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16344 - SPENCER RIFLE (?) USAGE INFORMATION
10/31/2020
JIM HELTON

Maker: SPENCER 1860, Model: ?, Caliber: 52, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 5078

Question:
PLEASE HELP ME FIND A CONTACT THAT MIGHT HAVE HISTORICAL RECORDS FOR THE LISTED SERIAL NUMBER

Answer:
Jim- You did not provide information on the barrel length, so we assume this is a rifle, not the carbine model, because there are mostly rifles found with nearby serial numbers. The only source of usage information on these that I know of is the Springfield Research Service, based on the wonderful work done by the late Frank Mallory. He diligently combed the National Archives for serial number information, mostly buried in obscure documents. Not all records survived, and there are huge gaps, and it is important to note that arms were not always manufactured, shipped, or issued in strict numerical sequence, so just being close does not prove any similar usage to numbers which have been found.

There is no known surviving information on usage of Spencer serial number 5078, nor any likelihood that any will be discovered in the future.

That said, it must be noted that quite a few Spencers with nearby serial numbers were associated with the 72nd Indiana Volunteer Infantry from May 1863 to sometime in 1864. It is possible (but by no means certain) that your saw similar usage, but also possible that they were somewhere else entirely.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16362 - DWM Luger Markings
10/31/2020
William W. DuBose

Maker: DWM, Model: P-08, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I am trying to gather information about the markings on my pistol. Can you determine a production date by the markings I have supplied? What can you tell me about the markings? Is the S.M. an abbreviation for a unit name and the 342 a inventory number? Any information you can send me about the markings on my pistol will be greatly appreciated. Below is the details of my pistol Unit marking of S.M.342. is stamped in the metal on the front bottom of the grip. 'N' with a crown on top. One is on the bottom of barrel above the serial number and the other is on the left side of the pistol between the side plate and the barrel. There is another marking that looks like an italic 'y' with wing tips on it. One appears below the serial number on the bottom of the barrel and the other is on the front of the receiver between the trigger guard and the barrel. The initials DWM are on top of the toggle. The word Geladen is on the load indicator (not sure the correct term for this part).The word Gesichert is beside the safety lever. I have disassembled the gun and each part except the clip has the number 78 stamped on them. I assume this is the last two numbers of the serial.

Answer:
William, your Luger was manufactured by Deutsche Waffen u. Munitionswerke, Berlin-Borsigwalde, Germany (DWM). The S.M. 342 stamping that you describe sounds like a post WWI Prussian State Police unit marking. Post WWI Prussian State Police unit markings consist of a series of two to four letters sometimes followed by Roman numerals, lastly followed by Arabic numbers. The capital letters S., K. or L. form the first portion of the police unit marking and they stand for the following:
K. Kriminalpolizei (detective police force)
S. Schutzpoliezi (municipal police force)
L. Landjagerei (rural constabulary)
The next portion of the police unit marking consists of one to three letters representing an administrative district, in your case, the "M." stands for Munster. Sometimes Roman numerals will appear after the district indicating the number of the police unit. Lastly the Arabic numerals indicate the individual weapon number. The "Crown N" stampings that you describe sound like German Nitro proof marks that were used from 1911/12 to 1939. Based on the preceding data, I would guess that your Luger was manufactured between the end of WWI and 1939. The italic letter "y" is the suffix of your serial number. The 78 that is stamped on some parts is a number used to match those parts to the pistol. The stampings Gesichert and Geladen mean safe and loaded. I hope that this helps you, if you ever want to sell your Luger let us know... Marc

16332 - UNIDENTIFIED PERSIAN(?) BARREL
10/27/2020
Jay, Summerville, sc

Maker: Unknown. Persian???, Model: Unknown, Caliber: Unknown, Barrel Length: 57 Inch, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: UNKNOWN?. TOO OLD FOR SN

Markings:
Engravings on entire length of barrel. Three inlaid designs. Copper plate wrapping.

Question:
Just need to get information on this barrel and if there is someone who collects this type of item. Can send photos..

