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16319  - 1889 Belgian Short Rifle In 7x57
9/29/2020
Chris Brosh brosh@matnet.com

Maker: Mauser FN, Model: 1889 Belgian Short Rifle, Caliber: 7 X 57 (That's The Weird Part), Barrel Length: 22¨, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
ON barrel, R5976, on reciever, R9767 Fabrique Nationale. across reciever

Question:
How did a otherwise unremarkable 89 Mauser end up barreled and chambered for 7x57?It has a steel barrel jacket, so I doubt that it was rebarreled after leaving the factory. I bought it from a gentleman who took it off the back of a truck at Springfield Sporters, where he worked at the time, in the early to mid '60's.It was in a shipment from South America. No source that I've seen lists this rifle in any other caliber than 7.65 Mauser. Would appreciate any ideas on this guns origin!

 Answer:
Chris- Another fine mess you got us into! Once again, I am forced to confess my ignorance in front of everyone. Oh well, people were going to find out sooner or later anyway. I couldn't find anything in my reference materials (although there might be something in the new "Mauser Military Rifles" book). Let me suggest a possible explanation- After WWI FN was in business, but Mauser was not too active anymore. Perhaps your rifle was made as a sample in hopes of getting a contract from a South American country. I would guess perhaps Bolivia, Paraguay, Venezuela, or maybe even Colombia (or the chunk of Colombia we "liberated" which later became Panama.) Coming from a Springfield Sporters South American shipment sounds legitimate, and 7mm certainly supports South American sale. Well, that's the best story I can make up early in the morning. Hope it is enlightening. Let us know if you find a better explanation... John Spangler



16363  - Looking For Bernardelli Parts
9/29/2020
John Chatham IL

Maker: Bernardelli, Model: Model 100, Caliber: 22lr, Barrel Length: 6 Inches, Finish: Handgun - Blue, SN: 25960

Question:
Where can I find the extra front sights the wood display box it is issued in and an extra magazine Thank you John

 Answer:
John - References indicate that the Bernardelli 100 was a semi-auto target type handgun chambered in .22 LR with 5.9 inch barrel, adjustable sights, blue finish and checkered wooden thumb rest grips. The pistols were imported by Interarms from 1968 to 1988 and were originally sold with a nice hardwood case.

I think that you are going to have a difficult time finding the things that you are looking for, the four places that come to mind are Gun Parts Corp (https://www.gunpartscorp.com/), gunshows, the GunBroker gun auction site (https://www.gunpartscorp.com/) and EBay. You will probably have to do allot of searching and you would be very lucky to find everything that you are looking for in one place. Sorry that I can not be of more assistance. Marc



16318  - 12 Ga Shotgun/7mm Combination Gun
9/26/2020
davidd@enternet.com.au

Maker: Quackebeke/Burgsmuller & Sohne, Model: Hunt(??), Caliber: 12 Gauge Shotgun With 7mm(?) Carbine, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 14XXX

Markings:
Rocha & Cia ¨Unicos representantes¨ Breach area in silver with deer and plants on both sides

Question:
Can you please tell me where I can get more information on this gun and whether it's a collectors item and what it may be valued at?

 Answer:
David- Sorry we can't help. None of the names match up with my materials makers or dealers. Most combination guns were one of a kind custom pieces so there is little on most of the makers. The proof marks are probably the most useful clue, but you don't mention them. Don't fire it until you have a good gunsmith check the chambers to make sure you can get suitable ammo. Those combination guns (2,3, or 4 barrel combination or shotgun and rifled calibers) have some collector interest, especially if in calibers with ammo available, or if extremely high grade pieces with nice engraving. Values vary widely depending on how bad someone wants that particular gun, maybe in the range of $200 and up, perhaps way up. Sorry we can't know more... John Spangler



16361  - Remington 510
9/26/2020
Scott, Medford,Ok,USA

Maker: Remington, Model: 510, Caliber: .22 Cal, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
What years this rifle was made and where to find the serial number

 Answer:
Scott, from 1930 to 1962 Remington produced a number of good quality inexpensive bolt action .22 rifles. The Model 510 was manufactured from about 1939 to 1962 in many variations including a carbine and a Routledge/Smoothbore model. My records indicate that the model 510 was not serial numbered... Marc



16360  -
9/22/2020
Scott, Neosho, Mo. USA

Maker: Luger, Model: 1913, Caliber: 9mm, Barrel Length: 4 inch, Finish: blue, SN: 5721

Markings:
Has Crown near Erfurt Logo, Has small unit markings all over it (they look like an eagle or phoenix with its wings spread)

Question:
I understand that some of the 1913 Lugers went to specific German units (i.e.. artillery, infantry etc..). Can you tell me which imperial unit was associated with the eagle or phoenix insignia.

