'Antique Guns - The Collector's Guide' by John E. Traister - Stoeger Publishing Company 'Cartridges of the World' by Frank C. Barnes - DBI Books, Inc. If you need further information, please request such on the Weapons Identification Service page. The Standard Catalog of Firearms by Schwing, uses the “Excellent” through “Fair” rating system, has lots of photos and is good all around guide. Be warned that their “condition definitions” for antique guns are radically different from the widely accepted NRA antique condition definitions.
Following World War II, collecting became a popular trend, especially antique cartridge firearms. This field of collecting, and collecting American arms in particular, has become one of the fastest growing since the 1950s. Overall, prices for antique guns have risen over time due to the lack of supply. Prices also vary depending on what is in popular demand. For instance, certain manufacturers, like Colt and Winchester Repeating Arms Company, are highly sought after, which causes their values to rise. As the amounts of interested collectors, values, and market research and publications grow, so too will this branch of collecting.
“It’s a growing industry and a hobby that is appealing to more and more shooters,” says Daniel Thorngren of. “Not only is interest in collector firearms on the rise, antique firearms as an industry is on the rise.” Collector firearms are also increasingly being viewed as a form of tangible assets, adds Thorngren. Economy is exiting a large recession period where anyone who had anything invested in the market lost money in one way or another. Collector firearms are alternative investments to the market, and unlike a stock, you can take it out and admire it.” Types of Antique Guns. An engraved serial no.
6499, Both modern and antique arms are popular with collectors. Antique firearms are usually divided into two basic types:.
Muzzleloader: This kind of firearm has a projectile or propellant charge that is loaded from the muzzle (the open end of the barrel) of the gun. Collectors do not purchase muzzleloaders to fire them; instead, they are often more interested in their historic value or in putting them on display. Cartridge-Firing: Also referred to as a round or shell gun, cartridge-firing guns have ammunition packaging and cased primer made to fit within the firing chamber. These pieces are more commonly collected with the intent of shooting.
Generally speaking, firearms are divided into the following two very broad classes based on their size: Handguns.: These are smaller firearms, which makers designed to be used in one hand, and the most common actions are the single shot and semi-automatic.: Revolvers are repeating firearms that have a revolving cylinder with more than one chamber and one or more barrels for firing. Long Guns.: These are crafted to be shot from the shoulder, and have a barrel with grooves or “rifling” cut into the barrel walls.: Shotguns are also called scatterguns and pepper guns due to the fact that shot pellets spread upon leaving the barrel. Materials.
Steel: High carbon, heat-treated steel is the traditional material for firearms thanks to its durability, strength, and ability to be molded. Aluminum: Firearms framed in aluminum are thought to be less durable than steel because this metal is not as strong, but it is still a popular alternative for some designs. Polymer: Plastic use in firearm construction was restricted to non-structural items, including grips and recoil spring guides, until the 1970s, but since has been used more extensively because of the material’s lightweight quality, manufacturing economy, and resistance to damage.
Guns & Firearms Terminology Action The action of a gun is how it is loaded and fired. Examples include:. Single action: The firearm must be manually cocked before each shot. In other words, the trigger performs a single function. Double Action: The gun can be cocked and fired with one pull of the trigger, and most often refers to pistols and revolvers. Break-open: The gun’s barrel is set on a hinge, where a latch keeps the barrel closed against the receiver.
Bolt: One of the simplest action types for a rifle, the bolt has an operating handle with which the gunman can operate the rifle’s mechanism. Pump: Also known as slide action, pump action firearms are repeating guns that require manual operation of opening and closing the action and feeding the ammunition from the magazine to the chamber. Lever: Guns with lever actions are operated by a lever located underneath the firearm, near the end of the receiver. The lever opens and closes the action.
Semi-automatic: Semi-automatic guns fire, extract, and eject a round in the chamber and load a new round whenever the trigger is pulled. Cartridge The cartridge is the metal case that holds the primer, gunpowder, and bullet. The term “Magnum” denotes a very powerful cartridge. Caliber This denotes the diameter of the bullet in inches, although bullets are commonly measured width by length in millimeters. Building Your Collection When looking to buy or collect an antique firearm, there are a number of factors that you need to consider in order to make sure your purchase is worthwhile.
The top factors that influence the value of an antique gun are listed below. With many special order features, 1883, This is often where the evalua tion process of guns begins and is most important to individuals who collect based on specialization. Buyers gravitate toward the quality of a maker’s products, the role a make or model has played in history, or the “aura of romance” surrounding a particular manufacturer. Examples of makes and models that are popular among collectors include post-Civil War Single Action Armies, non-U.S.
Firearms like British maker, and Japanese maker Arisaka. The desirability of makes and models is very trend-reliant and is easily influenced by movies and the media.
