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16462  - Remington Model 4 Rifle
4/27/2021
Patty username@mcn.ne

Maker: Remington-UMC, Model: 4, Caliber: .25-10, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: ?, SN: ?

Question:
I would be interested in what you could tell me about a Remington .25-10 RF rifle. It is a Model 4 and the writing on the octagon barrel says Remington Arms--Union Metallic Cartridge Co., Remington Works, ?ilion, New York, USA. It is a single shot. There is no date listed. I'll be waiting to hear from you. Thanks, Patty

 Answer:
Patty, the Remington Model 4 was the smallest rolling block rifle that Remington produced. The Mod. 4 originally came with a case hardened frame and an octagon barrel, later on take down models were introduced and round barrels became available. Models chambered for .25 Stevens were marked 25-10 on the barrel. Aprox. 350,00 Model 4 rifles were made between 1890 and 1933... Marc



16406  - MARLIN 336 HISTORY
4/27/2021
Bryan Baytowntx

Maker: Marlin, Model: 336 A.o. Special, Caliber: 32, Barrel Length: 19 12, Finish: Long Gun - Other, SN: E18339

Markings:
The marlin firearms co. New haven Conn. Usa-est 1870Model 336-s.o special cal

Question:
My dad hunted with this gun till he started not being able to see clearly he gave me the gun and id like to know something about its history if possible.

 Answer:
Bryan- The Marlin 336 (and frankly all Marlins) are well made guns, selling for pretty reasonable prices.

The Model 336 was introduced in 1948, and the E in your serial number indicates manufacture in 1948. They were made with 24 inch barrels as the Model 336A; with 20 inch barrels and full length magazines as the Model 336RC, and another 20 inch version with a half magazine as the Model 336SC. The calibers offered included 30-30, .32 special, .35 Remington, and a couple of other oddballs. I am not sure what the AO special might mean. The 336 was made continuously from 1948-1968 and reappeared later, and was even started up again after Remington bought out Marlin (called ``Remlins`` by cynics unimpressed by the quality under Remington`s initial efforts.) In 2020, Ruger bought Marlin from the Remington bankruptcy sale, and I suspect that Ruger may resume production of some version of the 336, and it will likely be excellent quality.

There is a lot of good history on the 336 here: https://www.gunvaluesboard.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-marlin-336-series-of-rifles........-1679.html

Marlin dates of manufacture by serial number can be found here: https://www.gunvaluesboard.com/marlin-serial-numbers-dates-of-manufacture-1664.html

Hope that helps. John Spangler



16400  - MARLIN MODEL 1893 DATE OF MANUFACTURE
4/24/2021
Jeff Hamilton MT USA

Maker: Marlin, Model: 1893, Caliber: 30-30, Barrel Length: 25 12, Finish: Long Gun - Don`t Know, SN: 240664

Markings:
The serial is 240664. The 64 s are slightly raised above the line of the first 4 numbers not stamped as deep into the metal. The partial octagonal barrel is 12 58 long the same length as the receiver for the cartridges.

Question:
I would like to know when this rifle was manufactured.

 Answer:
Jeff- The Marlin Model 1893 was introduced in (surprise!) 1893, and continued in production until around 1920 when they changed the name to ``Model 93``, just like Winchester dropped the ``18`` part of the model numbers for most of its guns to make them seem not as old (Winchester`s Model 1894 became the Model 94, etc). The Model 93 started a new series of numbers for that specific model only, starting at 1, and never reached the 6 digit range, so we know yours in a 1893, not 93.

In 1936, the Model 93 was renamed the Model 36, and remained in production until replaced by the Model 336 in 1948.

For the early Marlins, we know that Marlin started with serial number 1 and used numbers consecutively, but concurrently, for all models up to 355,500 in December of 1906, so your rifle would be before 1906. My best guess would be about 1899-1900. Hope that helps. John Spangler



16461  - Ansley H Fox Shotgun
4/24/2021
rprice@roanoke.infi.net

Maker: Ansley H Fox, Model: Dbl, Caliber: 12ga, Barrel Length: 28, Finish: Blue, SN: 15XXX

Markings:
krupp fluid steel barrels

Question:
This shotgun is in very good shape...but don't know much about itsell it or hunt with it?

