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15899  - Ortgies Date Of Manufacture
9/29/2018
John

Maker: Ortgies, Model: ?, Caliber: 380 ACP, Barrel Length: 3 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: 38785

Question:
When would this have been manufactured?

Answer:
John, the founder of Ortgies (Heinrich Ortgies) was a German but he lived in Liege for many years, and may have been connected with the firearms business there. During his residence in Belgium, Ortgies designed an automatic pistol incorporating certain ingenious details which he patented in about 1916. After WWI, Ortgies returned to Germany and set up in business in Erfurt manufacturing the Ortgies pistol. Ortgies manufactured upwards of 10,000 pistols and they proved to be such a great success that Deutsche Werke of Erfurt made him an attractive offer to buy his business which he accepted. In 1921 Deutsche Werke took over the Ortgies patents, tools and stock, and began making Ortgies pistols. Original Orgies made pistols are marked on the slide 'Ortgies & Co Erfurt Ortgies Patent', the grips came with a bronze medallion with the intertwined initials 'HO', these grip medallions were retained by Deutsche Werke for some years, and they also retained the wording 'Ortgies Patent'. Later production dropped both these features.

I have not been able to find any serial number information that would tell us when your pistol was manufactured. The best that I can tell you is that the .380 caliber Ortgies pistols were made from 1922 to 1926. Marc




15878  - ADAN CARRUTH FLINTLOCK MUSKETS- FEDERAL & SOUTH CAROLINA
9/29/2018
Mark, Chicago, IL

Maker: Adam Carruth, Model: M1816, Caliber: 69, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Other, SN: ?

Question:
Good evening Oldguns.net, I have a quick question regarding a reference to a particular snippet of information that I was wondering if you could assist with. The exact quote reads as follows, but I am trying to figure out what reference book I am missing to gather that particular information from. I have Reilly, Moller, and Schmidt`s works, but can not find any additional information about Carruth, and the variation of A.Carruth Greeneille,SC. Thank you, Mark Krausz MarkTK36thIL@gmail.com ''There is also a variation marked A. CARRUTH and GREENVILLE, SC which is assumed to be for a state contract.'' ''# 14462 - Adam Carruth U.S. Military Musket 11/24/2012 William, Birmingham, Al. Answer: In November, 1816, Adam Carruth of Greenville, South Carolina. Took over the entire contract for 10,000 muskets which had originally been awarded in February, 1815 to Elias Earle of Centerville, South Carolina. He eventually delivered 2,250 muskets by December, 1821. Locks are marked ahead of hammer A. CARRUTH and behind hammer U.S. over date. There is also a variation marked A. CARRUTH and GREENVILLE, SC which is assumed to be for a state contract. These are among the scarcest of all U.S. Model 1816 musket contract makers, and being a possible “Confederate” arm adds to their allure and value. We would need to know more in order to put any sort of value, but figure about 50 - 00% more than a comparable condition example from one of the common makers. John Spangler

Answer:
Mark-  You also need to check Flayderman’s Guide under U.S. contract muskets Model 1812, (9A-177).  His data is somewhat dated, with Peter Schmidt and George Moller both doing excellent work on the contract muskets.  Schmidt is more focused on federal contracts and Moller likes state contracts as well as federal.  If neither of them concur with the statements in Flayderman then the Flayderman information is probably not correct.  (But, Flayderman’s Guide remains the single most useful reference book ever written for collectors of American arms!).  Note that Robert M. Reilly’s research notes are in the Louisiana State University Archives and you may want to visit there to see what he found and might not have ended up in his superb books.
There is an untouched example of a previously sold Carruth musket at http://www.antiquearmsinc.com/US-1816-Carruth-flintlock-musket-Greenville-Carolina-rifle-confederate-type-I-harpers-ferry-springfield.htm with some good info.  John Spangler




15846  - ADAM CARRUTH MUSKET
9/25/2018
Jason, Homer Glen, IL

Maker: Adam Carruth, Model: M1812/m1816, Caliber: .69, Barrel Length: Not Sure, Finish: Other, SN: N/A

Markings:
A. CARRUTH and GREENVILLE, SC

Question:
I was looking to find more information about the muskets made by Carruth that read '' A. CARRUTH and GREENVILLE, SC '' on the lock plate.