Condition First, it’s essential to note that different rating systems are used for antique firearms and modern firearms. In other words, a modern firearm with a nearly impeccable finish may be labeled as being in “very good” condition, whereas an antique firearm with 10 percent less of its finish intact may also be in “very good” condition. That aside, condition is one of the most important factors when evaluating a gun’s value — a difference in condition can mean halving or doubling the value.
There are two main evaluation systems most widely used:. NRA Condition Standards: Modern guns are classified as new, excellent, very good, good, or fair. Antique guns are classified as excellent, fine, very good, good, fair, or poor. New: All original parts, 100 percent original finish and in perfect condition. Excellent: All original parts, over 80 percent of its original finish with sharp lettering, numerals, and design on metal and unmarred wood.
Fine: All original parts, over 30 percent of the original finish in tact. Very Good: All original parts, 30 percent or less of the original finish in tact. Good: Some minor replacement parts are present. There may be rust or light pits and it’s in good working order. Fair: Some of the major parts are replaced and may need additional replacements on minor parts.
Metal is rusted and there may be light pitting all over. It’s in fair working order or can be easily repaired to be in working order.
Poor: Both major and minor parts are replaced and it still needs major replacement parts and extensive restoration. The metal is deeply pitted and it’s generally undesired as a collector’s item. Percentage System: This system rates the percent of original finish that remains on the gun with a range of 0 – 100 percent. “Buy the highest condition item you can afford. Condition is such a large determiner of value, so doing so ensures the best possible return.
Antique Armoury Identification Guide
A collection of five high condition guns is more impressive than a hundred of mediocre quality,” says Thorngren. If you refinish, over-clean, or modify a collectible gun in any way, you will likely negatively impact its value.
At the same time, some collectors put less emphasis on condition than on a piece being in its original state. History or Provenance If a gun or firearm has been owned by a specific person or used in a historical event, it will be very appealing to certain collectors. For example, Wyatt Earp, an icon of the American West, had a Colt.45-caliber revolver that sold for $225,000 at an Arizona auction in 2014. It fetched such a high price given that it’s likely the one he used in the most legendary gunfight in Wild West history, the O.K. Corral shootout.
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To accompany this trend, there has been an increased emphasis on the importance of making and maintaining documentation to prove the authenticity of the gun as historically valuable. Rarity Collectors’ opinions differ on the importance of rarity.
There is a classic warning that indicates that just because a gun is rare, that doesn’t mean it’s valuable. But the value of a given type of gun also depends on personal preference, and there is a lot of interest in and competition around rare versions of firearms within both emerging and established specializations. Artistic Appeal Some firearms are prized more as art pieces for their fine engravings. There is a strong market for pieces engraved by famous 19th- and early 20th-century craftsmen during the “Golden Age” of firearms engraving. The style used flowing scrollwork and is associated with Nimschke, or New York-style engraving.
Tips for New Collectors When starting a gun collection, it can be helpful to focus on a specialization, since the field is so broad. This will also help you become an advanced collector more quickly. At the same time, taking a more general approach and growing an eclectic collection can also be very rewarding. This approach can also lead to better investments.
Antique Armoury Identification Guide By Color
“Buy the book before you buy the gun. Educate yourself on the subject matter so you’ll know what you’re buying, if you’re paying a reasonable price for it, and it’s being represented accurately,” says Thorngren. “‘ Flayderman’s Guide’ is a popular and readily available publication that covers most collector firearms.” To help you find a direction and to make sure you will get the most enjoyment out of the collecting experience, ask yourself:. What do you want to do with your firearms? Perhaps you’re building a shooting battery.
You will likely enjoy owning a variety of guns intended to be fired for different reasons, such as hunting. Are you interested in history? Many collectors have a passion for guns with historical significance.
Some collect firearms along a timeline, while others are interested in a specific era or event. Do you enjoy learning how things work? Other collectors just love how guns tick and their evolution as machines.
Are you looking to make a financial investment? While some experts advise against collecting for the financial benefits, there are top-quality firearms that can certainly appreciate in value over time. Collecting guns for this reason requires great caution and expertise. For those who only want to purchase firearms for their own collection, there is a special license called the Collector’s Federal Firearms License, or “C&R” FFL. This permits collectors to purchase older, collectible guns without requiring them to buy from a licensed dealer.
These guns must meet the following requirements:. At least 50 years old. Certified by a government museum curator as having museum interest. Derived value from its novelty, rarity, or history Buying Guns & Firearms from Auction Houses & Dealers.
A 5-shot percussion, 1855, In order to make the most educated, rewarding decision, keep in mind the following when starting or continuing a gun collection:. Set a budget. Know what you can afford and collect the best condition guns and firearms that budget can buy you. Understand the terms. Read and understand any terms of sale and guarantee of descriptions. This will ensure that you know how protected you are if your purchase ends up not aligning with what was explicitly described. Like in most markets, fakes exist, so it’s important to take the proper precautions.
