CollectorAirgun

40 years in the game: my First among equals: the British concentric pistols: a airgun memories Webley Premier roundup

The highs and lows of collecting, by A detailed look at the evolution of one The world’s authority on spring air leading airgun writer John Atkins of Britain’s best loved pistols pistols examines a key design Index

4 Old school to t’interweb 12

John Atkins takes a look at airgun collecting before the Internet changed the hobby forever

12 Eccentric concentrics

In a wide ranging article, John Griffiths examines the evolution of British concentric air pistols

32 Snippets from the snug

Mr D, the celebrated sage of the Airgunbbs (and proud BSA Airsporter owner) shares his wisdom 18 42 34 Webley Premier: end of era

28 34 66 John Milewski charts the development of the Premier from the first model in 1964 to the last in 1977

43 Tales of a visionary

David Hughes recounts how he negotiated the Customs regulations minefield to pioneer imports

62 From Boer War to bell target

Edward Marrian describes how fear about British marksmanship led to a network of shooting clubs

The contributors to this magazine have kindly agreed that their work should be made freely available to anyone who is interested. The authors of the works herein retain their copyright and take responsibility for the accuracy of the contents. 4 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 5

Phillips Auction, London, 1982 where flowers grew and little sweet wild strawberries in summer and blackberries and sloes in autumn...

What a load of codswallop...! It’s all too easy to look back through rose- tinted spectacles when only the good times are recalled. In reality, during my times on farms, I’ve fallen in ponds, been chased around a hen ark by a mad ram, crushed against a tree by friendly bullocks, Fig. 1 This advertisement in Meccano Magazine, March 1934 still utilises an old printing block for the 1st Series Webley Service Mk. II. The .25 calibre version of the got plastered in mud and slipped a rifle wasn’t available until later in April 1937. disc – but those bad times are soon forgotten. The past is a dangerous become obvious that some of these the book showed obsolete airguns place to dwell. were in short supply, unfortunately I never knew had once existed. It prices started to rise for the less was a real eye opener. A photograph But risking the danger, let’s look commonly seen collectable airguns. of the Webley Service Mk. II air rifle back to the times when life was less was included in it and I recalled complicated, slower and easier – It was a different world then, but little advertisements (see Figure 1) when Mars bars, the size of loaves, time and economics are all relative. with line drawings for these rifles in were priced at four old pence and In 1973, £15 was an appreciable some old pre-war issues of Meccano beer cost one and thruppence per amount of cash to spend on an old Magazine I’d been given as a boy. pint. Airgun shooting then was a airgun and I had very little spare cheap hobby appealing to ‘tightwads’ money for buying old like me. As the years passed, only airguns - but all the time one thought kept me going: ‘Pellets in the world. Nowadays, are cheap and air is free’ – but even it’s ironic that I have a that has changed… Inflation affects little more money yet all services and items - the price of no time to devote to From ‘old lead, water and even indirect costs looking for airguns to for clean air – which leads me on to buy. I don’t think I’ve the actual airgun-collecting hobby. added anything to my Vintage airguns, now expensive and collection since at least scarce, were often plentiful and cost last week! school’ to a fiver-or-less each in the 1970s, as a lot of mine did. First Stirrings

The late Dennis Commins After chancing on L. mentioned in his Guns Review Wesley’s book Air-Guns t’interweb column an unnamed collector who & Air-Pistols in my local was still picking up Webley Service library in the early ’70s, Mark II air rifles for £15 each. Well, I was hooked – taking JOHN ATKINS, one of the UK’s top Gosh, how I miss those ripping thick cream, such honey and golden that was I. At that time, thanks to out the book time after airgun journalists and long time days... and the times on the farm butter, such raspberries, cakes and Dennis’s writings, along with Dr. Joe time, until buying my collector looks at some of the with ruddy-faced Farmer Bunbury, pies - such appetites as we found Gilbart’s articles about air pistols own signed copy from highlights of the past 40 years; the and his kindly, smiling wife - her there! Folly Lane was a favourite and pellets in the same magazine, the author. Harrington people, the airguns, the triumphs and eyes like currants in her soft face... walk - it was a long lane, winding interest was growing and new Gats, Diana No. 2s mistakes, and offers his thoughts on the animals and the poultry, the upwards for two or three miles and collectors began to seek out the and Mark IVs, Webley Fig. 2. A meeting point for airgun collectors from across the UK was the NARPA Annual Championships staged collecting in the internet age barns and stables, the old apple- ending in their farmhouse, and on more desirable items described. pistols and BSA Cadets at RAF Cosford. orchard and the lovely meals! Such our shoot was a lovely little wood, Inevitably, when it started to I’d grown up with, but 6 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 7

