 1916 and is all matching including the toggle. From the pictures you sent, I can see that there is some pitting and the grips look like wood but in the correct lighting I can see that they may be plastic. For the most part the Luger has correct stampings and acceptance markings for a WWI 1916. The one glaring inconsistency is the byf marking on the toggle, byf is the WWII German ordnance code assigned to Mauser-Werke, Oberndorf am Neckar, Germany.

It is anybody's guess how this 1916 Luger ended up with all matching numbers and a byf marked toggle but it does affect the value. I would expect to see a values for a WWI parts gun with light pitting at a gunshow to be in the $750 to $850 range. Sorry that I could not tell you that you have a real treasure, hope that this helps. Marc

15816 - BARET GUN CO SHOTGUN
6/26/2018
Mark

Maker: BARET GUN CO, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I found an old 12 gauge (i think) shotgun in my father's attic. It is a side by side double barrel. The only words O can read on it are "Baret Gun Co" the barrel is rusty along with trigger mechanism. Any information would be appreciated.

Answer:
Mark- I have no information on "Baret Gun CO." but think it may be a hard to read "Baker Gun Co." marking which was from a company that began about 1889 and eventually sold out to other makers who may have continued to use the name. They mainly made inexpensive guns for farmers and ranchers. Most were made for old black powder loaded ammunition and are not safe to use with modern ammunition. Values, even in good condition, tend to be very modest, maybe $50-150 range depending on visual appeal for something to hang over the fireplace. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15836 - Luger Holster Compartments
6/26/2018
Ed

Maker: ?, Model: Luger, Caliber: 9 MM, Barrel Length: 4¨ (?), Finish: Blued, SN: ?

Question:
Lower case letters ¨byf¨ on top of carriage. Number 9994 on left side of barrel above side release lever, numbers 94 at various other locations. Number 41 at top of barrel where it meets the main housing. Eagle emblem and ¨655¨ on opposite side of from 9994. Leather holster stamped Carl Hepting & Co., STGT FEUERBACH 1939.

As you can tell, I know nothing about guns. Found your page doing a search on Lugers. Pardon me for stupid questions. I enjoyed the other Luger questions, though. First of all, what is the little compartment in the top of the holster for? (Not the one for the magazine, but a much smaller one, sort of triangle-shaped.)Secondly, is the gun worth much (should I ¨keep¨ it, or take it out plinking). Gun is mint except that an engraved name C.F.SMITH on the side of the body, which I'm sure lowers the value. The holster is very good to excellent, some scuff marks. I even have a magazine with ¨old bullets¨ (some have non-discernible markings but a clear 1942 stamped on the rim. It has been recommended to me that I not fire any old ammo. How do I dispose of it? Thanks!

Answer:
Ed, I don't think that your questions are stupid, I remember asking one of the same questions years ago when I acquired my first Luger holster. The small compartment in the top of your holster is meant to hold a magazine tool. Magazine tools are shaped somewhat like a small letter " t " with the ends of the horizontal bar rounded and the top of the vertical bar bent at a 90 degree angle, In the center of the cross there is a hole that is fitted over the magazine charging button to aid in depression of the magazine spring while charging the magazine. The long end of the vertical bar has a slotted screwdriver tip that is used to aid in removal of the firing pin. You can usually find original magazine tools at gun shows selling for around $150.00, repros sell for around $25.00. Unfortunately the name that is engraved on your Luger will drastically affect it's value. Values for Lugers like yours in "mint" condition are in the $2500 range but the name will lower your value to $900 - $1000, your holster is worth $250 - $350. You can dispose of your old ammo by sending it to me Marc Wade

15815 - FN MADE .22 CALIBER RIFLE
6/23/2018
Keith

Maker: FN, Model: ?, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I have a gun question about my grandfathers .22 short barrel rifle, there is a serial number I think, but its only 5 digits. Photos attached.

Answer:
Keith- Your rifle was made by Fabrique National in Belgium, probably in the period 1910-1940. It is a relatively inexpensive single shot "boy's rifle" similar to those made by many gun makers during that time period. I don;t think there are a lot of these in the U.S, as American makers turned out huge quantities of them. This was probably sold in Europe and perhaps came to the U.S. when a family moved here, or possibly as a war souvenir brought home by an American soldier after WW1 or WW2. Condition is not great, so I would expect to find ones like this selling at a gun show in the $50-100 retail range. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15835 - Brazilian Contract Model 1917 S&W Revolver
6/23/2018
Nathan

Maker: Smith & Wesson, Model: Unknown Revolver, Caliber: 45 ACP, Barrel Length: Five And A Half Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
¨ S&W D.A. 45¨ stamped on barrel, on the right frame side, stamped, is an ornate star encircled with leaves, pierced by a sword, a banner below that with the words ¨ ESTADOS UNICOS DOBRAZIL 15 de NOVEMBRA de 1889¨ and the date 1937 below that.