Answer:
Jay- Thanks for the photos, they help a lot. They show a barrel about 55 inches LONG(!), octagon at the breech where is appears well made, and round at the muzzle where it looks more like a piece of pipe than a gun barrel. There is a wooden forearm piece running most of the length, with several very wide bands of copper(?) wrapped around to secure them, with crude stamped decorations. The breech section has a rear sight, three sunken panels with markings and some geometric etching or engraving, shown in the photo below.

In my opinion the barrel is actually a composite of an original barrel at the rear, and somewhere under the copper bands it has been ``stretched`` to its present length, and probably assembled into a complete gun long ago. The breech has what appear to be Persian or Islamic style markings and decorations. (see photo)

This would fall into the general category of ``camel gun`` or more eruditely a ``jezail`` as Middle Eastern long barrel flintlock type guns are known. There are few collectors of these, and they seem to appeal mainly for decorative use, or as souvenirs from their region of use along the African coast of the Mediterranean to Turkey, and into India and the Arabian world. Dollar value for complete guns is usually low, and if you could find a buyer for this, it would probably be a price in double digits, and shipping costs probably higher than the value of the barrel.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16371 - Mauser Broomhandle Date Of Manufacture Year For Oppressive Government Regulation
10/27/2020
Adam

Maker: Mauser, Model: Broomhandle, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 7363

Question:
Good day I have a Mauser broomhandle serial number 7363 . I see from your website that you list it as 1897 . For legal purposes in Canada I must prove the date with certainty to our royal Canadian mounted police . I have pictures of course and can provide any further information. Thanks in advance for ANY assistance you can provide .

Answer:
Adam, the serial number - date information that we have provided on the web site is everything that I have, if you need more than that, try posting a question at the Jan C. Still Luger Forums https://www.lugerforums.com/. Marc

16329 - INDIA PATTERN BROWN BESS PROOF MARKS?
10/24/2020
Peter. Prescott AZ USA

Maker: Land Pattern Musket - Tower, Model: 1810 India Pattern, Caliber: .75, Barrel Length: 39 In, Finish: Other, SN: 186

Markings:
Flag over oval over star

Question:
What does this proof mark mean? I can supply pic. Thx. Pete

Answer:
Pete- Your photo shows markings I do not recognize as being any type of proof marks. It is possible that they are indigenous unit markings applied somewhere that was a British colony, perhaps in the neighborhood or India, or somewhere in Africa, or anywhere else where the sun never sets, (or was that where ``the sun don`t shine?). It is also possible that they are intended to imitate proof marks to fool gullible buyers, applied by some craftsman who made the gun, likely in the Khyber pass region. My gut feeling is that these are a unit or inventory marking, but I would really expect to see regular British proof marks on the left rear portion of the barrel. Without seeing the gun in person, I really cannot tell you more. Looks like it is in good condition, perhaps too good condition to be original, and well made, which is unusual for Khyber pass gun, so who knows.

Hope that helps. John Spangler

16374 - Double Date Luger Value
10/24/2020
Mike

Maker: DWM, Model: Luger, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 4, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
All matching numbers except for the take-down lever.

Question:
I have a weapon that my father brought home from Germany after WWII. 1 is a 9mm Luger with date stamp 1918 and a second 1920. Trying to find out values and also looking to find a good home for them, The Luger has been fired and is operational, I think the number on the take down lever doesn`t match. Let me know if you can help. I could send pictures. Thanks, Mike

Answer:
Mike, other than the mis-matched take-down lever, it looks like a nice Luger, it was probably used by the German Army in 1918 and then re-stamped after WWI, in 1920 when it was in use by the Weimar Republic. Walter`s book ``The Luger Story`` indicates that ``1920`` was a property stamp used on all German small arms at the time including machine guns, sub-machine guns, anti-tank rifles, rifles, Lugers, other substitute handguns, bayonets, sabers and cavalry lances. Value for WWI vintage Lugers is less than it is for their WWII counterparts, it can range anywhere from about $300 for a pistol in terrible condition to over $1200 if the pistol is in excellent condition. With the mis-matched part, I would estimate value to be around $1000, if it comes with a proper WWI vintage magazine. Marc