I liked the look of so many of the advertisements as well. On these, mad… Soon replies came in and I Dennis Commins, the honorary pistol with gunmetal older airguns pictured and wanted I included my drawings of a Cox drove around collecting all sorts of administrator, and many others. cylinder – who told to handle and learn all about them. Britannia air rifle and a Webley interesting items. Still thinking I was Figure 2 reproduces the poster used me of his ‘Highest I decided it would be interesting Mark 1 air pistol. Optimistic as I entirely unique with my new hobby, to publicise the day in 1975. Possible’ pistols: one to actually make a collection of am, I didn’t really expect loads of I decided to advertise nationally, so blued, number 594, the ones that looked fascinating. Britannia rifles to appear for sale the Exchange and Mart was chosen Some collectors, like Alan Hamer and one nickelled, Naïvely, I thought it would be a novel but suspected readers might well for my first advertising campaign. and Joe Gilbart were shooters too, number 87, with and unique thing to do because I had mistake the Britannia sketch for an taking part in the Championships the serial number no idea anyone else was interested – old Gem-type gun which I was also Replies to my small classified held there. There were thirty curiously stamped on so thought I could buy them cheaply happy to buy at reasonable prices. advertisement were few but I was Rifle Divisions, both league and the flat muzzle face if I could locate their whereabouts. astonished to get written replies individual, including the ‘Lincoln – one digit on either True, I had always been an airgunner I got away with these little free from other like-minded characters Jeffries’; ‘Boxall’; ‘Newcomer’; side of the bore of the and had a few rifles and pellets adverts but I’m sure if I’d attempted also keen on collecting old airguns and ‘Spittle’ Divisions, and so on. original 9 15/16ths left over from boyhood, but it was to run full pages for my ‘old airguns and enquiring if I had anything to Among the nine Pistol Divisions, inch long barrel. Leslie’s book that made me decide wanted’ there would have been swap? One of these enthusiasts’ Dr. Gilbart of the Herschel, Slough to build a small collection. repercussions! There were no silly letters was from Alan Hamer who, club won the Individual Pistol, T. L. This muzzle face policy problems with enthusiasts at the time, was working as an C. World Trading Division. I recall. stamping does I decided to place classified placing harmless adverts for old accountant for a company making I corresponded with Joe Gilbart not appear on any advertisements in my local airguns then as there are now paper tubes – Manchester Air Guns between November 1974 and June other early ‘Highest newspapers. Running an art studio with some newspaper groups. came later! After correspondence, 1981 and can say he was a really Possible’ models I’ve in their offices, I was ideally placed. Meanwhile, all manner of other, I soon realised that Alan was light nice guy and it was so unfair that he seen, recorded or Being on the spot, I could insert highly dubious advertisements years ahead of me, being very died too early. owned: such as serial them free of charge and fill gaps are now allowed to run in family knowledgeable on collectable number 63, or the on pages with my little display newspapers. Truly, a world gone airguns. He found me some nice Webley pistol enthusiast Paul Davis virtually mint pistol items over the following years