Question:
Info wanted identifying S&W D.A. 45 cal. I've come into possession of a Smith & Wesson 45 caliber revolver and I'm interested in learning more about this firearm. I will be grateful for any information.

Answer:
Nathan, it sounds like you have a Brazilian contract model 1917 S&W revolver. Handguns chambered for 45 ACP were desperately needed once the USA had entered the First World War. To meet wartime demands, both S&W and Colt modified their standard large caliber revolvers to chamber 45 ACP. The S&W Mod. 1917 was just a Second Model .44 Hand Ejector chambered in .45ACP, with the cylinder shortened to accept the special half-moon clips required for speedy ejection of spent .45 ACP casings. In 1937 S&W accepted an order from the Brazilian government for 25,000 Model 1917's. The Brazilian contract S&W Model 1917 revolvers which were stamped with the Brazilian seal on the side plate, were delivered in October of 1938. I have seen Brazilian contract model 1917 S&W revolvers offered for sale at gunshows but the condition always seems to be poor and they do not seem to be selling very consistently.. Marc

15814 - .41 SHORT RIMFIRE AMMUNITION FOR DERRINGERS
6/19/2018
Jonathan

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

Question:
I am looking for 41 cal ammo for my Remington derringer- Price and quantity available, preferably box of 50?

Answer:
Jonathan- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. Have not had any for at least 5 years. John Spangler

15834 - .358 Model 88 Carbine
6/19/2018
Jeff, Washington

Maker: Winchester, Model: Model 88, Caliber: 358, Barrel Length: 19", Finish: Bluing, SN: 215797A

Markings:
Carbine, Barrel band

Question:
I bought this about 10 years ago, I was wondering if you could tell me anything about this gun. I would say it is 96 to 99 percent in condition, I've only shot it 2 times and I don't think it has seen more than a box or two of shells through it, could you tell me what it might be worth? I also have the same rifle in a 284 carbine, same condition. Thank you for your time Jeff.

Answer:
Jeff, your carbine was manufactured in the first year of Model 88 carbine production, 1968. The 19 inch Model 88 carbine was initially listed in the Winchester catalog in three calibers: .243, 284. and .308. By 1971, the Winchester catalog listed Model 88 carbines in .243 and .308 calibers only. I can find no mention of the Model 88 carbine ever being offered in .358. Blue book values for Model 88 carbines in .284 range from $475 to $1200. If your carbine is original, and not something put together at a later date, there is probably at least one individual willing to pay more for the unusual caliber. Marc

15813 - REMINGTON MODEL 30 EXPRESS PARTS
6/16/2018
Fred

Maker: Remington, Model: Model 30 Express, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
Fred- Hello, I have a Remington model 30 express 30-06 and I need a magazine spring and a magazine follower. Are these parts that you have available for sale or if not, could you advise where I might have a chance at finding/acquiring them? There are no markings on the barrel so I'm not sure if the year of manufacture but it does have the number 7450 below the model number and it cocks when lifting the bolt handle which I think dates it between 1932 and 1941? Anyway, please let me know of you have the two parts I need and I can provide payment/cc information. Thank you for your time and any help you can provide.

Answer:
Fred- As you know the Remington Model 30 was descended from the Model 1917. The follower and magazine spring for the Model 1917 rifles are identical with those for the M1903 Springfield. A M1903 Springfield follower and spring will work fine and if you get one made by Springfield there will not be any markings, and a M1917 follower and spring from any of the 3 makers will also work just fine, but they will have E, R or W marks to indicate the maker. All of these parts are readily available and inexpensive from many sources, or you may even have some on hand. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15833 - Winchester Model 1897 Trench Gun?
6/16/2018
Mark, San Diego, CA

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1897, Caliber: 12GA, Barrel Length: 20 Inches, Finish: Blue (about Totally Worn Off), SN: 411*** D

Markings:
Barrel stamped with "Full Choke"

Question:
I have not seen an 1897 with such a short barrel. It is rumored to have been an army trench gun or a police riot gun. It is a factory barrel and the serial number on the barrel matches the number on the butt. What is the approximate value? I have thought about getting it refinished -what will that do to the value? What is the possibility of it being a trench gun or a police issue? Thanks