 Answer:
Scott, the ``phoenix`` markings that you describe are probabley military crown over eagle proof marks. Military Erfurt Lugers should have crown over eagle proof marks located on the right side of the receiver and on the barrel. Imperial German unit markings consist of a line of large and small numbers and letters. Imperial German printed instructions no. 185 ``Small Arms Marking Instruction`` states that unit markings for the Pistol 08 (Luger) will be applied in the center of the front grip strap. An example of an Imperial German unit marking would be ``16.R.3.120`` which stands for Infantry Regiment No. 16, 3rd Company, 120th weapon. Marc



16306  - Bull Barrel 1903
9/22/2020
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.



16301  - Marlin 1881 In .40-60 Caliber
9/19/2020
Matthias, Vienna, Austria

Maker: Marlin, Model: 1881 (????), Caliber: .40 (Stamped On The Barrel, Nothing Else...???), Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 7879

Question:
Hi to the US, nobody here in Europe is able to identify this Marlin, especially the .40 calibre, is it an model 1881, can you help me or do you know who can help me???? Can send pics.... Greetings from Austria Matthias

 Answer:
Matthias- Glad to help, and it is much easier to find info on American arms here than in your country.

The Marlin Model 1881 was the first of the Marlin lever action rifles, with only a little over 20,000 made circa 1881-1892. They were made in five different calibers, with production totals by caliber as follows:

.32-40- 1,785

.38-55- 3,563

.40-60- 6,261

.45-70 and .45-80- 4,769

Therefore the ``.40`` barrel marking indicates it is .40-60 caliber Hope that helps. John Spangler



16354  - Savage 410
9/19/2020
Zoe, Clearwater, FL

Maker: Savage Arms Corp, Model: Model 946, Caliber: 410, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Don`t Know, SN: ?

Question:
We cannot read the serial number. It was passed on to my nephew when his grandfather died. We have been told it was made in the 1920s. We haven`t been able to find any information about this gun and wondered if you could give us some idea where to look. Thank you.

 Answer:
Zoe, 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. I was surprised to find that my main go to source for quick info on most firearms does not even list the Savage 946. One reference indicates that the Savage 946 is a Stevens Model 940 that was re-branded when sold by Coast to Coast. In any case, this type of shotgun is one of a huge number made in the 19th and 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 many of these are not considered safe to shoot.

Sorry for our lack of information, 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. Marc



16296  - U.S. .30-40 KRAG WITH ``STAR`` MARK ON BARREL
9/15/2020
Jimmy Johnson

Maker: Krag, Model: 1898, Caliber: 30-40 Krag, Barrel Length: 24'', Finish: Parkerized, SN: 180636

Markings:
Five pointed star and the letter ''P'' on barrel underside near the breech

Question:
In my initial question, I mistakenly listed the barrel as 30''. It is 24''.The barrel is identical to an `03 barrel. The front sight is he standard `03, not the Krag type. The stock channel has been plugged. Any thoughts on this. Thank you and Hi John.

 Answer:
Jimmy- We have exchanged several emails on this one, discussing various details, but we are unable to arrive at a definite conclusion. I believe it a standard Krag which has been rebarreled with a M1903 Springfield barrel, which was a common gunsmith solution for Krags with poor bores circa 1920-1980. The location of the star and P on the underside of the barrel suggests they were put there after the barrel was modified to fit the Krag. The star marking from about 1865 to 1930 was mainly used to indicate a repaired or second class arm, although it later became a mark applied to specially select guns after the barrel had been ``star gauge`` inspected for quality.

However, it is also possible that the barrel is a Krag barrel which has been shortened with a M1903 style front sight installed.