would attend, as would experienced number 109, shown ranging from a humble Limit push- collector Alan Holmes, arriving in with wiping rod and in barrel pistol to a lovely London his NSU rotary engined Ro80. (No spanner in its original Giffard rifle. Alan told me I needed to wonder Alan Hamer called him ‘The leather-trimmed, Fig. 4 Nickel plated and blued Westley Richards’ “Highest get W.H.B. Smith’s book Gas, Air and Baron’)! The ‘Two Terry’s’ would waterproof, green Possible” air pistols - the centre example in a dustproof, close-fitted teak case lined with blue velvet. Spring Guns of the World and gave also be there (Terry Robb and Terry canvas-on-wood me other useful hints and helpful Palmer – the latter carrying the first case that cost 17/6 advice. More and more collectors Bonehill’s ‘Improved Britannia’ I ever (87.5p) in 1910, but cost me a lot number 1130. Below it, another contacted me and soon we were saw). The duo showed us how the more at Sotheby’s, 34-35 New Bond blued example is included – serial meeting up at places like Cosford. powerful new FWB Sport air rifle Street, London in 1989. See Figure number 528 in its original cardboard could drill .177” holes clean through 3. The trade card in the lid names carton with clearing rod. Cosford Championships the lid of a heavy-duty toolbox! We Mr. A. H. Gale, director of Westley were all suitably impressed. Richards & Co. Ltd., 178 New Bond It was at Cosford ’75 that I first met Cosford, near Wolverhampton, West Street – so this pistol has come full Jeff Hyder, Chris Winnard and Mark Midlands, was a meeting place for Alan Hamer’s friend Graham Walker circle to be sold again in the same Newcomer. I remember Mark was airgun collectors because that was was carrying a good Mark I Webley street. As you can see, the case very carrying a dark blue box of Lincoln where the NARPA (National Air Rifle air rifle. (Alan and Graham later much resembles an oversize version Jeffries ‘Match’ Pellets. He later gave and Pistol Association) 5th and 6th arranged for Alan to be the air of the lockable cases available for me a lift back to Wolverhampton National Annual Championships rifle collector and for Graham to Webley pistols at a much later date railway station and, years later – were staged in the massive hangar stick to pistols so they didn’t fall for 12/6d (62.5p). just before he returned to America, at RAF Cosford on 6th July 1975 out over any future items!). Roy I ended up with all his pellets, and 11th July 1976, both of which Valentine would be there, Alan Figure 4 shows (centre) a later including that carton of L.J. ‘Match’ I attended. The contests were Holmes producing his rather worn, Westley Richards & Co. Ltd. blued and all the packets and tins shown combined with the National Bell blued Westley’s ‘Highest Possible’ ‘Highest Possible’ serial number on the colour front page of Guns Target Leagues Championships. concentric pistol serial number 770 in its dustproof, close-fitted Review, April 1976, because they Fig. 3 Westley Richards’ green canvas on wood “Highest Possible” air pistol case housing serial number 109 (c. 1910) resembled an oversize version of the much later It was a massive event and took 1055 and Ralph Denman toting a teak case lined with blue velvet. On wouldn’t have let him on the plane Webley lockable air pistol case. months of preparatory work by Lindner & Molo American gallery air the velvet-lined lid is a plated pistol with all that lead. Dennis Commins 8 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 9