Answer:
Mark, your Model 1897 was manufactured in 1909. It is possible that your 97 could have been a police riot gun, but it is unlikely that it was a U.S. military issue trench or riot gun. Not all, but the great majority of U.S. military issue Model 97's have a U. S. and / or ordnance bomb marking on left side of the receiver, the barrel should be marked with an ordnance bomb. U.S. military Model 97 serial numbers were preceded with an E and fell into 3 ranges 433144 - 4741304; 514382 - 566857; and 613303 - 697066 with most examples falling into the latter 613303 - 697066 range. If your Model 97 were U.S. issue, it could be quite valuable. Values for regular cut down commercial models with very little remaining finish are in the $100.00 to $150.00 range. I would advise against having this shotgun reblued... Marc

15832 - Maschinengewer Luger
6/12/2018
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.

15812 - WINCHESTER 94 DATE AND VALUE
6/12/2018
Tony

Maker: Winchester, Model: 94, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 1305646

Question:
I have a Winchester Model 94 - 30 w.c.f., serial number 1305646. I am trying to find out what it is worth and when it was made. Can you help me with that by chance?

Answer:
Tony- Winchester records do not break down for a certain period of time, so the best we can do is to estimate serial number 1305646 was made around 1946-1947. I usually see standard model 94 carbines of rifles from that period in average condition offered at gun shows priced around $500-800 retail. Hope that helps. John Spangler

15803 - PARKER 20 GA SHOTGUN
6/9/2018
Kim, Mays landing Nj

Maker: Parker, Model: 20 Gauge Sxs, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 28”, Finish: Parkerized, SN: 106531

Question:
Would like any information that I can find out about this gun

Answer:
Kim- I really do not know (or care) much about shotguns, even fine ones like Parkers. But, as an historian, I know where to find info. In this case, http://www.parker-shotguns.com/ has a lot of info on Parkers. Their very useful list of serial number dates shows your gun was made in 1902. You say the finish is Parkerized, and that is probably not original.

Charles Parker founded the firm “Parker Brothers” which made fine shotguns in Meriden, Connecticut from 1868-1934 when the business was sold to Remington. They used traditional metal finishes on their guns, blue and case hardening.

The “Parkerized” finish was first used on some U.S. military guns during WW1 and on almost all U.S. military guns during WW2. They used the “Parker Rust Proof Process” patented by Clark Parker of Detroit, MI, with the company later located in Cleveland, Ohio. This Parker has no connection to the shotgun Parkers as far as I know. The actual Parkerize process is one of several processes for applying a protective phosphate coating on ferrous metals, most commonly with manganese, iron or zinc phosphate. There were several other European inventors working on variations of the process before Parker became involved, and several more inventors working for Parker patented further improvements over the years. John Spangler

15831 - Marlin Model 19 Shotgun
6/9/2018
Constantine, Athens, Greece

Maker: Marlin Fire-Arms Co. New Haven. CT USA, Model: Model 19, Caliber: 12 Ga., Barrel Length: aprox.64cms, Finish: nickel, SN: 77456

Markings:
No special markings that I know of.

Question:
Dear Sir, I own a Marlin Pump action shotgun. Date written on the rifle. Pat'd Nov 1894,May 12 1896 and June 2 1896.Model 19 is written on the screw behind the hammer. Did this rifle have a metal buttplate? because mine has a leather piece screwed on. Can you help me find any information about this rifle, history, or where can I find out how to dismantle it without doing any damage? I wrote some time back to the Marlin Company and no response. Any info will be helpful. Thanks, C.

Answer:
Constantine, the Marlin Model 19 Takedown Shotgun was manufactured in 1906 and 1907, it was an improved and lightened version of the earlier Model 1898. The Model 19 had a 5 shot tube magazine and could be had with a choice of 26 inch through 32 inch barrels with various chokes. The Model 19 was an exposed hammer design with a pistol grip stock that a hard rubber buttplate. Grades A to D were available with the higher grades having specially grained walnut stocks with extra nice checkering and fancy engraving on the metal surfaces. Sorry but I have been unable to locate any takedown instructions for the Model 19. Marc

15811 - German WWII Police PPK
6/5/2018
Steve

Maker: Walther, Model: PPK, Caliber: 32, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 315XXXK

Markings:
Eagle over N on right side of slide and barrel and eagle over C on left side behind trigger.

