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16236  - Swedish Mauser
3/31/2020
Jared, Auburn Ga. USA

Maker: Carl Gustafs Stads, Model: Not Sure, Caliber: Not Sure, Barrel Length: 30 Inches Ish, Finish: Blue, SN: 204322

Markings:
A crown above the words ''Carl Gustafs Stands Gevarsfaktori 1907'' there is also a brass medallion inlaid into the right side of the stock with lots of numbers and a few words ''torped'' and ''Overslag'' ''str''

Question:
what type of gun is this and what would the value be to another collector and what would the insurance value be and any history on this gun would be wonderful it has 100% matching numbers and all original parts except for the rear sling attachment point

Answer:
Jared, you have what is referred to as a Swedish Mauser. It is patterned on the Mauser Model 1893 bolt action that cocks on the opening stroke. The 30 inch barrel means it is the standard Model G96. About 535,000 of the long barrel rifles were made at the Carl Gustafs arms factory. (The first one were made by Mauser in German.)

In the 1990's Sweden sold these into the international arms market and many thousand were imported to the U.S. Since the Swedes have not had to fight anyone for well over 100 years most were in excellent (almost new) condition. Current prices are hard to determine but the Blue Book of Gun Values lists the Model 1896 at $600 for a absolutely new rifle, and $400 for a 95% condition rifle. We see them at gun shows selling in the $300 to $400 range. I'm not aware of any history on the use of any of these rifles. They are well made and quite accurate. Marc




16184  - MARLIN 1893 IN .32 SPECIAL
3/31/2020
David, Casco, Maine

Maker: Marlin, Model: 1893, Caliber: 32 Special, Barrel Length: Not Sure, Finish: Blue, SN: 290522

Markings:
none

Question:
Any history or anything special about this rifle? It was given to me by my father in 1958.

Answer:
David- Marlin serial numbers and dates are something of a mystery as they used a single set of serial numbers for a long time and took them as needed for whateve models they were making at the time. I just discovered a wonderful dating tool which seems to be valid (but I cannot guarantee it as I am unsure of the original source). I found it at https://www.glocktalk.com/attachments/marlindatecodesver8a-reduced-jpg.508234/ and recommend all you Marlin guys download it and save a copy, so I don`t have to answer any more Marlin questions. According to the cheat sheet, the Model 1893 or 93 was produced circa 1893-1934. Your serial number was made in 1904.

As far as suitability of modern ammo, they changed the name from Model 1893 to Model 93 in 1905 pretty much at the same time they switched to ``special smokeless steel.`` Your rifle is in .32 Special caliber, which I believe is the same as .32 Winchester Special, and that cartridge was only offered as a smokeless load from the start. I am not a qualified gunsmith or ballistic expert so I cannot tell you if your gun is safe to shoot. John Spangler




16183  - MARLIN MODEL 93 DATE OF MANUFACTURE
3/28/2020
Don, Cleveland, TN

Maker: Marlin, Model: 93, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: C5214

Question:
I was using you website and if I put the C5214 it would not give me a date. when I used just the 5214 it came up the year of manufacture was 1883. Does the C in the serial number have any special significance? my second question is if the gun was made in 1883, is it safe to shoot modern ammunition in it? The gun and barrel seem to be in reasonably good condition.

Answer:
Don- Marlin serial numbers and dates are something of a mystery as they used a single set of serial numbers for a long time and took them as needed on whatever models they were making at that time. I just discovered a wonderful dating tool which seems to be valid (but I cannot guarantee it as I am unsure of the original source). I found it at https://www.glocktalk.com/attachments/marlindatecodesver8a-reduced-jpg.508234/ and recommend all you Marlin guys download it and save a copy, so I don`t have to answer any more Marlin questions. According to the cheat sheet, the Model 1893 or 93 was produced circa 1893-1934. But, the list of serial numbers there only covers 1883 to 1906, and none of those have a C prefix. The table indicates ``C`` was used as a date code in 1945 and 1946, after Model 93 production was over. So, Marlin serial numbers and dates still remain something of a mystery. Maybe the Marlin Collectors Association folks would know.