house. My late mother’s lunches and it was side-adjusting through a teas became legendary. Collectors now vacant hole in the other side would appear as if by magic on the of the block - as were some Lane doorstep at meal times. Norman Musketeers about this time. Lane with his little shopping trolley full of old air pistols and Roy The rare Kynoch Swift air rifle was Valentine (Later ‘Harvey’ [RV] in patented in Britain in 1906, Patent Fig 5 This .177” Kynoch “Swift” serial number 185 once sold as Lot 1685 in Wallis & Wallis Auction Sale 164, 20th February 1970. Hammer price £2! Airgun World) tucking into ham salad 11557 of 1906. The patentee being on a summer’s evening. George Hookham of Birmingham. was always in attendance but miles in awe – mainly unseen by most – of discovery we felt is hardly possible A second patent – Patent 13716 of too busy with running the shooting but reputed to have vast collections. to apprehend now, because so There were no UK airgun magazines 1906 taken out by Edward Jones, championships to talk about vintage One that I never met - who I will many of these revelations and new or home computers then. I had a Engineer and Kynoch of Lion Works, stuff on that day, of course. just call ‘Alec’, had “walls black with discoveries are now commonplace lot of demands on what I earnt - so Witton, was for a variation to the airguns” it was said. Jeff Hyder facts among collectors today. it was frustrating that old airguns arrangement of leather breech Pioneers reminds me that talk was often often cost more than I could afford seal and a metal sealing tube on more about old motor bikes – as Later, I would visit the homes of although I had plenty of time to the opposite face. I don’t know if Dennis Commins had written the all the airgun collector guys (apart other airgun collectors. Jeff Hyder track them down. I recall a well- Hookham and Jones were Kynoch first article I read on Webley air from Jeff and I) were interested in and Chris Winnard displayed their refinished Webley Mark I air rifle employees. pistols in Guns Review magazine, motor bikes, so often the talk would impressive arrays of vintage air early serial number 21 offered to Fig 7 While rearsights and trigger adjustment arrangements differ, the February 1973 issue, which produced drift from guns to bikes. My own pistols on large, open sheets of me on the 4th July, 1974 by dealer My Swifts and all others seen have massive breech jaws and faces of the useful feedback from readers but interest in motor bikes had rather wall-mounted pegboard covered Jack Marney for £65 and a very good a very similar large (2.75” wide butt Swifts appear identical for number 185 little factual information from the faded years before, after some idiots in traditional green baize. Dowel Mark II Service in .22 at £30, both marking of a flying bird with ‘TRADE (top) and number 247 shown lower. factory about their old pistols, so destroyed the old BSA C11 machine pegs pushed through the wool of which I had to turn down. Some MARK’ radially following the lower he suggested that Mark (being a my boyhood gang had purchased and into the board provided the items have always been expensive wing) to the one shown in The Trade While rearsights and trigger lecturer in prehistoric archaeology) for £5 pounds and kept hidden in necessary support. Jeff stuck during my time as a collector. Marks Journal and a roundel on adjustment arrangements differ, the and a professional researcher used the middle of a bush in the grounds mainly to Webleys but Chris had an the opposite side (LHS) 1.25” circle massive breech jaws of the Swifts to collecting data, might continue of the local church, as none of us assortment of vintage air pistols Kynoch Swift across containing ‘KYNOCH LIMITED appear identical for number 185 were old enough to legally ride including a blued Westley Richards’ BIRMINGHAM PATENT’. (top) and number 247 shown lower a motor bike on the roads. One “Highest Possible”, an early Abas A 43-year old Wallis & Wallis