Question:
I would like to know the approximate manufacture date and the meaning of the eagle over N & over C

Answer:
Steve, your PPK is a German wartime production police issue pistol and my references indicate that it was manufactured in 1941. Approximately 150,000 PPK pistols were procured for the German Military, Police, and NSDAP between the 1935 and April, 1945. The first PPK pistols manufactured shared the same serial number range with PP pistols. Soon after production reached one million, a new serial number series was initiated, which began with 100000. Thereafter, blocks of numbers allocated to PPK production were followed by the letter K as yours is.

The eagle over 'N' marking is a German commercial test proof that was set forth in the German National Proof Law of 7 June 1939, which became effective 1 April 1940. 'N' was the abbreviation for Nitro, meaning smokeless Powder.

The eagle/C marking is a German WWII vintage police acceptance stamp, these were located on the left side of the frame to the rear of the trigger. Hope this helps, Marc

15802 - SMITH CORONA 1903A3
6/5/2018
Keith, Dalhart, TX

Maker: Smith Carona, Model: 1903 A303, Caliber: 30-06, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Parkerized, SN: 4729256

Question:
Could you recommend a good reference book for details on Smith Corona. Mine appears to be all SC parts but looks unissued, there are no re -arsenal marks on the stock.

Answer:
Keith- I do not know of a book specifically on the Smith Corona made Model 1903A3 rifles, but there are several good books on Model 1903 rifles. The best is the massive book by William S. Brophy “The Springfield 1903 Rifles.” Bruce Canfield’s “Illustrated Guide to the ’03 Springfield Service Rifle” is also highly regarded. Clark Campbell’s “The ’03 Springfield Era” is also excellent. There is also a smaller format paperback from an outfit in California, but I do not have a high opinion of most of their books. There is also a book full of drawings by Jesse Harrison which I refuse to allow in my library as it is so full of nonsense among good information with no way to tell which is which that I rather have nothing than have it around. John Spangler

15829 - 455 Webley Mk VI Value
6/2/2018
David Andover Minnesota

Maker: Webley, Model: Mark V1, Caliber: 455, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 371579

Question:
Like new what is it worth

Answer:
David, .455 caliber Webley revolvers were used by the British armed forces for 60 years. The Mark I Webley was adopted in November 1887, and the last of the Webley service revolvers (the No. 1 Mark VI) was declared obsolete in 1947. All Webley service revolvers were of a similar top-breaking design with a heavy stirrup type catch. All of the Webley service revolvers have a "birds head" type grip except for the Mark VI whose grip is square. The Mark VI (called No.1 Mark VI after 1927), was adopted in May 1915, and over 300,000 were manufactured by Webley & Scott at Birmingham during World War I. After World War I some Mark VI's were produced at Enfield Lock. The British decided that .455 was too heavy a cartridge for the most effective use after World War I, and decided to use a .38 caliber cartridge based on the .38 Smith & Wesson instead. Webley designed a new pistol using many of the features of their commercial Mark III caliber .38 revolver. The .38 caliber design was taken over by Royal Small Arms Factory and adopted in World War II.

If your revolver is in like new condition, value will depend on matching numbers and if the cylinder has been trimmed to accept 45 ACP ammunition. There are two methods that I use to determine if a Mk VI cylinder has been trimmed. First I look at the numbers that are stamped on the outside of the cylinder at the back. If the lower portion of the numbers is missing, it is a good indicator that the cylinder has been shortened. Second I look at the back face of the cylinder. If the back face is flat, and/or unfinished metal, and/or shows signs of machining that do not match the rest of the revolver, there is a good chance that the cylinder has been modified.

Value for the revolver if it is all matching and un-trimmed is in the $1250 range or even more. Values for revolvers that have been trimmed is in the $600 range, less if the numbers do not match. Let us know if you decide to sell, you can contact us at the following link: http://oldguns.net/email/. Marc

15800 - REMINGTON 1903A3
6/2/2018
Tom

Maker: Remington, Model: 03A3, Caliber: 30.06, Barrel Length: 24'', Finish: Parkerized, SN: 3989693

Markings:
Barrel dated 9-43 There is the letter U stamped on the bottom of the barrel between the front sight and the stock.

Question:
What does the letter '' U '' indicate ? Thank You Tom

Answer:
Tom- I am pretty sure what you are seeing is not a “U” but if you turn it 90 degrees it will be a poorly struck “P” from final proof of the barrel after assembly as a complete rifle. John Spangler

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