CFA Antique & Collectible Firearm Eras 3

Question 1

When appraising a Winchester Model 1873 rifle, which feature most significantly increases collector value?

Accepted Answer

Original blue finish over 90%

Answer

Originality of finish is a primary value driver; over 90% original blue on a Model 1873 substantially elevates collector desirability and market price.

Question 2

The 'Single Action Army' Colt revolver is most associated with which American historical period?

Accepted Answer

Indian Wars and Frontier/Cowboy Era

Answer

Adopted by the U.S. Army in 1873, the Colt SAA became the iconic sidearm of the frontier period, widely used by cavalry, lawmen, and cowboys through the 1890s.

Question 3

Smokeless powder began displacing black powder in military firearms primarily during which decade?

Accepted Answer

1880s

Answer

French Poudre B (1884) was the first practical smokeless powder, and major militaries adopted smokeless powder cartridges throughout the late 1880s.

Question 4

A firearm described as 'in the white' means it:

Accepted Answer

Has never been heat-blued or otherwise finished — bare metal

Answer

'In the white' is a collector/trade term describing a firearm in bare, unfinished steel, typically indicating a factory-fresh or unfinished state.

Question 5

Which action type was standard on most US military long arms from the end of the Civil War through the early 1890s?

Accepted Answer

Single-shot breech-loader

Answer

The US Army issued single-shot breech-loaders (Springfield Trapdoor series) as standard infantry rifles from 1866 until the adoption of the Krag bolt-action in 1892.

CFA Practice Test

CFA Practice Test

CFA Antique & Collectible Firearm Eras 3