Sale in Figure 7. No 247, incidentally has Saturday afternoon, planning to Major finished in crackle black paint, 164 catalogue in front of me, lists The trademarks register artist no hole for a frontal trigger adjuster push our BSA through the streets a Lincoln (he’d bought from Alec), a Lot 1685 as an ‘early .177 Eley seems very confused by Swifts and but one on the right side of the block to an unmade private road in order vertical grip Titan and many other Kynoch Air Rifle 43”, brl 19” No. Swallows although the birds do not above the front of the trigger. to ride it, we arrived to find the fire choice pistols. 185, the trigger having adj. tension even belong to the same family. brigade tackling a burning bush in screw…’ Results of that auction The registration says the trademark Mixed Blessing? the church grounds. It looked like a When Jeff and I visited Mark were included in the following sale represents a Swallow rather than a Fig.6 Serial number 185 stamping on biblical scene… A rival gang of boys Newcomer’s house, I was startled catalogue No.165 and show the Swift. A year earlier, a linen thread The arrival of the Internet was the Swift trigger block. had set fire to our machine and it to see Mark had a vast mounted Kynoch rifle number 185 sold for making merchant used a similar a mixed blessing for collectors had virtually melted. All we could pegboard with the biggest collection the hammer price of £2. Years later ‘Swift’ trademark so maybe this generally. It’s advantageous if you the story by recording numbers and salvage was the magneto, which of Webley pistols I’d ever seen I was to buy this rifle myself from prevented Kynoch using the Swift in are selling – as online catalogues details to form a pattern to give a later came in handy for giving each displayed - including many beautiful Alan Hamer but it cost me a couple the register? allow such a wide audience for your better picture of the early Webley other electric shocks and detonating Mark II Target De Luxe Models. of noughts on the end by then. It goods – but not so good if you wish air pistols. The result was to be a fireworks electrically. However, I think we all came to was, of course, a Kynoch ‘Swift’ and One example of the Swift I own to buy items in my opinion. I didn’t fine series published over three realize that the enemy of oiled nothing to do with Eley at that time. once belonged in the family of the need the Internet to track down old months. (Guns Review, August and But I digress. Because we knew pistols displayed in an unglazed commander of The Royal Flying airguns and I still don’t. In a purely September 1975 and June 1978). hardly anything in those days, each situation is common house dust Figure 5 shows this Kynoch Swift, Corps who was the only man to selfish way, I would keep quiet about new finding of an unusual airgun or that sticks to pistols and they really sold in auction on 20th February, tangle with the Red Baron in a any airguns I heard about coming There was a pub nearby but I can’t old airgun advertisement or some need to be behind glass. Mark had 1970. The serial number stamping dogfight and live to tell the tale.... I up in country house auctions or in recall the name. Collectors would other appertaining paperwork by a Greener air rifle and several other on the Swift trigger block is seen do not know yet whether the Swift obscure little village hall sales, so I meet there for lunch. Legendary, one enthusiast was met by great items I’d not previously seen. in Figure 6. I’m unsure about the was ‘got up’ (to use a gunsmith’s could drive out to bid and usually mysterious figures on the airgun excitement when it was shared with originality of the trigger adjustment term!) on Kynoch’s own ground at acquire them at a bargain price! collecting scene would be discussed other collectors. This apoplectic joy In turn, collectors would visit my frontal screw, as I’d have thought Witton, or elsewhere in Birmingham. 10 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 11