16375 - Mis-Read Pistol Markings
10/20/2020
Jason Athens Maine USA

Maker: Remington Road Inc, Model: 1911A1, Caliber: 45 AUTO, Barrel Length: 5 I THINK, Finish: Handgun - Blue, SN: 1756130

Markings:
US Army issue 1911A1 the name Remington Road Stlyracuse NY the serial number of 1756130 and the 3 digit code FJA

Question:
Hello. I am trying to find out where and when my Dads old 1911 was made. The only thing stamped on the weapon is US Army issue 1911A1 the name Remington Road Stlyracuse NY the serial number of 1756130 and the 3 digit code FJA I have looked at the Remington site and yours to track down the codes but F is not a month code and there is no JA code either. Just would like to surprise him with the history of this firearm. He has had it for a very long time and it is still his daily carry. Any info would be appreciated. Jason

Answer:
Jason, I am afraid that you have been looking in the wrong place for serial number information because you have mis-read the markings on your pistol, the markings should read as follows:

REMINGTON RAND, INC.
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK

For first type slides that came on pistols - serial numbered from 916405 to roughly 935000 or:

REMINGTON RAND, INC.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. U. S. A.

For second and third type slides that came on pistols serial numbered beginning at roughly 935000.

Your pistol was manufactured in 1944, by Remington Rand, one of the world`s largest manufacturers of typewriters at that time and it should have the ``REMINGTON RAND, INC. / SYRACUSE, N.Y. U. S. A.`` marking on the slide.

It may seem strange that a typewriter maker would be in the pistol business, but the ability to mass produce metal parts to precise tolerances made it possible to divert company output to firearms manufacturing in times of great need. As a result, you will find the Smith Corona typewriter company making the U. S. Model 1903A3 rifle, and IBM and the Rockola Juke Box Company making the M1 Carbine.

Remington Rand was one of the many manufacturers who entered firearms production for World War II. The Ordnance Department contracted with five manufacturers to make 1911 pistols - Colt, Singer Sewing Machine Company, Remington Rand Typewriter Company, Ithaca Firearms Company, and Union Switch and Signal Company. Of these five Remington Rand made the most, nearly one million. Remington Rand pistols were considered by the military to be built to the tightest tolerances, this is why the Army used their frames to create National Match pistols in the 1960`s.

On the right side of the frame of your pistol, near the hammer there should be an ``ordnance escutcheon`` symbolizing final inspection and acceptance by the ordnance department, these usually very lightly struck. The ``FJA`` marking stands for Frank J. Atwood Lt.Col., he inspected M1911A1 .45 Auto Pistols made By Ithaca, Union Switch & Signal and Remington Rand, Remington .30 M1903A3 Rifles, National Postal Meter .30 M1 Carbine 1942-1944. Hope that this helps, Marc

16331 - WINCHESTER MODEL 94 OR MODEL 64
10/20/2020
LeRoy Gary George

Maker: WINCHESTER, Model: 94?, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 3792577

Question:
DO`NT KNOW YEAR OF MANUFACTURE OR WHICH MODEL 94 OR 64

Answer:
Gary- Your serial number would make the date of manufacture sometime in the early 1970s. The Model 64 was first made circa 1933-1957, basically a fancied up Model 94, with a pistol grip stock instead of a straight grip, and usually with a shorter than barrel-length magazine, and a few other minor details. About 67,000 were made in that period.

The Model 64 was reintroduced again briefly from 1972-1973, and all those rifles were 30-30 caliber with a 5-shot 2/3 magazine tube, 24`` barrel, open sights and plain pistol-grip walnut stock.