As far as suitability of modern ammo, they changed the name from Model 1893 to Model 93 in 1905 pretty much at the same time they switched to ``special smokeless steel. John Spangler




16243  - Remington Rand M1911A1
3/28/2020
carl,akron,ohio.

Maker: Remington, Model: m1911a1, Caliber: 45acp, Barrel Length: 5, Finish: Parkerized, SN: 2444677

Markings:
left side under the slide stop are the letters FJA STAMPED IN AND STILL LEFT SIDE TOP FRONT OF TRIGGER GUARD IS A #1.rt side at back, bottom of trigger guard is maybe an x or maybe 2 crossed nails ?on very back of rt side top corner of grip is a Springfield circle, crossed cannons logo.

Question:
this was my fathers gun gotten at the end of ww2 what year was it made if you can tell

Answer:
carl, your pistol was made in 1945 by Remington Rand, one of the world`s largest manufacturers of typewriters. 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 makes 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. Remington Rand had a reputation for maintaining extremely high standards of quality control.

The markings on your trigger guard that you mentioned are understood to be subinspector markings applied at the time of manufacture. On the right side of the frame near the hammer there is a usually very lightly struck ``ordnance escutcheon`` symbolizing final inspection and acceptance by the ordnance department. ``FJA`` 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




16235  - Remington Model 33 Info
3/24/2020
David: Shinnston, WV

Maker: Remington, Model: Model 33, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: 23'', Finish: Don't Know, SN: 140071

Question:
Recently bought gun and would like to know when it was manufactured. I was told this was the first bolt action .22 that Remington made. Any information you might have would be appreciated.

Answer:
David, the Remington Model 33 was a Bolt-Action, Single-Shot .22 Caliber Rifle introduced in July of 1931. It was a simply made, inexpensive to produce, affordable, easy to shoot, good "first gun" for a youngster. The bolt assembly was simple and well constructed. Opening the bolt would extract and eject a spent .22 rimfire shell, new cartridges were loaded signally by hand. The bolt plunger had to be cocked by hand each time the rifle was fired , this was intended to be a safety feature.

Standard rifles had a twenty four inch round barrel, one-piece American walnut stock, weighed four pounds, eight ounces and when first introduced in 1931 cost $5.00 brand new. There was also a Model 33 smoothbore intended for use with .22-caliber shot cartridges. The barrel of this gun was marked "SMOOTH BORE" on the left side.

In 1932 and 1933, Remington redesigned several Model 33 features, to improve the rifle and reduce production cost. The stock was lengthened, and grooves were added to the forend. The bolt was simplified, and the angle and finish of the bolt handle was changed. The trigger was slimmed in profile, and the edges of the trigger guard were rounded.

In February 1933, Remington introduced the Model 33 N.R.A. Junior Target Grade Rifle which sold for $12. The target model was equipped with a Lyman No. 55R adjustable rear peep sight and Partridge-type front sight, wide adjustable leather sling strap and swivel hooks.

In early 1934 Remington brought out the Model 33A with a Lyman No. 55R adjustable rear peep sight, selling for $7.70 ($2.20 more than the standard grade Model 33A). In 1935 Remington began calling this rifle the Model 33P, for the peep sight.

The Model 33 was in production through 1935, a total of 263,547 rifles were sold in that six-year period. In 1936 the Model 33 was replaced by the Model 41 A. Blue book values for standard Model 33 rifles are in the $200 or less range depending on condition. Marc




16182  - REMINGTON MARK III SIGNAL PISTOL
3/24/2020
Ryan Maryland USA

Maker: Remington, Model: Mark 3, Caliber: 10 Gauge, Barrel Length: 9'', Finish: Stainless Steel, SN: 3615

Question:
Found this old pistol.. Google says it was a signal gun in ww1 made between 1915 - 918. Called Remington and they knew less than me ..just wondering if you guys can give any more info..thank you very much