 Answer:
Ansley H Fox was a very well known manufacturer of medium to high grade boxlock hammerles shotguns. Ansley H Fox manufactured shotguns from 1896 until 1930, when the company was taken over by Savage Repeating Arms. Savage continued to manufacture shotguns until 1942 when all models but a utilitarian grade were discontinued. Ansley H Fox shotguns are considered to be an American classic on a par with L.C. Smith and Parker, your shotgun in ''very good condition'' could be quite valuable depending on the grade. Values in Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values range from $395 for an A grade shotgun in poor condition all the way up to $25,000 for an FE grade shotgun in new condition. My advise would be to have your AH Fox examined by a knowledgeable appraiser in your area to determine it's value. I would not to use the AH Fox for hunting, if you want to go hunting buy a Remington or Mossberg pump and go have fun without having to worry about ruining a very expensive shotgun... Marc



16456  - Shell Case Trench Art
4/20/2021
Nicolas Germany

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

Question:
Hello, my name is Nicolas. I am German-French and live in Germany on the French border. My French grandpa fought on the side of the French in World War I and during the fighting he reworked 3 brass cartridge cases into flower vases by hand. I can send you pictures. There are 2 x PDPs 188 .1.17. 37-85 and 1 x MGM 59 L 16 USA 75 DE C.

I don`t really want to sell them, but I would be interested in the approximate collector`s value. Can you say something about that? Thank you so much! greetings

 Answer:
Nicolas- I would expect to find ones matching your description offered at a gun show or antique shops in the U.S. at prices around $75-100 retail.

Most of the so-called ``trench art`` shell cases were actually made after the end of the war, but one with a known family connection may have much higher value to family members, while value compared to other mass produced examples may be much lower based only on artistic merit.

Hope that helps. John Spangler



16465  - Universal M1 Carbine DOM
4/20/2021
Anthony Laconia Nh

Maker: Universal, Model: M1 30 Cal Carbine, Caliber: 30 Cal, Barrel Length: 18, Finish: Long Gun - Blue, SN: L8707

Question:
I inherited this carbine from my dad who has pasted away.........I would like to know the approx. year this rifle was produced... Thanks in advance...

 Answer:
Anthony, Universal Firearms Corporation was the successor to the Bullseye Company, they produced copies of the U.S. M-1 Carbine for sales on the commercial market, rather than government contacts. The quality of Universal carbines for the most part was not bad, but not up to the standards of government issue carbines. Initially the bulk of the components Universal used in their carbines were government surplus except for the forged receivers which were made by Repp Steel Company of Buffalo. Surplus slides and trigger housings were used as long as possible but toward the end of the Korean Conflict, the surplus part market dried up and Universal started manufacturing all of their own parts including barrels, die cast trigger housings, recoil plates, recoil plate screw, and springs. Universal was purchased by Iver Johnson in January 1983 and the manufacturing facilities were moved to Arkansas in the summer of 1984. Iver Johnson continued to sell Universal-branded Carbines as late as 1988. There is some great information on Universal carbines at M1Carbines.com, click here to visit them. Hope this helps, Marc



16455  - Winchester Shotgun Date Of Manufacture
4/17/2021
Simon

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

Question:
Hi, I have a Winchester 101 o/u multichoke shotgun serial No. K378099. Any idea when it was manufactured? (I think it was a Japanese made gun). Thanks

 Answer:
Simon- Sorry, we cannot help with that one. Factory records on the Model 101 are sparse after 1971. Up until that point the numbers are available here:

https://www.midwestgunworks.com/winchester-model-101-history.html

Here is a link to a good discussion on the topic of later numbers, but sadly no numbers anywhere near yours to pin down a date.

https://www.shotgunworld.com/bbs/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=59185



16460  - H&R Bulldog
4/17/2021
onsite@trainltd.demon.co.uk

Maker: H&R, Model: Bulldog, Caliber: Looks Like Approx .32, Barrel Length: 2.5¨, Finish: Chrome, Or Some Sort Of Plating, SN: NONE ON IT

Markings:
H&R arms company, Worcester, Mass, U.S.A.also says THE H&R BULLDOG on top of the frame.