If your rifle matches those specifications, it may be a Model 64, but remember, Most Winchesters made after 1964 are worth less than the same model made prior to 1964 when they adopted ill-advised cost cutting measures which also cut quality. Hope that helps. John Spangler

16370 - Sharps 1874
10/17/2020
Brian Mansfield Ohio

Maker: Sharps, Model: 1874, Caliber: .50 Sharps, Barrel Length: 30, Finish: Long Gun - Blue, SN: UNKNOWN AT THIS TIME.

Markings:
Sharps Rifle Company Bridgeport Conn Old Reliable

Question:
How do I go about dating pricing an original 1874 Sharps Old Reliable I came across one a guy at work has for sale. Pictures look awful nice... maybe too nice refinish but hes asking 1800 so I don`t think I can go too wrong. Gonna go look at it in person tomorrow.

Answer:
Brian- Sounds like a nice sporting rifle at a reasonable price. Date of manufacture can probably be figured out from the info in Flayderman, but more precisely from the info in the books by Frank Sellers (out of print and hard to find) or the new books by Roy Marcot.

Dr. Richard Labowskie in Philadelphia can provide a letter on individual rifles from data in the original Sharps records, if they are in the volumes he owns. (There is a fee for this.)

Mansfield is a nice town. Back when we lived near Akron, I used to go to the Mansfield show, but that was 40+ years ago. I still wave (and obey the speed limit on I-71) when we get back east.

16365 - Remington Model 11 Value
10/17/2020
Dan Las Vegas NV USA

Maker: Remington, Model: Model 11, Caliber: 12 Gauge, Barrel Length: 27 Inches, Finish: Shotgun (Non-Military) - Don`t Know, SN: 203463

Markings:
The Remington Arms Union Metallic CTG. Co..Inc. Remington Ilion WKs. Ilion NY USABrownings Patents October.9.1900.Dec.17.1901.Sept.30.1902. And June 16.1903.

Question:
What do you think this gun might be worth

Answer:
Dan, about 300,000 Model 11s were made between 1911 and 1948. The design was based on the John M. Browning patents granted on the dates marked on the barrel, it was very similar to the Browning shotguns. Remington made these for U.S. sales under license from FN.

Remington firearms that were manufactured between 1921 and 1972 have a two or three letter code on the left side of the barrel that can be used to determine the month and year of manufacture. The first letter identifies the month, the other letter or letters identify the year.

If your shotgun has the code on it`s barrel, you can follow the Remington Dates of Manufacture link on the OldGuns.net navigation menu and enter it to get your date of manufacture. If your shotgun does not have the code on the barrel, then it must have been manufactured between the year that the model was introduced (1911) and 1921.

As for value, although it is an excellent design, there is not much collector interest in the old Remington Model 11s and sportsmen don`t want them because they can`t use steel shot. Values in the blue book are in the $100 to $400 range but it has been my experience that except for those that have U.S. markings, they are hard to sell. Marc

16369 - 511 Scoremaster
10/14/2020
Brandon Lawrence is USA

Maker: Remington, Model: 511 Scoremaster, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: 25in, Finish: Long Gun - Blue, SN: KH41

Markings:
Circle with a t on top stamped on right side of barrel an kh41 it looks like on left side

Question:
Was wanting to know what scoremaster 511

Answer:
Brandon, the Remington 511 line was first available to the public in April 1939. When first introduced there were three different 511 types, the 511A, the 511P and the 511SB.

The Model 511A had a detachable box-magazine which held six rounds of .22 Short, Long, or Long Rifle ammunition, a ten-shot magazine was an optional accessory. Sights were a ramp white metal bead blade-type front, and a sporting type step-adjustable rear. 511A weight was five pounds, twelve ounces. 511A barrels were marked: MODEL 511. When first introduced the 511A sold for $11.50.

The Model 511P is the same as the 511A except that it had a Partridge-type front sight mounted on a non-glare ramp and a Remington Point Crometer rear peep sight, adjustable for windage and elevation, with two interchangeable discs. 511P barrels were initially marked MODEL 511-P, later rifles were marked MODEL 511P. When first introduced the 511P sold for $11.95.