Answer:
Ryan- The Mark III Signal Pistol or flare gun was made circa 1915-1918 at Remington`s Bridgeport, CT factory. About 24,500 were made and purchased by the U.S. government, mainly for U.S. Navy use. The U.S. Army also got some from that bunch for use in WW1 although it seems the Army never took them to Europe. These have a brass frame and blued barrel, so if yours looks like stainless it has been polished or maybe chrome or nickel plated. They use a 10 gauge Very Signal Mark II (flares were numbered in their own group of numbers, not to match the gun) and were made in red, green or white. These have walnut grips and are nice looking guns, and appeal to collectors of Remington arms, or Navy stuff, or flare gun collectors. Values tend to be modest, but a bit higher than the more common WW2 flare guns by various makers, such as the Sedgley Mark V which uses the same type flares. Hope that helps. John Spangler



16176  - 1891 MOSIN NAGANT REMINGTON WITH NO SERIAL NUMBER
3/21/2020
Chris

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

Question:
Hi, I have rifle shown in the attached photos, but there is no serial number under the ``No``. What does this mean?

Answer:
Chris- Thanks for the photos, they help a lot.

Your rifle is a Mosin Nagant Model 1891in 7.62 x54mm rimmed Russian caliber.

Remington began making these in 1916 when the Russians contracted for 3 million of them from Remington and New England Westinghouse.

In 1917 the Tsarist government was overthrown and in late 1917 the new Communist rulers repudiated the rifle contracts, with hundreds of thousands of completed rifles in the U.S. unpaid for. The U.S. government bought up most of them, mainly to keep the makers solvent so they could continue making other guns to fill U.S. needs.

When contracts are unexpectedly canceled, there are usually a lot of guns in various stages of manufacture. Some are completed, if nearly done, and others are just scrapped if not too far along. The ones completed are sometimes stuck in with final sales to the original buyer, or retained for possible civilian market sales. In some cases they are assembled, but not numbered, and not carried in inventory as completed guns, but used for other purposes. Sometimes as gifts to company officials, key workers, subcontractors or suppliers, used for display purposes, etc.

Since yours lack both serial number and the usual round markings with the Russian crest on the right side of the butt stock, it certainly was not delivered under the Russian contract, and probably not even the U.S. buyout of the unpaid for arms.

This makes it an interesting oddity, and a few collectors are attracted to that sort of thing, while others would pass it by because it was not accepted or issued for military use (by some country). Unfortunately, condition is not the best, although not bad, so value is probably around the same, or maybe slightly more than a similar condition Remington with serial numbers.

Sometimes Remington or New England Westinghouse made Mosin Nagants will be found with the serial number partially or totally removed. These were surplus rifles which were converted by surplus dealers like Bannerman to fire .30-06 ammunition. The conversion included cutting about 3/8`` off the rear of the barrel to set it back far enough for rechambering so the

.30-06 cartridge would not rupture in the much larger 7.62 x 54mmR chamber. Other changes were also made, and these conversions are generally regarded as UNSAFE to shoot. They are sometimes marked .30-06, but easily detected as there is about a 3/8`` gap between the stock inletting and the front shoulder of the chamber area on the barrel due to the barrel being set back. Your barrel is a proper fit with the inletting, so your rifle left the factory with no number.

Hope that helps. John Spangler




16226  - Stevens Springfield Model 82
3/21/2020
Paul Bartley, Montgomery, AL, USA.

Maker: Stevens, Model: Springfield Model 82, Caliber: 22 Short, Long, Or Long Rifle, Barrel Length: 22 Inches, Finish: Blue, SN: NONE FOUND ANYWHERE ON GUN

Question:
Would like to know about the Co., when made (if can be known without SN#), value, availability of parts, and any other interesting info you might have. Rifle has a pull knob on the rear of the bolt which must be pulled from the safety position to fire. Is in respectable condition and is mechanically fit for use. When disassembled for cleaning, I noticed the parts are not well machined. No Patent stamp or number found on gun. Could it be counterfeit? Inherited from my grandfather, family says it was his father's (died 1947 at 80+ yrs). Many thanks in advance, Paul

Answer:
Paul, J. Stevens Arms Company was founded in 1864 at Chicopee Falls, MA as J. Stevens & Co. In 1886 the company name was changed to J. Stevens Arms and Tool Co. In 1916, the company name was changed to New England Westinghouse. New England Westinghouse manufactured both Browning machine guns and Moisin-Nagant (Russian Military) Rifles. In 1920, New England Westinghouse was sold to the Savage Arms Corp., who manufactured firearms marked "J. Stevens Arms Co.". Savage dropped the "J. Stevens Arms Co." designation in the late 1940s, and used only the name "Stevens" was up to 1990. In 1990, Savage discontinued manufacture of all firearms bearing the Stevens trademark.