Question:
First, thanks for answering my question on my German WW1 flare Pistol. I would like to know, what exact caliber this Bulldog pistol is, and the approximate date of manufacture, I would also like to know if rimfire ammunition is available for this gun. thanks for all your efforts, and I think you do a really great job. Martin Karp, (London, England)

 Answer:
Martin, Harrington and Richardson manufactured reliable utilitarian low cost revolvers from1874 when they were founded, until 1986 when they ceased production. The H&R trademark is now being utilized by a new company (H&R 1871, Inc.). Your revolver may be a Young America Bulldog. The H&R Young America Bulldog was marked ''Young America Bulldog'' it is a variant of the H&R Young America, the Young America Bulldog was originally chambered in .32 rimfire and held 5 shots. H&R Young America models were manufactured from 1884 to 1941. As to ammunition availability, .32 rimfire is now a collectors item and you will have to pay a premium for it. You should look on my links page under More links, Ammunition, there is also a link to the Old Western Scrounger, you should try looking there. One last comment, many things can go wrong with an old revolver like your Bulldog, it may be dangerous to fire. I would strongly advise you to have a competent gunsmith check out your H&R both for safety and to verify the caliber before you try to shoot it... Marc



16454  - 8mm Rifle Ammo With German Markings
4/10/2021
Mike

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

Question:
I came across some 8mm german cartridges with a swastika on the head stamps. Do you know anything about them? Thank you.

 Answer:
Mike- This is 8 x 56mm Mannlicher ammunition made during WW2 during German occupation for use in captured rifles. There is a lot of it around, and few people shoot that caliber. It is NOT the same as the 8 x 57mm cartridges used in most German Mauser rifles.

Here is a link to a lengthy discussion of this ammunition, and midway down is an excellent detailed account. https://forum.cartridgecollectors.org/t/nazi-8-x-56-r-mannlicher/2645/8

Hope that helps. John Spangler



16459  - C96 Reblue?
4/10/2021
Dima United States

Maker: Mauser, Model: C96, Caliber: ?, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Handgun - Blue, SN: ?

Question:
HelloI was wondering if deeper dings on C96 that dont penetrate the blue finish are a sign the gun was reblued Or is it common for these guns to have imperfections like this from the factory Also is it possible to reblue the gun and leave the machining marks intact Here is a photo that might illustrate it perfectly httpsibb.cor5qkQHY Thank you

 Answer:

Dima - I was unable to open your picture. Sometimes it is hard to identify a re-blue, the scratches you mention may have been darkened by time, this happens on old rust-blued firearms sometimes, or by a previous owner with touch-up blue. The pistol may have been conserved, this is done by disassembling and boiling the parts in water. The boiling process converts red iron oxide (if any) on a firearm to black and freshens up the finish. Mark Novak has several excellent You Tube videos on the process, here is one at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaYluvfRZeA&list=PLQ8hvyC8cR2XppC_W8DYHKZboBH28e1Ie&index=5

Some things to check for when trying to determine if a firearm has bee re-finished:

  • Are the corners and edges sharp or have they been rounded over?
  • Are all of the markings crisp deep and clear?
  • Are the screw holes sharp and round or are they funneled out and indistinct?

Hope this helps, Marc





16453  - Bulldog Revolver
4/6/2021
Enrique Uruguay

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

Question:
To whom it may concern, I found in my grandpa house an old revolver that looks like a British bulldog .455, but has rare differences. I`d like to know more about this gun, in order to know a little bit more about my grandpa.

Can you help me to determine the origin of this gun?

 Answer:
Enrique- Based on the partially visible proof mark (crown over letter) your revolver was made in Germany.. It copies many, but not all of the features of the popular British ``Bulldog`` revolvers. Since the British design was popular, it was copied in many countries, ranging from excellent quality to very crude quality, priced accordingly, and sold all over the world. I estimate the date as circa 1880-1910.

The number 197 may be a serial number but also may be an assembly number used to match up parts for final assembly, or to indicate a specific worker for piecework pay, or pay deductions if there were quality problems.

This one appears to have been refinished and it may or may not have had nickel/chrome finish originally.