The Model 511SB - was the same as the Model 511A except it was a smoothbore chambered for .22 Long Rifle shot cartridges only. The 511SB had a white metal bead shotgun-style front sight and no rear sight. 511SB barrels were marked MODEL 511 and 22 CAL. SMOOTH BORE. When first introduced the 511SB sold for $11.50.

Model 511 production was interrupted during World War II but resumed for the models 511A and 511P after the end of the war in 1945. The Model 511P was discontinued in December 1960, and the Model 511A was discontinued in 1963. Total Model 511 A, P and SB production was 381,267.

Remingtons made between 1921 and 1972 have a code located usually on the left side of the barrel near the frame that identifies the year and month of manufacture. The following letters correspond to the months of the year, for example B=January, L= February and so on [ B - L - A - C - K - P - O - W - D - E - R - X ]. The following letters correspond to the year of manufacture starting in 1921 and ending in 1972. [ M - N - P - R - S - T - U - W - X - Y - Z - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - J - K - L - MM - NN - PP - RR - SS - TT - UU - WW - XX - YY - ZZ - A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - J - K -L - M - N - P - R - S - T - U - W ]. As you can see there are some problems with this dating system. Marc

16349 - Great Find
10/14/2020
David, Nesquehoning,PA

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1866 ??, Caliber: Have No Idea, Barrel Length: 20'' ??, Finish: Blue, SN: 126792

Markings:
Reminds me of an old saddle lever action, brass plate above the lever action and I have no idea what caliber it is

Question:
Can you tell me if it`s worth anything and what caliber it might be. Thank You David

Answer:
Congratulations! You have a Winchester Model 1866 carbine, and it appears to be in very good to fine original condition. These are very popular with collectors, especially in ``attic`` condition like this. It was made in 1876.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO POLISH THE BRASS or clean it in any way, as that can drastically hurt the value.

There are many subtle nuance on these with different variations in the model, and the condition is very important. Based on these photos, I am confident that a retail price on this would be around $5,000, and possible higher, maybe even double that if condition is better than I can tell from these photos.

Hope that helps. It is so great to be able to give someone good news about the old gun they found in the attic. Usually they turn out to be ratty old broken double barrel shotguns worth almost nothing.

If you want to consider selling, we would be glad to handle this on a consignment basis, where our fee is 20% of the actual selling price, deducted when sold. No sale, no fee. We would have to actually see the gun to recommend a listing price, but I am sure it would be at least $5,000. Let us know if you would like to consider this.

Grand Mother gave you a very nice gift!

John Spangler

16368 - Early Walther P.38
10/10/2020
Tom Waterville Me. USA

Maker: Walther, Model: P.38, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 2.5, Finish: Handgun - Don`t Know, SN: 4302B

Markings:
German military issue Eagle and swastika markings Proof marked 358 P.38 AC 41 4302b no mark on trigger guard proof marked 358

Question:
I have a German military issue P.38 AC 41 Serial 4302b second series matching numbers except for the magazines 2 magazines one 7130b non original to weapon and one unmarked w capture papers. the holster is marked Carl Ackva Bad Kreuzanch Eagle and Swastika stamp wa286 1939 pin buckle . Take down tool and tool compartment. Could this be the original holster for this weapon or is this holster for a Lugar Is the unmarked magazine an earlier model and of any particular value If condition considered very good to excellent condition what would an approximate value be Any information you could give me would be appreciated. Thank you Tom

Answer:
Tom, it sounds like you have a nice P.38, I have always liked the early Walthers. We have not listed an early Walther for sale in a while so I am not up on current pricing but I would guess that a nice one without any extras would sell in the $1500 to $2000 range. Add $250 to $500 for the capture papers and about $300 for the extra magazine and holster. Depending on condition and markings, the Luger take-down tool could be worth as much as $350 or even more.