The Stevens Model 82 Sporting rifle was manufactured from 1935 to 1939, and would fire 22 Short, 22 Long and 22 Long Rifle cartridges. The Model 82 was not serial numbered, it was a simple single shot take-down design with a plain hardwood pistol grip half-stock that had a long finger groove in the forend, 22 inch barrel and weighed about 4 pounds. The rear sight was a spring-leaf and elevator type and was used in conjunction with a gold bead front site. Values for these rifles is not high so I doubt that there would be much incentive to counterfeit one. Marc



16238  - Rifle For Sale
3/21/2020
Neal, Lafayette, LA, USA

Maker: Japanese Arisaka rifle from WWII, Model: made before 1935, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: Japanese

Markings:
The mum is intact

Question:
My father brought this gun back from WWII. He found it within the Walled City of Manila, after the Battle of Manila, along with the bayonet. How much can I get for the gun and bayonet. I can send photos.

Answer:
Neal, it sounds like something that we could use, use the following link to contact us and we will make an offer:

http://oldguns.net/email/

Marc




16170  - RUGER 77 LIGHTWEIGHT RIFLE
3/17/2020
Anthony, Islip, (sadly) NY

Maker: Ruger, Model: M77, Caliber: .308, Barrel Length: 20, Finish: Blue, SN: 772-44245

Markings:
Black marking at the end of the stock towards the barrel. Checkered grip, swivel studs, and a red rubber recoil pad. No iron sights, and the rifle is very light weighing no more than 5lbs without optics.

Question:
what is the exact model of this firearm? I see ruger makes a Hawkeye African rifle, but that is modern. My rifle resembles this new make, without the iron sights and muzzle break.

Answer:
Anthony- Sounds like a nice rifle, as is the case with just about all Ruger product. However, I don`t know anything at all about Rugers. There is a mostly defunct Ruger Collectors Association, but a very active ROCS- Ruger Owners and Collectors Society where guys know everything about every possible variation of every Ruger. You need to go talk to them. Be careful though, you might find out that there are a dozen other Model 77 rifle variations and end up needed to buy a whole lot more guns. That would slow down your escape from Comrade Cuomo`s socialist gulag. But it is a whole lot cheaper to live in a lot of other states, so maybe you can escape to freedom AND get a lot more guns. Good luck. John Spangler



16225  - Winchester '66 Centennial
3/17/2020
Bill

Maker: Winchester (2), Model: Centennial 66, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: 26" Octagonal Barrel & 20" Octagonal Barrel, Finish: Blue & Gold Plated, SN: 81XXX & 88XXX

Question:
These guns have been in a sealed case for 25 years, have never been fired. Brand new condition. Can you tell me the value and history.

Answer:
Bill, I have never liked the idea of ready-made collectibles much, but I must say that the Winchester '66 Centennial is a beautiful rifle. With a total production of 102,309 pieces, the '66 Centennial is one of the most common of the Winchester commemoratives. The original issue price for the '66 Centennial was $125, now the blue book lists present day values for examples in unfired excellent condition at $450 (I think that $300 is more realistic). If you do not have the original box and pagers deduct $100 - 150 from the value... Marc



16224  - Winchester Model 1906
3/14/2020
Ann, Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Maker: Winchester, Model: 1906, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 56066

Markings:
WOODEN HANDLE AND PUMP.

Question:
My father received this gun from his father when he was a child. He was born in 1901. While he was living he maintained the gun carefully. Unfortunately he did and left this to me and I know nothing about guns. The Winchester rifle has a wood handle and pump and uses 22 ammunition. The only markings are the serial numbers and an engraved statement on the barrel regarding it being made by the Winchester Repeating company. My son wants to keep this but my husband wants to sell it. Can you tell me something about it or tell me where to go for information.

