Hi folks,
does anyone know the details of the Pre 1899 Antiques Law?

I think I read somewhere the for firearms to qualify; there must be no Ammunition commercially available also...?

So for instance a Top Break 4th Model DA in .38 S&W made in 1897 still qualifies because the Ammo it was Manufactured & Designed for was a Black Powder Cartridge?

We have a similar Law in my Country/State but there is a dispute that any Top Break in .38 S&W doesn't qualify as exempt because a Cartridge called .38 S&W is still made and will chamber. Even though its a nitro load and not the same Cartridge the top Breaks before 1899 were made for.

i'm thinking I might have to write to the S&WHF to ask for a Letter to clear this up; Collectors here don't want to be outside the Law and are at risk because of this dispute.

The same problem occurs with any gun that chambers 44-40; and they are even trying to make out 44 Russian chambered guns don't qualify. It's a problem for us guys here and I hope it can be cleared up positively.

How do you guys get around this?