I suspect that your holster is for a Luger because it has the take-down tool pouch. To confirm my suspicions, look at the top of the extra magazine pouch, is it flat, or does it have a circular cutout? Luger holster magazine pouches have a circular cutout at the top to accommodate the base of a Luger magazine, the top of P.38 magazine pouches are flat. Luger and P.38 holsters are usually stamped on the back with "P.08" or "P.38", I am surprised that yours is missing this marking.

Here is a list of info that I found on items manufactured by Carl Ackva and their markings, as you can see, there is no record that he ever made any P.38 holsters.

WaA	Item	Factory	Place	Period
136	P08 hol.	Carl Ackva	Bad - Kreuznach (RP)	1934
285	P08 hol.	Carl Ackva	Bad - Kreuznach (RP)	1940
286	MG tool bag	Carl Ackva	Bad - Kreuznach (RP)	1939 – 40
286	P08 hol.	Carl Ackva	Bad - Kreuznach (RP)	1940

If the extra magazine has no markings at all, I doubt that that it is original to the pistol or military issue but I would advise keeping everything together as a set. Maybe the GI who liberated the pistol put the set together, I do not think that it would be a good thing to break it up after all of these years. Hope that this helps, Marc

16327 - Bull Barrel 1903 - Additional Information
10/10/2020
William C. McGinley ChesterbCounty Pa/

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: 30:06, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
I have a 1903 Springfield with a bull barrel. This rifle was used at Frankford ar.by their rifle team. Are there Collectors for these rifles? Thank You.

Answer:
William - Yes, there are collectors for these, and I am one of them. Please send some photos, and the full serial number and I will be glad to make an offer. Value varies with condition, and if the rifle was assembled at Springfield Armory as a heavy barrel, or later converted by a commercial gunsmith for team use. All are interesting.

I grew up in the Philly area, and a neighbor friend of my parents worked at Frankford Arsenal.

John Spangler- Serving Collectors and Students of Firearms and Military History.

Bill- Thanks for the photos, they help a lot. Your initial description raised hopes that this might be one of the very rare and desirable Springfield Armory made heavy barrel target rifles, usually called ``Style T` which were made with various barrel lengths, usually 26, 28 or 30 inches long. They were made especially for target use, mainly by military and international level competition.

However, the photos and further email clarifications confirmed that this was not one of the Springfield Armory rifles, although it used a Springfield M1903 action. It is almost certainly a rifle assembled in the 1960s or early 1970s using surplus extra heavy ``Mann Accuracy Barrels`` which were made to very tight tolerances for testing ammunition accuracy. Frankford Arsenal would have been a regular user of those, and after the switch to primarily 7.62mm ammunition there were probably some surplus .30-06 accuracy barrels available for use in making up target rifles for the local team. The photo shows nice quality workmanship, and a double set trigger with a typical 1960s-70s target stock. Certainly a nice gun, probably a great shooter, but not one which appeals to U.S. military rifle collectors. Hopt that helps.

John Spangler

16324 - Springfield Rifle (M1884 .45-70)
10/6/2020
Ed. erohwer@sky.net

Maker: U.S. Springfield, Model: 1878, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: 60, Finish: Blue, SN: 38XXXX

Markings:
VP

Question:
Any idea what the age of this rifle is ?Do you know of anyone in the phoenix area that can work on this, it needs a firing pin ?I am interested in restoring this to working condition. Any idea where I can get ammunition for this ?

Answer:
Ed- Bring your rifle to the Crossroads of the West Gun Show in Phoenix on 22-23 February. I will have firing pins and some other parts there with me, and be able to figure out exactly what you need. I can also do most of the work involved on these rifles. No charge to take a look and tell you what is required. Your rifle was made around 1888, but is known as the Model 1884. It uses .45-70 ammunition, preferably black powder loads, although there are some smokeless loads that are safe for "trapdoor" rifles. There may be ammo dealers at that show who have appropriate ammo. I am too much of a collector at heart to recommend firing old guns. Besides, too many unemployed lawyers are trying to pay for their kids' college education, so I will never recommend firing old guns. Instead, I chicken out and advise people to have it examined by a competent gunsmith, so they lawyers will sue them instead if the thing blows up... John Spangler