Answer:
Jason- I think that you and Mark are asking the same thing and must be connected some way. See Question 15878 below and that should help. John Spangler



15887  -
9/25/2018
Aubrey

Maker: Colt, Model: 1911 Military, Caliber: .45, Barrel Length: 5 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: 186850

Markings:
Model of 1911 US. army on right side of receiver and United States property stamped on left side of frame

Question:
What year was my military colt made in and what’s its worth in 90percent condition.

Answer:
Aubrey, Colt`s Patented Firearm Company entered into an arrangement with the firearms designer John M. Browning in the late 1800`s for the design of automatic pistols. Between 1900 and 1910 Browning designed and Colt manufactured the Model 1900, 1901, 1903 Pocket, the 1903 hammerless, and 1905 and the 1908 pistols. The U.S. Army was interested in replacing their revolvers with an automatic pistol and Mr. Browning with technical help from Colt began to develop an automatic pistol for the U.S. military pistol trials. Colt and Browning were successful and the result was the Colt Model 1911 in 45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol), the most widely recognized and copied pistol in the world today. The Model 1911 (and its product improved offspring the 1911A1) equipped the U.S. Army untill replaced by the Beretta M9 in the 1980`s. The Colt and Browning designed pistol is still a favorite among shooters all over the world.

My records indicate that your 1911 was manufactured in 1917. It is hard to put a price on a 1911 pistol without being able to examine it in person because there are many factors like bore condition, correct parts and more that can affect the value. My guess for value would be between $2000 and $3500. Marc




15884  - EBAC Pistol
9/22/2018
Sam; Springfield, IL

Maker: EBAC, Model: Unknown, Caliber: 6.35, Barrel Length: 2 1/4¨ Approx., Finish: Blue Steel, SN: NONE

Markings:
slide marked: Pistolet Automatique: EBAC Marque Deposee Cal. 6.35 m/m Grips embossed with EBAC in triangle Safety marked ¨S¨ and ¨F¨

Question:
Can you tell me anything about it and any idea as to value?

Answer:
Sam, the initials EBAC were applied to the French Unique 6.35mm automatic which was also sold as Le Sans Pareil. The slide is marked PISTOLET AUTOMATIQUE EBAC CAL6,35M/M, and the grips are marked with EBAC within a diamond. I could not find any information as to what EBAC stands for, my guess is that it refers to the company who marketed these pistols. Values for EBAC pistols are in the $50 to $150 range depending on condition. Marc



15877  - M1 30 CALIBER RIFLE MARKED RUSSIA
9/22/2018
Kelly Kern, Culpeper, VA

Maker: ?, Model: M1, Caliber: .30, Barrel Length: 609mm, Finish: Other, SN: CK6906

Markings:
A different serial number on one of the sides. Replaces the C with an S. The barrel has the word Russia engraved on it in very tiny print, followed by another long number.

Question:
What could the possible origin and/or worth of the gun.

Answer:

Kelly-  Let’s see if we can figure this out for you, since there is some contradictory information provided.
609mm equals about 24 inches so we know the length of the barrel, which would be right for a M1 Garand.  The serial number CK9606 or SK9606 is totally wrong for a U.S. M1 rifle.  Russia in tiny print on the barrel would be an “import mark” required by federal law identifying the country of origin, so it is more likely a Russian made rifle.  However, the Russian Mosin Nagant rifles had either 29 inch (730mm) long barrels on the rifle model and 20.2 inch barrels (514mm) for the carbines.  The Mosin Nagants were made for 7.62 x 54mm Rimmed ammunition, which is a .30 caliber bullet, but the cartridges are not identical to those of the M1 rifle.  If your rifle is bolt action and the other long number by the Russia marking is 7.62 x 54 then it is a Mosin Nagant, oossibly with the barrel cut down to 24 inches.
The C/S9606 marking sounds confusing, but is actually pretty simple.  Federal law requires the serial number to be marked on the gun, and when imported, the importer translated the number from the Russian Cyrillic alphabet which uses the “C” but in English is actually an “S”.  This way everyone gets to same serial number in their record books instead of some people using C and others S.  This confirms it is a Russian made gun,
The Russian made SCT-40 Tokarev rifle is a semi-automatic, roughly comparable to the U.S. M1 Garand, but a heavy, long awkward gun.  The Tokarev does have a 24 inch barrel, so I am guessing that is what you have.  These were used during WW2, and after being replaced by the world’s most popular assault rifle, the Avtomat Kalishnikov 1947 (AK-47) the Tokarevs were sold off in the surplus market circa 1960-1990s.  While pretty cheap initially, the surplus dealer inventory is pretty much gone, and on the collector market the SVT-40 Tokarev rifles are running around $1,000 depending on condition and any special features.  Hope that helps.  John Spangler




15888  - FIE Shotgun
9/18/2018
Joe, Lufkin, Tx

Maker: FIE, Model: Idk, Caliber: 12, Barrel Length: 19'', Finish: Stainless Steel, SN: 84129

Markings:
FIE with a tiger above those letters.

Question:
What is the model of the gun? Name or number?

Answer:
Joe, you did not give much information to base an answer on. I can tell you that F.I.E. is the acronym for Firearms Import & Export. If memory serves FIE was most active during the 1980s, they filed bankruptcy in November of 1990 and all models were discontinued at that time.

A quick Google search on "FIE Tiger" resulted in information on the FIE Titan Tiger, this model was a .38 revolver that came with either a blue or chrome finish, 2 or 4 inch barrel and fixed sights. Not much help since it looks like you have a 12 gauge shotgun with 19 inch barrel. Your best course of action would be to have the gun examined by a gunsmith for identification. Marc




15876  - FOREIGN PERCUSSION CONVERSION MUSKET
9/18/2018
Kevin, Fife Lake, MI.

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: 70, Barrel Length: 41'', Finish: Blue, SN: 4912

Markings:
2:F:G:M:C:4:S:N°70

Question:
Looks to be a cap and ball conversion from a flintlock. Military. What is it?

Answer:
Kevin- The markings are foreign, but it is hard to pin down what country. My guess is some Germanic state (prior to German unification in 1870) or one of the Scandinavian countries. Surplus (and usually obsolete) military arms from all those places were brought to the U.S. during the Civil War, so there are a lot of them in the U.S. for collectors to enjoy. Search for “imported Civil War muskets” and click on images and that may turn photos to help you identify this. John Spangler



15866  - RUSSIAN NAVAL PISTOL?
9/15/2018
Robert W. Grose Jr

Maker: Russian Naval, Model: ?, Caliber: 50 Cal. ?, Barrel Length: 6 To 8, Finish: Blue, SN: N/A

Markings:
have bench markings on barrel, believe they are Russian. Horse traded with my late uncle for this. any info would be helpful.

Question:
any info would be grateful.

Answer:
Robert- Russian guns before the 1891 Mosin Nagant rifle or M1895 Nagant revolver are scarce in the United States, and information on them is almost as scarce. The best sources are on line searches for terms like “Russian pistol” and it is good to try “image search” since it is easier to visually check to see if something looks remotely similar to what you have. Value on these is pretty much whatever a willing buyer and seller can agree on, so if you and your uncle are on good terms, it was probably a fair deal. John Spangler



15891  - Phoenix 25
9/15/2018
Linda, Mukwonago, WI

Maker: Phoenix, Model: P -A- 51, Caliber: 25 Auto, Barrel Length: 4 Inches, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: 6259

Markings:
Pearl handles

Question:
How old is this gun? It belonged to my Grandpa. I am interested in hearing any information about it.

