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16551 - Bernardelli 80
11/27/2021
bill Havasu AZ USA

Maker: Bernardelli, Model: 80, Caliber: .380, Barrel Length: 3.5, Finish: Handgun - Blue, SN: 018169

Markings:
none

Question:
when manufactured

Answer:
Bill, 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.

I do not have any serial number information to date your pistol. The Bernardelli Model 80 was imported from 1968 to 1988, it had a 3.5 inch barrel, adjustable sights, blue finish and thumbrest plastic grips. Hope this helps, Marc

16548 - Remington 1100 Shotgun
11/23/2021

Maker: Remington, Model: 1100, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: 254111V

Markings:
I Inherated a Remington 1100 from my dad I would like to see if I can learn how old it is? The Serial Number is 254111V.

Question:
The numbers on the side of the Barrel Under the MOD bown Toward the stok are 88 R N.

Answer:
Most Remingtons do not have lists available where they can be dated from serial numbers. But, most Remingtons have a date of manufacture code on the left side of the barrel at the breech. The Model 1100 was introduced in 1963, and sold well. I believe the barrel markings 88RN indicate it was made in November 1966. See this site for more on reading the barrel codes, but I often get confused by them. https://www.shotgunworld.com/threads/chart-serial-numbers-for-a-remington-1100.246523/ Hope that helps, John Spangler

16552 -
11/20/2021
Tommy Aurora Colorado USA

Maker: Smith Wesson, Model: M1917, Caliber: .44 Special, Barrel Length: 6 Inch, Finish: Handgun - Nickel, SN: 29426

Markings:
With Box and Original Cleaning Rod

Question:
Who can I contact to find information on this Old Handgun and who do I write to get it in the I have this Old Gun Article any help would be Appreciated. I am a Enlife member000134283403.

Answer:
Tommy - Smith and Wesson will provide a letter giving the history of the pistol, the date it was shipped, and to whom it was shipped. If you go to their website at www.smith-wesson.com and look under customer support, you will find the form. You print the form from the website, fill it out, and mail it to them. Hope this helps, Marc

16547 - Hopkins & Allen Rifle
11/16/2021
Steve Huffman, shuffman@execpc.com

Maker: Hopkins & Allen, Model: Unknown (See Markings Below), Caliber: Stamped 32 R.F. (but Known To Shoot 32 C.F.), Barrel Length: 26 3/4¨, Finish: ? (Doesn't Appear Blued Or Browned, Quite Dark), SN: 9XXX

Markings:
On top of octagonal barrel, in front of blade site: MADE BY THE HOPKINS & ALLEN MANFG.CO. NORWICH CONN. U.S.A.MERWIN,HULBERT & CO. NEW YORK U.S.A. SOLE AGENTS On top of barrel, behind blade site; PAT. JUNE 23.85 OCT.2.88 DEC.9.90 32R.F.Serial number stamped on end of barrel that fits into receiver (can't be seen until barrel removed) an on end of receiver (both covered when barrel is in place).

Question:
Condition appears to be Good. Any information on the history of this would be appreciated. A gunsmith that looked at this years ago said it appeared to be professionally changed to center fire(?).

Answer:
Steve- Made sometime after the 1890 patent was issued and before Hopkins and Allen folded in 1917, is about all I can add. H&A made lots of different models, including many inexpensive "Boy's rifles" and it would be nearly impossible to further pin down the model without examining it in person. The finish was probably originally blue, now darkened to what collectors call "patina" but most folks call rust. In my experience these have low demand and values, unless in extra nice original condition. It is an interesting example of modification of an old gun to keep it firing when ammo was no longer available... John Spangler

16546 - E Whitney Flintlock Musket
11/14/2021

Maker: Whitney, Model: Flintlock, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Bare Metal, SN: ?