Compare prices. Do your homework and look into the market value of the firearms that interest you. Look at gun shops, read websites, and browse credible publications like Gun List. Be patient. Don’t rush into a purchase or convince yourself it’s the right choice.
If it doesn’t feel right, just wait. You will find something that suits your needs and tastes.
Know the laws: It’s essential that you are aware of your rights and the laws regarding buying and selling firearms, at auction or otherwise. The laws vary depending on country, and some countries make exceptions for antiques. Use online resources such as GunPolicy.org to learn more and collect intelligently.
Buy what you like. In the end, it’s your collection. Try not to pay attention to others who are competitive or have different opinions.
The most important thing is that you find your purchase personally rewarding. Conservation With your new collection comes the responsibility of caring for it. Here are a number of conservation best practices for antique firearms. Environment Store your firearm collection in a room safely kept at a consistent 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Otherwise, the wood stocks may expand and cause permanent cracks. Also try to keep the room at around 50 percent humidity to avoid metal corrosion or cracking. Protection Depending on the type of collectible firearms you have, it’s best to avoid handling your guns with bare hands too much, as the oils in your skin can cause damage. You can buy cotton gloves for handling your objects so you can still enjoy your collection. In addition, you can invest in a quality microcrystalline wax to protect your guns from the elements. Cleaning You should dust regularly with a clean, dry cloth. Don’t use spray products and remember to use gloves.
If you’ve just purchased an antique rifle or pistol that has residue of its box or holster, you can make a wood or metal cleaning solution. Wood: Mix water with a few drops of a mild detergent and wipe the wood surfaces with a dampened cloth. Rinse the cleaned surfaces in plain water. Metal: Use a soft scraper, such as a pre-1980 penny or fine grade of bronze wool, to remove corrosion products. Additional Resources.
Full text of ' 3rd Edition UM^^^U^^^M^ GUIDE TO ANTIQUES ^O i »4;Hk (.f^^OB W. r a.iid tHeir va.liies e W: n' ^^-' IJ^- n-A ^^^^ New, Extensive Chapter on Shotguns and Fowling Pieces Expanded Coverage with More Pages, More Guns, More Photos Prices and Historical Data Brought Completely Up to Date ABOUT THE AUTHOR Undoubtedly the world's best-known antique arms deal- er and authority, Norm Flayderman's name has become synonymous with historic weapons of all types. Having handled almost.if not all. Antique arms ex- isting, Flayderman possesses a prodigious amount of infor- mation which he has shared freely with his fellow collectors. The 'Acknowledgement' section of almost any antique arms book published within the past decades carries his name, often as a major contributor.
Norm has received more honors and official recognition than any other professional dealer or collector in his field. An acknowledged arms historian, he acts in an advisory capacity to some of the most prestigious American museums and historical societies. He is Staff Arms Consultant by U.S.
Army appointment to the famed Springfield Armory Mu- seum, Arms Consultant by U.S. Marine Corps appointment to the Marine Corps Historical Center, Washington, D.C. And Quantico, Virginia, and Arms Consultant by Legislative Act and Governor's appointment to the State of Connecticut for their venerable Colt Firearms collection.
He has the unique distinction of being the only arms authority on the editorial/advisory staff of all three major national arms col- lector publications. Among the notable collections he has officially appraised are the famed Winchester Gun Mu- seum, the Gettysburg National Museum, the outstanding Kentucky rifle collection of the late Joe Kindig, Jr., the notable antique weapons collection of the late Harold Peter- son, Chief Historian U.S. Park Service, and the arms collec- tion of the late Gerald Stowe, Curator U.S.
Military Acade- my Museum, West Point, New York. Widely known and respected in collecting circles in the United States and abroad. Norm Flayderman's catalogs have enjoyed the longest consecutive run of any ever issued. Over 100 editions to date. The recognized professional in the field. Norm's detailed and highly accurate descrip- tions have set new standards for the hobby. Although having handled and appraised some of the greatest rarities in American and European antique weapons.
Norm takes great pride in always having stocked 'something for every- one.' It's his deep and sincere interest in this wide range of arms, regardless of their individual importance or value that was the stimulus to amass the immense storehouse of knowl- edge that is reflected in this book.
An impressive range of accomplishments for an excep- tionally active career. Add to this his service in the Infantry underage at 16, then a hitch in the U.S. Navy in World War II as an aerial photographer and subsequently as an officer in the U.S.
Graduation from Boston University and an earlier profession in photography have all stood him in good stead for his wide ranging career in antique and collector's arms. Norm's interests are legion. His book, Scrimshaw and Scrimshanders; Whales and Whalemen (the indigenous folkart of the American whalemen and the history of whal- ing) is considered the definitive treatise on the subject. He has authored two other books in the collecting field and numerous articles about antique weapons that have ap- peared in national publications. His multi-faceted career has often been a subject of feature articles appearing in national magazines and the popular press over the years.