Answer:
Linda, my references contain information on two types of Phoenix pistol. The first is the .25 caliber Jieffeco manufactured by Robar (q.v.) of Liege, Belgium, it is marked PHOENIX LOWELL MASS. USA PATENT, This presumably refers to an American importer active in the 1930s. The second gun is also a .25 caliber, it resembles the usual 1906 pattern Browning but has an external hammer concealed within a slot in the rear of the slide so that only the serrated top may be seen when down, The gun has an unusual knurled-button dismantling catch midway along the frame on both sides, and is marked only PHOENIX ARMS PATENT,with a crown and PHOENIX on the grips. Some sources attribute this pistol to the Viktoria Arms Co of Eibar, but no other record of this company exists. There is not allot of collector interest in either of these two models and values for them tend to be modest. Marc



15864  - Marlin 30-30
9/11/2018
John, Maumelle, Arkansas

Maker: Marlin, Model: Unknown, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: 20 Inch, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: R26525

Markings:
Jm marked on barrel

Question:
What is the model of this gun? Or anything else you can tell me about this gun.

Answer:
John- Marlin made many different rifles in .30-30 caliber, all of them good reliable guns made of good materials with nice fit and finish. However, they were also pretty good about marking them with the model, usually on the upper tang behind the hammer (sometimes obscured by a tang sight) or on the barrel. Without that we would only be guessing. Since it has an “R” in the serial number, my guess is that it is a Marlin 36 or 336 made sometime in the mid to late 20th century. John Spangler



15867  - Browning 12 Ga
9/11/2018
Phillip Andalusia Al.

Maker: Browning, Model: 12 Gauge, Caliber: 12, Barrel Length: 28'', Finish: Blue, SN: H 18545

Question:
how old is this gun and possible value condition good

Answer:
Phillip, our main focus at FineOldGuns.com (OldGuns.net) is military firearms. We sometimes list sporting shotguns for sale in our catalogs but we do not have a lot of interest in collecting them and are by no means experts in this field. There are several dealers listed on our links page that specialize in shotguns who would be able to give you a better answer to your question. With that being said, I can tell you that I do not think that "12 Gauge" is the model of your shotgun and not knowing the model makes answering your question much more difficult. A quick look at the information posted at proofhouse.com indicates that the "H" part of your serial number may be a code for Browning Citori Over-Under Shotguns manufactured in 1973 or Browning Semi-Automatic Five (A-5) Standard Weight shotguns manufactured in 1954. Hope this helps. Marc



15865  - JC Higgins Model 88
9/8/2018
Krista, Bosque Farms,NM US

Maker: JC Higgins, Model: Model 88, Caliber: 22cal, Barrel Length: 3 1/2”, Finish: Blue, SN: 583881

Markings:
Has a plastic grip with JC Higgins on both sides. Also on the body of the pistol is another number down by the trigger 704989

Question:
My grandfather gave me this pistol and was wandering if it’s worth anything. I’m going to keep it because it was his but was just trying to find out something about it. Thanks for your help Krista

Answer:
Krista The JC Higgins Model 88 was manufactured for Sears by High Standard, it is their Sentinel model/. The Standard Catalog of Firearms indicates that the Sentinel was made for Sears form 1959 until 1965. There is not allot of collector interest in JC Higgins marked firearms in general and values for them are modest. I was able to find an owners manual for your little revolver at the following link:

http://pdf.textfiles.com/manuals/FIREARMS/jchiggins_88.pdf.

Hope this helps, Marc.



15847  - M1903 SPRINGFIELD DATE OF MANUFACTURE
9/8/2018
RALPH BEDFORD HILLS NEW YORK

Maker: SPRINGFIELD, Model: 03, Caliber: 30/06, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 1523958

Question:
good morning.. I have a Springfield 03 ww2 the serial number is 1523958 I checked it and your sight states made in 1938 on top of my barrel states under sa marking 3/39 are they fairly close are they exact? thank you ralph