It is nice to see an old gun stay in a family where it is appreciated for sentimental value. Here in the U.S. these are not in much demand, in any condition, and I think this one would retail for $100 or so, Some dealers may offer similar looking revolvers in better condition at much higher prices, but I doubt is they sell any. Hope that helps. John Spangler



16458  - Mauser C96 Manufacture Dates
4/6/2021
Dima Albuquerque

Maker: Mauser, Model: C96, Caliber: 7.63, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Handgun - Blue, SN: 12686

Question:
HelloI was wondering if there are any materials on the internet or books that would serve as a proof that my Broomhandle is an antique. It seems to be built out of conehammer components and 12xxx serial number started in 1988 based on what I know. Would appreciate any help Thank you Dima

 Answer:

Dima here is a list of C96 Approximate Production Dates that I got from the Mauser Collectors Forum. They indicate that the dates do not apply to the 9mm ``Red 9`` models and that this data has been compiled from many sources and is to be considered to only APPROXIMATELY correct.

Serial Number Years
1-2000 1897
2000-15000 1898
20000-30000 1899-1901 (Unknown Gap of 5000)
30000-40000 1902-1903
40000-50000 1904-1905
50000-82000 1906-1911
82000-113000 1912-1913
113000-153000 1913
153000-180000 1914
180000-360000 1915-1916
360000-430000 1917-1918
430000-434000 1920
434000-730000 1921-1930
730000-922000 1930-1938

Fjestad`s Blue Book of Gun Values has similar information in their serialization section you can order a book from Amazon.

Another good resource is the 1896 Mauser Pagem click here to visit their site.

Hope that this helps, Marc.

 



16457  - Rast And Gasser Model 1898
4/3/2021
Ivan

Maker: Raster-Gasser, Model: ?, Caliber: 8mm, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Blue, SN: XX161

Markings:
Dear Sir, I've a 8shot 8mm Raster-Gasser revolver. It can be take in peace's w/o tools. On the right side of the frame is stamped '79R¨and ¨49¨. The serial number is xx161. It's condition is very good ( almost mint...except for the blue finish) Please, could you tell me some more about this gun?? Is it valuable, collectible?? I thank you in advance Ivan P. Souza

 Answer:
Ivan, Leopold Gasser was a revolver manufacturer who operated two factories, producing up to 100,000 revolvers a year in the 1880s and 1890s. Gasser revolvers were adopted by the Austrian Army and were widely distributed throughout Austria-Hungary, and the Balkans. The most common Gasser revolver is the `Montenegrin Gasser'. Gasser patents were used in the `Rast and Gasser' Austrian service revolver of 1898. Leopold Gasser died in 1871, but the company continued operations for many years under the control of Leopold's son Johann. The Rast and Gasser Model 1898 Austrian Service revolver is an 8mm, with an eight-shot cylinder, it has a solid-frame and is gate loaded, with rod ejection. The loading gate, on the right side, disconnects the hammer from the trigger, and securely locks the hammer when the gate is opened for loading. The 'Rast and Gasser' looks clunky and angular but they were extremely well made pistols... Marc



16442  - Shell Casing `` Trench Art `` Or????
4/3/2021
Michael Columbia Maryland

Maker: ?, Model: ?, Caliber: 3inch Rapid Fire, Barrel Length: ?, Finish: Other - Other, SN: ?

Markings:
WNY 9-1905 3 inch RF Rapid Fire Artillery shell casing

Question:
I have a few artillery shell casings from the Washington Navy Yard circa 1900-1911. They have been compressed from their original length to about 12 inches tall. They are now wrinkled. I am wondering if these were formed by some kind of misfire or if someone compressed them in a hydraulic press. I can provide pictures if needed. Thanks so much

 Answer:
Michael- These are certainly unusual looking, and more than just a simple one time malfunction or experiment gone wrong.

As a history major I never really had to know much of anything, other than where to find just about all types of facts. So, I turned to my friends in the International Ammunition Association. The smart guys there were able to tell us that these are the results of axial crush tests performed as a quality control measure at the time of manufacture. You can read the full discussion here:

https://forum.cartridgecollectors.org/t/3-usn-1900-1910-casing-not-trench-art-but-manf-axial-crush-test/43573

Hope that helps. John Spangler