Answer:
Ann, The Winchester Model 1906 was a simplified version of the earlier Winchester Model 1890, it usually came with a 20 inch round-flat crowned barrel, a straight-wristed buttstock, and a grooved cylindrical slide handle, average weight was 5.1 pounds. The M1906 was manufactured form 1906 to 1932, total production reached approximately 848,000 rifles, your rifle (sn 56066) was manufactured in 1907. The M1906 was initially offered only in 22 short, but after April 1908, the design was altered so rifles would chamber 22 Short, Long or Long Rifle. The M1906 was also offered in a deluxe 'Expert' version which was manufactured from 1917 to 1925. The Expert version had a pistol grip butt stock and a specially-shaped slide handle. Expert rifles could be ordered in blue, with a nickel-plated receiver and trigger guard, or with all the metal parts nickel-plated. Values for Winchester Model 1906 rifles range from $150 to $675 depending upon condition and configuration. Let us know if your husband wins out and you decide to sell. Marc



16162  - GASSER MONTENEGRIN REVOLVER
3/14/2020
Ryan, Jackson, MS, USA

Maker: Gasser, Model: ?, Caliber: 11.3x36mm R, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: DIDN`T USE SERIAL NUMBERS AT THE TIME

Markings:
Montenegra Patent, A crown, Arrow Through a Hteart

Question:
I have a 1870 Montenegra ''Gasser'' revolver. 11mm I have been trying to get someone to look at. Would you guys like to help me classify this unique find.

Answer:
Ryan- About 50 years ago, I took one look at the Gasser revolvers and decided they were ugly and I wanted nothing to do with them. I can kinda, sorta recognize one and then the flight instinct kicks in and I get away from them as quickly as possible, or turn the page. However, some people have a much higher pain threshold than me, and there is actually a lot of info on them. Ian McCollum over at Forgotten Weapons did a video about 10 minutes long on a couple of really fancy ones- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=km3m8PwYzbI

Over at C&Rsenal.com Othias and Mae have an exhaustive 47 minute video loaded with info, and that may be the better one for someone who cares enough to own one. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tID2i-BPJvI

Hope that helps, as long as I don`t have to watch the videos myself. John Spangler




16159  - MARLIN MARKING
3/10/2020
Paula miami az us

Maker: Marlin, Model: 1893, Caliber: 30 30, Barrel Length: 26, Finish: Blue, SN: 241928

Question:
Theres a marking on the right side where barrel meets stalk it look`s like a P with another letter but I can`t make out the letter. Would you know what it might be?

Answer:
Paula- I regret I cannot help with that one. The Model 1893 was made circa 1893-1934, and serial number 241928 would place it about 1902. Beyond that I`m clueless. John Spangler



16233  - Mosin Identification
3/10/2020
Jorge Barrera

Maker: Mosin Nagant, Model: M 44, Caliber: 7.62 X 54r, Barrel Length: Standard M 44, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: HB457

Markings:
Standard Izhevsk markings

Question:
I bought this rifle. Seller claims it`s an Izhevsk m 44. It has Russian markings. it also has a b02 stock from Hungarian. Why is this and what is it can someone please help me thank you

Answer:
Jorge, the gun you have described may actually be a Hungarian manufactured M44 carbine. If the rifle is of Hungarian manufacture the barrel shank will, from top to bottom, have a large 02, followed by a year of manufacture, followed by the Hungarian crest (similar to but distinct from the Soviet hammer sickle and wreath), followed by the serial number. Hungarian M44`s are uncommon and may command a slight premium to the right collector if in excellent condition and matched. If your gun does not match the description above it is possible that it actually is a Russian Izhevsk M44 with a Hungarian stock. There are many reasons why this could be, ranging from this rifle being a piece of military aid sent by the Soviets that required a replacement stock while serving in Hungary, to simply being put together as the result of some Bubba sporter project. Without having pictures of the rifle it is impossible for us to offer our opinion. Josh



16231  - Locating Special Tool For The M1917
3/7/2020
Jim, Spokane, WA

Maker: Remington, Model: M1917, Caliber: .30-06, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
where can I get a spanner nut wrench to remove the rear sight joint bolt nut from my M1917?