Answer:
Ralph- You need to remember that the U.S. Army adopted the M1 Garand in 1936 and after that all their production efforts were focused on the “new” rifle, and work n M1903 rifles was limited to assembly of National match rifles and occasional odds and ends for specific needs, but most of the late 1930s parts made ended up as just that, parts to be used on overhaul and repair operations to maintain the obsolete M1903 rifles still being used by the Navy, Marine Corps and lower priority Army units. While in “normal” full production the barrel dates and receiver dates track along pretty closely, during the final days of the M1903 support there can be much wider variations. In my opinion the barrel date is good for the barrel, but final assembly may have been a year or two after that, perhaps a “manufacturing” a complete rifle, or more likely as the basis for a rebuilt rifle using serviceable parts in the overhaul and repair shops also located at Springfield, but paid for out of a different pot of money than “new rifle manufacture” pot. John Spangler



15883  - MAB Model A
9/4/2018
Greg, New Orleans, LA

Maker: Pistolet Automatique 6 35 "MAB" Brevete, Model: Pistolet Automatique 6 35 "MAB" Brevete, Caliber: .25, Barrel Length: Approximately 2-1/8" Long, Finish: Blue, SN: CANNOT FIND A SERIAL NUMBER

Markings:
The end of the barrel has 10 oval shaped slots around it. Each are approximately 1/4" long and 1/8" wide. The gun is 4-1/2" long at the slide.

Question:
I'm curious about the history of this gun...where did it come from, how old is it, etc?

Answer:
Greg, Manufacture d'Armes de Bayonne (MAB) of Bayonne, France has been in business since 1921. From 1940 to 1944 the MAB factory was under German control, and they manufactured pistols for the German military and police. After WWII, MAB resumed production of commercial pistols. I believe that you have a MAB Model A, the Model A was a well made 6.35mm blowback semi-automatic pistol based on the Browning 1906 design with grip and magazine safety. I have no serial number information on the Model A, it was the first model produced by MAB in 1921 and it has remained in production up to the present, this makes it hard to pin down a date of manufacture. Marc



15838  - Marlin 39A VALUE
9/4/2018
John Norwood, North Carolina

Maker: Marlin, Model: 39A, Caliber: 22 Cal, Barrel Length: 24 Inch, Finish: Blue, SN: 1979

Question:
Hello, I need to know what the appraised value of this rifle is worth. It is very good condition with no marks or dings on the stock and bluing is in great condition.

Answer:
John- The last five Model 39A Marlins to sell on GunBroker.com went at prices in the $400-800 range. Note that most of these were great condition and early dates making them more desirable to collectors than other guns which show more use or lack some desirable features. We very seldom deal in Marlins, so we really do not have any better feel for prices. John Spangler



15892  - US Carbine Cal..30 M1,. National Postal Meter
9/1/2018
jeff.okmulgee.oklahoma

Maker: Inland/Underwood, Model: US M1 30 Carbine, Caliber: .30, Barrel Length: ¨18., Finish: Blue, SN: 2745508 ¨N¨ STAMPED BELOW #

Markings:
walnut stock, lots of character, fine condition.

Question:
original theater of operations, service record, fair market value.

Answer:
Jeff- These were all produced during WW2, but there is very little info on where particular guns went after their initial delivery to the ordnance department. Most got shifted around among several units of the U.S. military, with some left in use by the Navy and Air Force until the late 1960s. Many were sold off through the DCM program in the 1960s for under $20 each. Huge numbers were given to various allies, friendly nations, and ungrateful semi-hostile nations as foreign aid from mid WW2 on. I understand that the Army Special Forces still have some for training purposes, but had a heck of a time getting parts for them….a problem solved by the ingenuity of the American GI that can be told another day. Many of these foreign aid guns have been imported in recent years, with prices as low as $139 each in the early 1990s. Anti-gun Congressmen are trying to prevent DCM from selling any more M1 carbines under the guise of "anti-crime or safety or some other BS reason, covering their true anti-gun agenda. A larger group of pro-gun Congressmen requested the Secretary of the Army to ignore such foolishness and proceed with sales. Right now decent M1 carbines seem to sell at the $300-400 level, with really nice matching original ones nearly double that. Okay- a story for yours- Maybe it was used by Army troops landing on Okinawa, then after overhaul reissued to Marines for use in Korean War, then overhauled again and given to the South Vietnamese. Captured by the Viet Cong and then liberated by an American soldier who smuggled it home in his duffel bag. (Was that worse than being a dope-smoking draft-dodger leading protests against their own country?) Heck, you can probably make up a better story yourself, so go for it... John Spangler