Question:
I have a Whitney Flintlock in good condition. The markings are as follows: On the sidelock it as U.S., with a crossed arrow and wheat sheaf. Towards the rear of the lock is printed.. New Haven, and the date of 1837 is barely legible (you must hold the gun in such a way to see the date imprint). On the barrel tang is the date 1835, which is very legible. The initials N.W.P. are stamped on the top of the barrel. I believe this is the 2nd contract of 1822. The gun has no brown finish, but rather bare metal. Very few pits and barely no rust. The stock has a few dents here and there but otherwise, is in good shape. It appears that the flash hole is clear and that the gun could be fired. Do you have any idea what this gun is worth??

Answer:
Sir- You have an very desirable collectors piece. This was made by Eli Whitney Junior, not his dad who invented the cotton gin and is [erroneously] credited with invention of interchangeable parts. The slight mismatch of barrel and lock date will turn off some collectors, but it sounds like it is otherwise all original and in good condition. "Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Arms and Their Values" shows a value of $950 in good condition, and $2250 in fine. (See condition definitions at link). These sell very nicely in the eastern US but are slow movers in the West where if it ain't Colt or Winchester, it ain't..... If you are a collector, you have a keeper. If not a collector, then we could find a good home for it with one of our customers. Drop us a line if you want to sell it... John Spangler.

16545 - Elden- Royal Scout .22 Rifle
11/9/2021
JIM

Maker: Elden, Model: Royal Scout, Caliber: 22, Barrel Length: Long, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Markings:
INDIAN HEAD STAMP. NOT A COMMON ONE. UNLIKE ANY MANUFACTURER EVER SEEN BEFORE

Question:
Never have seen anything like this. never heard of manufacturer. was hoping to get more info on this item before buying it. Was hoping somebody could help.

Answer:
Jim- You are making this up, just to see if we try to fool you by coming up with an answer, right? If not, I don't know what to say. My references don't list any Eldens or anyone using "Royal Scout". An Indian head logo was sometimes used by Savage, but you probably are familiar with that. "Royal Service" was used by Shapleigh Hardware on some shotguns, and "Royal Gun Co." was used by the Three-Barrel Gun Co as a trade name, but they are both way out of the .22 line. My guess is that it might not be US made, but could be European, perhaps even Canadian or Australian. You didn't mention any proof marks, but that could help solve the mystery. Maybe one of our visitors can help on this one... John Spangler

16544 - Femaru Model M1937 Pistol
11/2/2021
Todd

Maker: ?, Model: Pistole M37 KAL 7.65mm, Caliber: 7.65, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: 2183

Markings:
Jvh41

Question:
Was wondering what it is worth. Have done research as that it is Hungarian made and that the four digest serial number meant that there was only about 4000 made also have 2 mags that say P Mod 37. I can not find a price. It looks almost new

Answer:
Todd, the Femaru Model M1937 pistol was manufactured by Femaru-Fegyver-es Gepgyar R. T. of Budapest, Hungary. Many more than 4000 of these pistols were produced, there were approximately 200,000 of them made from 1937 to 1944-1945.

M1937 sides that were manufactured under German supervision are marked "Pistole M.37, CAL 7.65 mm jhv 41" or "P.MOD. 37, KAL. 7.65 jhv 41" on the left hand side. These model M1937 pistols should also be marked with Eagle over 58, Eagle over WaA58 or Eagle over WaA173 on left trigger guard web.

Your magazines should have serial numbers that match number of the pistol. The magazine numbers are stamped on the bottom of the magazine but they are difficult to see and easily overlooked unless one is specifically looking for them.

M37 pistols were well made and they are popular with collectors. Jan C. Still's book, "Axis Pistols" book indicates that most of the jhv 41 variation M37 pistols went to the Luftwaffe. All the reported M37 holsters bear Luftwaffe acceptance stamps; however, it is probable that some of the jhv 43 variation went to the German Army. In all, about 80,000 M37's were procured by the German military.

I would estimate value for a M37 pistol in "almost new" condition to be in the $750 to $950 range, if at least one of the magazines has a matching serial number. If both magazines have matching numbers value is in the upper end of the range. If neither magazine matches, maybe around $750. Marc

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