Unfortunately, without some photos I really cannot tell much more, and even with them, I may not know enough to ID it for sure. But, the miracles of modern electronics which seem to be child`s play for anyone 12 and younger mystify some of us older folks, so it may be a while before photos will arrive. It is possible that Jimmy and I will meet in person in a few months at a gun show and we can discuss it with the gun in hand. John Spangler



16351  - V.Bernardelli Baby
9/15/2020
Ryan Augusta GA.

Maker: V.Bernardelli-Gardone, Model: V.T. .22 Long -Brev, Caliber: .22, Barrel Length: 2'', Finish: Blue, SN: 1833

Markings:
None - No Proof Marks

Question:
I recently inherited a V. Bernardelli ``Baby .22`` The left hand side of the slide is labeled: V.Bernardelli-Gardone V.T.-AUT. 22 Long - Brev. Made in Italy On the rear of frame, and underneath the slide (with slide removed) is the serial number 1833. There are no proof marks anywhere on the gun, even looked under the grips. The only other mark on the gun is an ``L`` stamped on the left side of the Barrel (lug?) where it mates to the frame. I`m interested in determining when this gun was manufactured, and why it lacks all proof marks. I`ve seen pictures of several examples online, but none that are missing proof marks and none marked ``Long - Brev.`` (Brev being Italian for short) so also curious if this model fires both long and short, from what I can find online it seems they were made in either .22 long OR short, not both. The gun is also missing the ``disconnector`` a small J shaped piece of steel located under the slide that connects to the safety system and I would appreciate any leads on where to source one so I can get this old gun functional again.

 Answer:
Barry, the original Bernardelli is an old Italian company founded around 1721. Most recently three different firearms manufactures have used the Bernardelli name - Pietro Bernardelli, Vincenzo Bernardelli and Santini Bernardelli. Vincenzo Bernardelli manufactured firearms seem to have a fairly good reputation. During the late 1980s, many firearms manufactured by Pietro Bernardelli were dumped in the American marketplace. The Pietro Bernardelli manufactured firearms are said to have been of much lesser quality of than those manufactured by Vincenzo Bernardelli.

The Baby was the first of Bernardelli`s 22 pistols, it was introduced in 1949 and discontinued in 1968. The pistol was a small blowback design similar to the Walther Model 9. The barrel was forged in unit with the frame and the slide is retained by a double locking piece forming part of the frame. Releasing a small spring catch allows this unit to be forced out by the firing pin spring, and the slide can be removed.

My references indicate that pistols were chambered for either .22 Short or .22 Long but not both. You should have the pistol examined by a gunsmith to determine the chambering. If your pistol does not have proof marks there is a possibility that it was never proof tested, this would be another reason to have a gunsmith check it for safety.

For parts, try checking with Gun Parts Corp (the old Numrich Arms people) at the following URL:

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/

Hope this helps, Marc



16245  - M1863 Springfield Marked ``Wm. White``
9/12/2020
Rich Burlington, NJ

Maker: Springfield, Model: M1863 Type I, Caliber: 58, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Other, SN: NONE

Markings:
Buttplate stamped Wm White

Question:
The rifle is in excellent condition appears never to have had any metal cleaned. The stock has all the Springfield inspection and acceptance stamps. The barrel is void of any markings at all and it appears to have never had the eagle stamped in the bolster. Is it more than likely that it was assembled from surplus parts. I have heard there was a surplus dealer called the ''White Brothers'' but cannot find any information regarding their business. Any info. you can give would be appreciated.

 Answer:
Rich- Assuming the markings are related to a military goods dealer, the best place to check is ``American Military Goods Dealers and Makers`` by Burce Bazelon and William McGuinn, 1990. It is a revised edition of an earlier book with similar title by Bazelon alone, and the revised on basically adds a second volume to the first, in a single book.

White Brothers were a a uniform company in Pensacola, FL, early in the 20th century, primarily in the early days of Naval aviation. A family member, William White, provided some info on their business, but it does not sound like these people have anything to do with your musket.

There was a William H. White of Brooklyn, NY who contracted for 50,000 painted canvas haversacks on April 24, 1863, but little else is known about him but there was a painter of that name living on Fulton Street in 1862-1864, and another William White living on Huron Street in 1865 with no trade listed.