That’s not always possible or Collectors being online talking to Diane was 80 years desirable. For instance, when I one another as cyber buddies is a older than it really covered the sale of the late Dr. good thing as it makes obtaining was and I ended Joseph S. E. Gilbart’s collection at answers to questions and getting up paying far more Phillip’s on March 10th 1982 in the opinions of others very than I’d wanted to, Airgun World, May, 1982, I needed immediate, with no waiting for not realizing at the to record what was achieved as a slow postal correspondence or time it dated from price guide for readers. Catalogues expensive telephone calls. While around 1939 (when it for sales such as this (Figure 8) are deals can be made that way, there’s was advertised in Le now collectors’ items themselves. no substitute for seeing airguns Chasseur Français) This now collectable catalogue ‘in the flesh’ – as it were – by being or maybe a lot later was expertly compiled by Nicholas out and about meeting sellers and – despite its archaic McCullough for the auction and is doing deals face-to-face, which is far mixed construction seen here along with Joe’s .21 early more exciting than sitting in front of steel pressings Fig. 9 Flashback to March 10th 1982. Alan Hamer of example of Bedford’s bolt-action of a computer communicating with and tubes, brass and Manchester Air Guns admires a fine boxed Webley Mk. I number 6805, 90% blued finish held by Webley expert John breech “Eureka” number 436 with people you may never meet. alloy. McCrossen. thin plunger rod and barrel surround, sold for £40 hammer. Below is Anecdotal stories I also recall driving was held illegally. On examination, the reissued Westley Richards’ a long way to see a lady about an I discovered it was fully loaded! He serial number 1081 known as the Now I can look at my collection and airgun I’d been told about, only for readily agreed with my proposal that ‘concentric’ “Highest Possible” pistol recall the adventures behind the it to turn out to be a child’s Mondial I remove all the cartridges for safety. because of the jacketed axial barrel acquisition of many of them and Italian cap pistol rather than an There was little else I could do but allowing a reduced and streamlined some of the unusual characters airgun. Also the elderly man who, to strongly suggest I get rid of the design. This example, retaining all I purchased old airguns from. A after selling me two boxed Webley bullets for him and that he hand his its nickel-plated finish achieved a French Diane ring trigger airgun ‘Senior’ air pistols he’d bought for (now unloaded) Luger into the police hammer price of £220. reminds me of the very old his daughters, long ago (who’d never at the first opportunity during a Fig. 8 This Phillips catalogue of March 10th 1982 for the auction of the collection of gentleman owner, who gave me used them) suddenly produced forthcoming Arms Amnesty – which the late Dr. Joseph S. E. Gilbart, is now highly collectable. The early Bedford’s “Eureka” sold for £40 hammer and the reissued “Highest Possible” achieved a hammer price of Figures 9 and 10 give flashbacks a cup of tea in a glass jam jar and an almost mint artillery Luger he promised to do, and hopefully £220. to that memorable auction day on had all his dusty paper chains and from a drawer and after waving did! I dropped his eight rounds over March 10th 1982. Alan Hamer of other Christmas decorations up. it in my face asked me if I’d like the gunwale of my fishing boat into There were no fixed prices then available airgun you’d not been Manchester Air Guns admires a fine Puzzling, as this was the middle of to buy it! It turned out he had no fifteen fathoms of water the next and there are still none, as far as aware of. boxed Webley Mk. I number 6805, August... But he wasn’t daft – as he firearms certificate and failed to day, when bobbing three miles off I’m concerned, although it’s helpful 90% blued finish held by Webley drove a hard bargain telling me the even realize he needed one – so it Sandgate. to establish a rough price guide. The last thing anyone would have expert John McCrossen in Figure Dennis Hiller’s ‘Collectors Guides’ appreciated then was auction 9. A fine .22 BSA Military Pattern I’ve discovered a few things about for both air rifles and air pistols got houses announcing on the Internet Long air rifle serial number 380 is airguns over the last 40 years a lot more people interested and (if it had then existed) to all what held aloft by the porter during the and one of them is the fact I’m did give a pointer towards possible was coming up for sale or a ‘heads bidding. It sold at Phillips Auction for never going to be able to stop prices although these values date, up’ sort of announcement from a £360 (hammer price) appearing so some collectors calling the old of course. But in the end, it’s really collector, broadcasting news on low now but, remember, that was 31 German airgun maker Langenhan what someone is prepared to pay! forums of the airgun we hoped to years ago! “Langenham”; a Millita-pattern Many other collectors were rather buy to everyone else. This means airgun a “Militia”; and a Relum Telly a secretive then, too, and many still it’s unlikely anyone gets a real As time went on, some even accused “Jelly” (because of the stylised “T”), so are. In some ways, it works against bargain nowadays. When I first me of inadvertently inflating prices I’ve rather given up on that! building a good collection if airguns started writing collecting articles, a because I said something was coming up are widely publicised – as lot of ‘old school’ collectors asked ‘scarce’ or ‘rare’. Well, as I’ve said this means increased competition me to avoid mentioning prices in before, I could hardly describe a for the rarer items. But in other magazines as this would inevitably rare item as commonplace and ways it can help too, leading you to push prices up; it was all very cloak undesirable just to keep its price find the item you are after via the and dagger! down! I don’t want prices to rise Fig.10 A fine .22 BSA Military Pattern Long air rifle serial number 380 sold at Phillips Text and photographs © John Atkins help of friends who might spot an any more than the next man. Auction for £360 (hammer price) back on March 10th 1982 12 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 13