Answer:
Jim, no need to go to the bother and expense of finding a special tool, all you need is a screwdriver and a Dremmel. I just grind a small gap in the middle of a screwdriver blade of the appropriate size and it works great. For best results, I recommend using a nice hollow ground screwdriver or a hollow ground slotted screw driver tip. Good luck and I hope that this helps. Marc



16158  - ARMSCORP M1A RIFLE HISTORY
3/7/2020
john, Unionville IN

Maker: Armscorp, Model: M1a, Caliber: 308, Barrel Length: 22'', Finish: Blue, SN: A00001

Markings:
just serial number

Question:
I bought this rifle from Jack Freise at Armcorp. He said it came from his safe and was one of the first, if not THE first receiver they made when they opened the shop in Silver Springs, MD. This was right after the ban had been passed. Question, can you verify that set. number is the first? their armorer couldn`t find any record of the rifle ever being recorded in inventory? thanks john h

Answer:
John- We know NOTHING (as SGT Schultz was fond of saying) about Armscorps M1A rifles. I have heard they are good quality, but that is about it. You bought the gun from one of the guys who runs the company, and I have no reason to doubt any of what he told you. I do not know of any source of information other than what he can provide. Frankly, I don`t think that being the first or 50th semi-auto copy of the M14 adds much value above what any of the rest of them might be worth. These seem to be valued strictly as shooters, not collector items.. John Spangler



16155  - COLT 1860 ARMY INSPECTORS
3/3/2020
Paul, Pouzdrany, Czech Republic

Maker: Colt 1860, Model: Colt 1860 Army, Caliber: 44, Barrel Length: 8'', Finish: Blue, SN: 86465

Question:
Hi, I would like to know the sub-inspector´s name: On the cylinder, there are two letters ``L`` and ``D``, on the right side of the grip one can read ``PT`` (?) in a cartouche. I could see the same cartouches on other Colt 1860 Army, but no inspector´s name. Thank you very much. Paul. E-mail address: klimepavel@gmail.com

Answer:
Paul- The best reference on inspectors is the excellent book ``U.S. Military Arms Inspector Marks`` by Anthony Daum and Charles Pate. (Available from Mowbray Publications or booksellers.) Neither the L or the D are identified with 100% certainty, but there are some likely matches.

Homer S. Lathe is the most likely source of the ``L`` subinspector marks, and he worked at both Colt and Remington during the Civil War. The letter ``D`` (in script rather than block letter font) was used on some M1860 Colt Army revolvers, probably inspected by Elias M. Dustin. Hope that helps. John Spangler




16230  - Luger G Date Luger Value
3/3/2020
Robert Reston, VA

Maker: Luger, Model: PO 8, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: Standard, Finish: Blue, SN: 24

Markings:
Luger G date S/42 Matching #s 24 including magazine, grips, parts. Mauser, Oberndorf Germany, xtra magazine

Question:
Valuation - Very good condition and kept that way. I`ve always thought this piece was valued $1500-$2000. I recently showed it to someone ``in the know`` and he said because it had no `strawing` on some parts, evaluation is about 1/2 or $800 - $1000. I`ve been around and using this piece for 60 years (it was my Father`s). In that time it was never re-blued or finished in any way. Is the 1/2 price valuation correct? I have pictures but no way to send them here. Thanks in advance.

Answer:
Robert, George Luger introduced his classic pistol to world about 1900. The German Arm adopted it in 1908 and named it the P08. The pistol is one of the most ergonomically correct pistol ever made, with nature pointing tendency rarely attained by any other pistol. It was the most highly coveted souvenir sought by the GIs who fought the Germans in 1918 and again in 1942-1945. Hitler began to rearm Germany in 1934, but because German manufacture of firearms was severely restricted by the Treaty of Versailles, he tried to hide this activity by using a letter/number code for the arms makers, and a letter code for the year of manufacture. Those firearms made at the Mauser factory in 1935 were stamped using number and letter codes; S 42 (the Mauser code) and G for the year. The most avidly sought after Nazi firearms are those made in 1934 with the letter K indicating the year of manufacture, followed by those with the letter G. Collectors usually refer to the firearms as `K` or `G` dated.

It is difficult to give you a value without seeing your Luger but the estimate that you received seems a little low. If you contact me using the following link: http://oldguns.net/email/ I will try to be of more assistance. Marc