There are a couple of other dealers named White, but none with a William involved. I doubt if the markings are business related. It was common for many workmen in the late 19th century to have metal stamps with their name for marking tools and other personal property, and I suspect that it is some unknown William White, possibly a veteran of the War, maybe a GR member, or just an early gun collector who marked the gun- possibly after buying it from Bannerman. I have seen a number of other old guns with inexplicable names stamped on them. The lack of barrel markings strongly supports your belief that it was assembled from surplus parts, perhaps by Bannerman or one of his cooperative competitors who colluded to buy up military surplus at very low prices and divide it among themselves rather than bidding against each other and driving prices up.

Enjoy! John Spangler



16347  - Winchester Model 90 In 22 WRF
9/12/2020
Charles Nutt Mt Holly nj

Maker: Winchester, Model: 90-22 WRF, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 745086

Question:
can we still shoot this gun and what is the value

 Answer:
Charles , the Model 1890 was Winchester`s first slide action repeating rifle, it was introduced to replace the .22 caliber model 1872. The model 1890 was popular due to the fact that it was both inexpensive and very well made. The Model 1890 was available in four different chamberings, 22 Short, 22 Long, 22 Long Rifle and 22 Winchester Rim Fire (WRF). Rifles were chambered specifically for each individual caliber and were not interchangeable as are many modern 22 rifles. Model 1890`s are sometimes called ``gallery rifles`` because they were used almost universally in shooting galleries of the era. Approximately 849,000 model 1890`s were made between 1890 and 1932, my records indicate that your rifle was manufactured in 1927.

The blue book lists values for standard Winchester 1890 rifles manufactured from 1919-1932 (starting at serial number approx. 610,000) between about $250 and about $3000 depending on condition and features.

It would be foolish for you to trust the word of someone who has never even seen your rifle to tell you weather or not it is safe to fire. In our society where everyone seems to be ready to file a law suit for even the slightest provocation, I would be just as foolish to answer that kind of question. Take the safe rout and consult a local gunsmith who will be able to examine the rifle in detail. Marc



16244  - 75mm/3 Inch SHELL CASE
9/8/2020
Eric Alden, NY

Maker: Scovlle Mfg, Model: ?, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Markings:
3 - 7 - 7 Scoville Mfg Co B.S.Co No.178M Projectile end measures 3'' or 76mm

Question:
Picked up an old brass shell casing at a garage sale. Just curious as to what type of gun fired this round. Thanks.

 Answer:
Eric- I really cannot help much without a precise measurement of the opening at the front, the distance across the base (rim) and the overall length. Preferably in millimeters, not inches. It is almost certainly a WW1 vintage case, and there were millions made during the war, and Scoville and other U.S. makers made ammo for both the U.S. Army and foreign government orders. The most common were the U.S. (and French) 75 mm x 350mm long cases for 75mm field guns, although nominally having a 75mm opening, that really refers to the bore diameter, and fired cases may measure slightly larger. The 3`` guns, Models 1902, 1904, 1905 used a 76.2mm case about 283mm long. Sometimes collectors will encounter 76.2mm cases that are 385mm long, which were for Russian guns, but made under contract in the U.S. and then defaulted on when the Red Russians overthrew the Czarist government. There are a lot more cases in the 75 to 76.2mm size range for blanks, torpedo impulse cartridges, Navy landing guns, etc, so exact measurements are necessary to be sure. (And that does not count all the foreign made cases!) John Spangler



16342  - WWII 25 Caliber Japanese Rifle
9/8/2020
michelle

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: 25 Cal, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: ?

Question:
Value of WWII 25 Cal Japanese rifle with bayonet and scabbard

 Answer:

michelle, your Japanese rifle is probably a Type 38, these were developed by Major Nambu Kijiro. The T.38 is one of the most produced and most commonly encountered of all WWII Japanese rifles, about 3400000 were manufactured. The T.38 was chambered in 6.5×50mmSR which is a .264 inch diameter bullet, not .25 caliber (.257 inch diameter bullet).