A little known facet of his interest is that in World War I aviation, a field in which he is also considered a competent authority. The outdoors holds a special fascination for Norm. He is as much at ease behind the sights of a big bore double-rifle as he is in his professional career. He has hunted big game on safaris in East, West and Southern Africa where he bagged record trophies.
In Europe, Scandinavia, Canada and Newfoundland he has stalked moose, caribou, red deer and bear. He is among the handful of Americans to have hunted big game high in the Caucasus Mountains of south- ern Russia. An adventuresome expedition to the Gobi Desert of Mongolia and Siberia was most recently followed by a unique hunt in the Himalayas of northern India.
Each day holds something new and different for Norm. As one of the most knowledgeable historians in the field of American swords and edged weapons he is currently work- ing on a manuscript about those subjects; one which should prove a fine companion to this FLAYDERMAN'S GUIDE TO ANTIQUE AMERICAN FIREARMS.
Over the years he has amassed great amounts of data for other pet research projects in the arms field, most kept on 'back burners' because of his busy schedule. Hopefully, they, too, will find their way to print in the not too distant future. TO ikNTIQITE AKtKEXttCAW 'ji: '. i and tHeii. 3rd Edition By Norm Flayderman DBI BOOKS, INC., Northfield, Illinois Editorial Staff Managing Editor & Publisher Sheldon L. Factor Associate Editor Robert S.
Anderson Assistant Editor Lilo Anderson Production Manager Pamela J, Johnson Production Assistant Laurie Cunningham Cover Photography John Hanusin Computer Typesetting Auto-Graphics y Inc, About the Cover Featured on the cover is an outstanding Allen & Thurber 31 caliber percussion pepperbox; courtesy of Mr. Lavishly embellished by the famous Philadelphia firm of E. Tryon & Company for a wealthy local merchant, James J. The elaborate engraving is remarkable for its profuseness. Other unique features are the silver nipple shield and gold inlays on the ivory grips.
The gun is accompanied by a fitted rosewood case with numerous ivory han- dled accessories. Also shown is a matched pair of Henry Deringer, Philadephia, pocket pistols with 1 V2' barrels; courtesy of N. Flayderman & Co., Inc. Uniquely stocked in ivory with silver mountings and cap boxes. They are accompanied by their original plush lined walnut case with accessories. M Copyright © MCMLXXVII, MCMLXXX and MCMLXXXIII by E. Norman Flayderman.
All rights reserved. No part of this book, may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Pubhshed by DBI Books, Inc., One Norlhfield Plaza, Northfield, III. 60093, a subsidiary of Tech- nical Publishing, a company of the Dun 8c Bradstreet Corporation.
Notice: The opinions stated herein by the author as to the values of used firearms represent the views of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher. Obviously, the marketplace could yield different values for the subject firearms.
Arms and Armour Press, London, G,B., exclusive licensees and distributors in Britain and Europe; Australia; Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe; India and Pakistan; Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. ISBN 0-910676-58-5 Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 75-36418 ■' ■■ mill.
I.I Table of Contents Acknowledgements 5 Foreword 9 Introduction // Chapter I Collecting Firearms Chapter II Values and Condition E: Underhammer Pistols 357 F: Dueling, Target and Belt Pistols 364 18 27 Chapter III Restoration and Fakes; Where the Fine Line is Drawn 36 Chapter IV The Arms Library 42 Chapter V Major American Manufacturers A: Ethan Allen (Allen & Thurber, Allen & Wheelock, E. Allen Sc Co.) 47 B: Colt Firearms 68 C: Manhattan Firearms Company 113 D: Marlin (Including Ballard and Marlin-Bal- lard) 118 E: Remington Arms Company 138 F: Sharps Firearms 167 G: Smith & Wesson 181 H: Stevens Arms Company 209 I: Frank Wesson (Including Wesson & Har- rington and Harrington & Richardson) 228 J: Whitney Arms Company 240 K: Winchester Firearms (and Their Predecessor Arms) 263 Chapter VI American Military Single Shot Pistols 284 A: U.S. Issue/Primary Types 286 B: Secondary Types 295 Chapter VII American Percussion Pistols A: Revolvers 306 B: Pepperboxes 328 C: Single and Multi-Barrel Pistols 335 D: Deringers (Henry Deringer and his Imita. tors) 346 Chapter VIII American Metallic Cartridge Pistols A: Revolvers, Pepperboxes, Single and Multi- Barrel Pistols, 'Suicide Specials' 368 B: Semi- Automatic Pistols 409 Chapter IX American Military Longarms 415 A: U.S.