16366 - Rare S&W Revolver
10/6/2020
Tom Sebring FL

Maker: SW, Model: Model 1817 Commercial W, Caliber: 45, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Handgun - Blue, SN: SER WITH S PREFIX AFTER 210321

Markings:
Serial has a S prefix serial numbers ranging around 210321

Question:
I am looking for the above revolver. If you happen upon one and it is for sale please notify me.Thanks for your service Semper FiTom

Answer:
Tom, Smith and Wesson developed a sold frame swing out cylinder revolver called the New Century in 44 Smith and Wesson and began selling it in 1900. When the U.S. entered World War I in April 1917 the U.S. Government realized that they did not have enough Colt Model 1911 automatic pistols on hand to outfit the troops. They contracted with Smith and Wesson to chamber their large frame, New Century model, for the 45 ACP round and designated it as the Model 1917. Because of the rimless cartridge a ``half moon`` clip was necessary. About 150,000 of these revolvers were made for the U.S. military.

It sounds like you are looking for one of the 1917 Army (Postwar - Transitional) revolvers. It is believed that fewer than 1000 commercial versions were made in a serial number range of S209792 - S210782 with an ``S`` serial prefix to indicate the new postwar hammer block and continued within the 1917 serial number range. These were a commercial version of the 1917 Army which made use of 10,000 frames and spare parts stamped in the 1930s that were purchased back from the government at the conclusion of WWII and assembled and sold as late as 1949 and 1950 again as the Model 1917 Army.

It is a long shot that we will ever find one of these but we will keep an eye out and let you know if something becomes available. Marc

16321 - Venezuelan Model 24/30 Mauser
10/3/2020
im Adams (grizly1@aol.com)

Maker: FN Herstal-Belgique, Model: Venezuelan Mauser 1924/30, Caliber: 7 Mm, Barrel Length: Not Sure, Finish: Blue (barrel) Receiver/bolt Area Not Blued, SN: 13XXX (MATCHED)

Markings:
There are all sorts of little symbols and marking along receiver. Serial number appears on bolt, stock and barrel(receiver).

Question:
I have toyed with the idea of customizing, but have been told this is a collectable. Is this true? I have had the rifle in storage for over twenty-five years.

Answer:
Jim- There is some collector interest in these old Mausers, especially if in really great shape. Otherwise, go ahead and make it into a custom gun if you like. There are a lot of them out there and they are still pretty cheap. (I can see someone 20 years from now saying "And Spangler told you it was okay to butcher a rare rifle like that?....) Yep, that's my story today, and I'm stickin' to it... John Spangler.

16364 - Winchester 94 In 25-35
10/3/2020
Destry

Maker: Winchester, Model: 94, Caliber: 25-35 W. C. F, Barrel Length: 26, Finish: Long Gun - Don`t Know, SN: 944411

Markings:
Nickel barrel especially for smokeless powder

Question:
Year and value Could not find any info online

Answer:
Destry - thanks for sending the pictures, they help set the value. The Model 1894 Winchester has the distinction of being the world`s most popular rifle, to date over 6 million 1894`s have been manufactured. My references indicate that the date of manufacture for serial number 944411 is 1922 so you have what collectors call a ``pre-64`` model. In 1964 Winchester made significant design changes in most of the firearm lines that they were producing. The changes were intended to lower production costs but most collectors agree that quality suffered. Because of the 1964 changes, value for most models of pre-64 Winchester firearms is significantly higher than it is for post-64 production Winchester firearms.

Winchester rifles like yours, have good demand on the collector market, values in the blue book for 1894 rifles manufactured from 1899 to 1929 in 85 to 90 percent condition range from around $2000 to over $3000. Your rifle looks like it has had a lot of usage, the metal is pitted and it looks like someone gave at a coat of white paint which has since been mostly removed. I would expect to see a rifle in the same condition as yours offered for sale at a gunshow in the $800 to $1000 range. Marc

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