Given the information that you provided it is hard to set a price for your rifle. Value depends on condition and extras included with the rifle. I need to know:

  • Has the chrysanthemum had been ground off of the receiver?
  • What percent of original finish remains on the rifle?
  • Are all of the part numbers matching?
  • Is there any rust or pitting?
  • What condition is the bore in?
  • Has the rifle been sporterized or modified in any way?
  • What condition is the bayonet in?
  • Has the bayonet been sharpened?
  • Does the bayonet come with a scabbard?
  • If the bayonet has a scabbard, what condition the scabbard in?
  • Does the rifle come with a cleaning rod, dust cover or sling?

Marc





16242  - Springfield Arms Company 22 Long Model D Reliance
9/5/2020
Casey Brooklyn MD

Maker: Springfield Arms Company 22 Long Model D, Model: Reliance, Caliber: 22 Long, Barrel Length: 20in, Finish: Blue, SN: NONE

Question:
Where can I find a replacement stock

 Answer:
Casey- Springfield Arms company is a name sometimes used by Stevens or Savage on their least expensive guns. The best info I can find on this comes from https://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=827234

And, ironically, he credits our site as the source for some of that, and we owe him the courtesy of providing credit for his additions. Collaboration like this makes us all smarter. Here is what he/we said about the company and their products.

QUOTE

Page-Lewis Arms Company started business in 1921, their factory was in the old Stevens Duryea automobile plant and they employed about 150 workers. The first shipment of Page-Lewis rifles left the factory in July of that year.

Page-Lewis introduced the Model A Target Rifle, the Model B Sharpshooter, and the Model C Olympic Rifle in 1921. All three rifles shared the same type of under lever, falling block action which was fabricated from steel plate, and housed the lockwork inside the breechblock. A single coil spring was used to drive both the hammer and the trigger and the butt was attached by a large longitudinal bolt. Rifles could be dissembled by use of a take-down bolt which lay beneath the frame ahead of the trigger guard.

The Model C Olympic was manufactured from 1921 to 1926, it had a 24 inch barrel, folding aperture sight on the tang and a combination bead-and-globe/blade front sight. The Model C forearm was slightly longer and fuller than the A or B. Model C barrel markings read: PAGE-LEWIS ARMS COMPANY CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A. .22 L.R. Markings on left side of the frame read: MODEL C OLYMPIC, and markings on right side of frame read: PAT. APL`D FOR. Marc

The Page Lewis story is a long, complicated and fascinating insight into the incestuous nature of the gun industry. Mr. Page and Mr. Lewis had been associated with Stevens then went out on their own, made guns for Eugene Reising, and later sold their operation to Savage who also acquired Stevens. Eventually Page Lewis guns were sold by Stevens under their ``Springfield`` brand name (not to be confused with the government`s Springfield Armory which was about 10 miles from the Page Lewis and Stevens operations in Chicopee Falls, Mass. These folks also were involved with the Stevens- Druyea automobile Company, L.S. Starrett (tool makers), Hunter Arms Company, High Standard, and several other non gun-related manufacturing enterprises. People forget that innovative gun-making technology was at the very core of the rise of American manufacturing and tool making success, but that is another long and interesting story in itself.

Page Lewis started off making simple rolling block rifles with frames of laminated steel (a sandwich of two thin side plates with a << inch thick spacer piece between) and then moved on to simple bolt action designs. Their model ``D was an entry level gun for junior shooters that had to be manually cocked, a desirable safety feature for youthful shooters as well as less expensive to make. This model was produced 1923-1928 with a 20 inch barrel. During this time Savage/Stevens bought the assets of Page Lewis and in 1928 they introduced the Model 50 Springfield Junior which was little more than a Model D with a bit larger stock and a 24 inch barrel. This model, priced at $5.87 was discontinued in 1933 in favor of the Model 52 with a 22 inch barrel and this model sold for $3.98 in the 1933 Sears Roebuck catalog.``

END QUOTE

Now, for parts, I do not know of any source for parts for these. The stocks are pretty simple and probably similar to some of the other single shot bolt action youth .22 rifles of the period and you may be able to adapt one of those. But, frankly, an original or replacement stock may cost as much as the restored gun is worth. Hope that helps. John Spangler



16346  - Selling Gun Report Magazines
9/5/2020
Dean

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

Question:
I have two complete sets of Gun Report magazines spanning all years in print in Gun Report binders and all magazines are in excellent to mint condition. I do not have any place to store them and would ask only a modest price $ 20.00 per year. can you recommend a site to offer them