15890  - Progress Shotgun
9/1/2018
Peggy, Jackson Ohio

Maker: Progress, Model: 215, Caliber: Not Sure Shot Gun, Barrel Length: 22, Finish: Other, SN: 0253

Markings:
Small dog with duck in his mouth on the stock

Question:
What is the worth. And I`m not sure what I have, sorry. The most I can figure out is Belgium fine Damascus double barrel shot gun with number 215 on top of barrel and 0253 under the in side of the stock.

Answer:

Peggy, our main focus at FineOldGuns.com (OldGuns.net) is military firearms. We sometimes list sporting shotguns for sale in our catalogs but we do not have a lot of interest in collecting them and are by no means experts in this field. A quick Google search on Progress shotguns led me to the following information at this links:

https://www.migunowners.org/forum/showthread.php?92103-Double-Barrel-Shotgun-that-has-quot-Progress-quot-stamped-onto-the-side

http://www.heirloomarmes.com/chapuis_pop.htm

 

PROGRESS SIDE-BY-SIDE SHOTGUNS
Just like their express rifle counterparts, the Progress shotguns are built on the Chapuis Armes double under lug locking system. This gives them a very sleek shape and exceptional strength. The incredible balance and light weight of these all steel shotguns make them very fast handling and a joy to carry.

Stocks are sculpted from Circassian or French walnut in either traditional English straight grip or pistol grip, with a semi-beaver tail forend. Barrel lengths include 24”, 26”, and 28”. Barrels can be bored, polished, and internally shaped for steel shot on request. Barrels are choked per customer request and fitted with ejectors and full length ribs unless otherwise requested. Sling swivels available at no charge on request. Calibers include : 12 ga. 2 ¾”, 12 ga. 3” 16 ga. 2 ¾”, and 20 ga. 3”.

PROGRESS CLASIC
Chrome bores, Coin finish on the receiver, Ejectors, English scroll engraving, Double triggers, Hand checkering, Dimensions on stock per customer request, Shipped in a molded case.

RGP MODEL - Box lock model with AAA walnut and plastic butt plate

Cal. / Retail
12 and 16- 2 ¾” / $2600
Cal. 12- 3” / $2700
20- 3” / $2900

RP MODEL - Box lock with side plates, AAAA walnut, Rosewood butt plate

Cal. / Retail
12 and 16 - 2 ¾” / $3600
12 - 3” / $3700
20 - 3” / $3900

RGP ARTISAN
Sculptured box lock receiver, Full coverage medium relief hand engraving, Floral décor and game scenes, AAAAA Fancy walnut, Shipped in a trunk type fabric covered case.

Cal. / Retail
12 and 16 - 2 ¾ / $5800
12 - 3” / $5900
20 - 3” / $6200

RP ARTISAN
Same as above except: Box lock with side plates, Floral décor with “al bulino” game scenes.
Cal. / Retail
12 and 16 - 2 ¾” / $7000
12 - 3” / $7100
20 - 3” / $7500

PROGRESS CUSTOM SHOP MODELS
Hand sculpted receiver, Coin finish, Exhibition Grade Walnut, Rosewood butt plate, Medium relief engraving with “al bulino” game scenes, Fitted linen and leather trunk case.

LUXUS
Sculpted Box Lock
All Cal. Retail-$9500

ROYAL
Model with Side Plates
All Cal. Retail- $13000

OPTIONS
Special stock designs and wood upgrades
Splinter forend
Extra barrels- Rifle and smoothbore
Special bore finish for steel shot
Custom engraving patterns
Single non-selective trigger

If this is the type of shotgun that you have, you are in luck but if your luck is like mine, it is more likely that your shotgun is 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.

Good luck, I hope that it turns out that you have a real treasure. Marc