 Answer:
Dean, in my experience, there has not been allot of demand for old gun magazines, the last time I moved, I threw out years of Guns & Ammo magazines that I had saved. You might try listing your magazines on Gun Broker or in craigslist. Good Luck, Marc



16241  - Colt 1895 U.S. Navy Double Action Revolver
9/1/2020
Harold Southampton, NY

Maker: Colt, Model: 1895 DA USN, Caliber: .38, Barrel Length: 6, Finish: Blue, SN: 10125

Markings:
Colt engraved above the grip COLT in oval on the grip counter rotating non-updated lock. original one grip cracked. manufactured 1897, issued in ww1 and ww2. WW2 was issued to my a friends dad who was infantry in Germany 1944. brought home and I just registered.

Question:
I do not know the value of this revolver and would like to add it to my insurance policies. I cannot find anything on the internet about this gun except that it is one of few that was never updated. original locking mechanism, and rotates in counter clockwise direction. Any help would be great! Thank you so much. Harold, NY

 Answer:
Harold- Colt`s first double action revolvers, the 1877 Lighting (and Thunderer) models, and the 1878 Frontier/Alaskan models were rather lackluster and frustratingly fragile. In 1889 the Navy adopted a new, vastly improved design which went through many improvements and changes and model names including the Police Positive, New Police and New Pocket names.

The first Navy model was the Model 1889, and the Army joined the fun in 1892, and we had Models 1889, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1901 and 1903 in rapid succession. Some were made in that configuration, and others were older guns updated to a newer configuration. Somewhat late to the party, the Marine Corps adopted one as the 1905.

Frankly, trying to keep these straight drives me nuts and the only way I can sort them out is to dig out the definitive book on the subject, by Robert Best- ``A Study of Colt`s New Army and Navy Pattern Double Action Revolvers 1889-1908.`` Everything you need to know is in the 275 pages of solidly researched information, but it takes time and attention to many details to understand it. And, I forget it all about an hour later.

As far as value, an awful lot depends on condition, and any verifiable history. While it may have some sentimental history, I suspect that some of the story has become garbled or lost in translation over the generations. It would be most unusual for one of the Navy revolvers (with U.S.N. and anchor on the butt) to have been issued to anyone in the Army. To have it issued in WW2 would be even more unusual. However, the story becomes more plausible if it were actually a case of someone bringing a gun from home, or pilfering it from some unsuspecting sailor rather than actually issued by the Army. These were pretty much obsolete by the 1930s, making official issue even more unlikely.

For a very long time these Colt double action .38s have gotten no respect, and values have been far below just about any other Colt of comparable vintage. Interest in these seems to have picked up some, but without knowing more about the condition, I can only guess that you might find guns similar to the one you describe at a gun show priced around $300-500 retail.

Since you are stuck in New York, and have to register your guns, and get permission slips for them, that is an infringement with which I would not put up. Especially as they coddle and subsidize criminals. Flee to a free state. In addition to enjoying your constitutionally protected rights, you will also have a lot less money confiscated for taxes.

Hope that helps. John Spangler



16341  - Bergmann Destroyer?
9/1/2020
J., Miami, Florida, U.S.

Maker: Bergmann, Model: Destroyer, Caliber: 9 MM, Barrel Length: Unknown, Finish: Unknown, SN: ?

Question:
Where can I get detailed information on this firearm? I believe it was manufactured by Thedor Waffenfabrik Bergmann around 1902.

 Answer:
J, the name "Bergmann Destroyer" sounds very familiar, but I was unable to find a reference to it in any of several books including "Pistols of the World" by Hogg and Weeks, "Smiths Book of Pistols and Revolvers" and Fjestad's "Blue Book of Gun Values". Isidaro Gaztanaga of Eibar Spain used the name "Destroyer" for several automatic pistol designs including a 7.65 MM model that was used by the French military. Maybe one of our visitors will read this and be able to help. Marc

Regarding the "Destroyer" query; are you sure the gun in question was a pistol? "Destroyer" was the name of a light rifle firing a pistol cartridge, the 9mm Bayard, used by Spanish police early in the century. I found a picture of one in a 40-year old Golden State Arms catalog, and I seem to remember that they were imported and sold in the 50's and 60's. Homer