chamber is in line with the barrel pistol that have been commercialised. and consequently there is no gain in As you might imagine, trying to overall compactness, unlike the Anson collect all of these would be a major system. challenge. for anyone, but fortunately Eccentric some are still relatively easy to find Over the past 90 years or so air and every airgun collector should have Fig. 3. Principle of the Norman/BSA pistol designers have come up with at least one example in his collection. concentric system. Upper figure shows many unusual and ingenious loading cocked position with fixed barrel inside and cocking inventions that help Edwin Anson (1863-1936) was a the sliding chamber. The lower figure concentrics shows the sliding chamber propelled to to take advantage of the inherent Birmingham gunsmith, son of William the left on firing. compactness of the Anson concentric Anson the famous shotgun maker. JOHN GRIFFITHS, author of the acclaimed reference book the Encyclopedia of Spring Air Pistols, tackles a genre of air system, most of these design features His first major invention was the pistols distinguished by their novel cocking method. He examines British concentric air pistols from the first pattern Westley Richards and Edwin Anson’s Star to the original, but highly impractical, BSA/Norman fixed-barrel tap loader. was invented by G. Norman of the BSA company, Birmingham in 1911, although the pistol itself was never Concentric barrelled spring air pistols moves forwards on firing. There Anson principle shown in Fig. 1, but commercialised. The principle of this make up a small and select group are a few non-concentric air pistols it should be noted that two other system bears certain similarities to of interesting air pistols where the with a rearwards moving piston, the concentric barrel systems predate the Quackenbush system, and is barrel is located in the centre of the compressed air also requiring a U-turn this design. Strictly speaking the first summarised in Fig. 3. air chamber, and the piston surrounds from cylinder to breech. These have ever concentric air pistol system was and slides over the barrel during an external barrel superimposed invented by H.M. Quackenbush in As with the Quackenbush design, the the cocking and firing strokes. The above the cylinder – classic examples 1876. This is the “push barrel” system barrel acts as the piston and has a concentrics are characterized by the being the Webley range of air pistols, which has been copied more than any sealing washer fixed at the breech piston moving rearwards on firing, so the Weihrauch HW45, and the BSA other air pistol design and is the basis end. However in this case the barrel is that the compressed air has to make Magnum. of the so-called “Gat-type” or “pop- fixed and does a sharp U-turn before reaching the out” air pistols. The principle of the not move pellet in the barrel. This is shown in As can be seen from Fig. 1, the Anson Quackenbush system is summarised when the concentric piston design requires the in Fig. 2. In this case the barrel is fixed gun is fired. piston to make a positive seal not only to the piston head and both move Instead the with the air chamber sides but also forward when fired. The push-barrels barrel and its with the barrel itself, so one might essentially belong to the “semi-toy” washer are wonder what advantages there could class of pistol, as the unpredictable fitted inside not being found in any other type of barrel-over the cylinder design in be for such a potentially inefficient effect of the leaping barrel on firing a sliding air air pistol. Table 1 lists all the different the form of the first model Highest design? The answer is simply one of Fig. 4. Edwin G. Anson chamber models of Anson-type concentric air Possible, which was manufactured compactness - a concentric pistol can and under Fig. 1. The basic principle of the Anson be half the length of a conventional the action of the compressed concentric design. Upper diagram, cocked air pistol and yet still have a similar mainspring it is the air chamber itself position. Lower diagram after discharge swept air volume and an equivalent that is propelled towards the piston power. Such an advantage can be of head on firing, so compressing the great value to the pistol owner, where Fig. 2. Principle of the Quackenbush air contained within. This system push-barrel system. Upper figure shows schematic form in Fig. 1. compactness and ease of carrying is the cocked position, lower figure after has several design difficulties, the often important. As this is of little use discharge. most notable being how to access As this concept was first developed to rifle shooters, who are happy with the breech for loading a pellet, and by Edwin Anson, I will refer to this full length guns, it is not surprising means that they could never become the 1911 patent tackles this by as the Anson concentric system The that manufacturers have never serious target weapons. Because of using a rather intricate tap loading vast majority of spring air pistols bothered to produce a concentric air these fundamental constructional system. The Norman / BSA pistol is (and all spring air rifles) are of the rifle. differences, this type of pistol is discussed in more detail at the end non-concentric type and normally excluded from this article. of this article. It should be noted have the air chamber immediately This article will be confined to that in both the Quackenbush and Fig. 5. Blued version of the concentric Highest P:ossible (:Photo courtesy of behind the barrel so that the piston concentric pistols utilising the The second type of concentric system Norman systems the compression Alan Harvey) 14 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 15

by Westley Richards & Co. over the THE CONCENTRIC “HIGHEST one of the rarest and most sought at least on a par with the concentric in a range below 40, which would be period 1910-1915. It was in 1921 POSSIBLE” after of vintage British air pistols. Highest Possible . consistent with their being newly that Edwin Anson patented the serial numbered from unnumbered first fixed barrel concentric spring air The concentric Highest Possible, Serial numbers, which are located on We do know that in about 1945, some components by A.A. Brown & Sons. pistol, and this was based very closely shown in Figures 5 and 6, is more the heel of the grip, started from 1001 years after Anson’s death in 1936, Known examples of these include on his then discontinued Highest elegant in appearance than its and the highest number known to the the assets of his business were sold numbers 14, 15, 23, 25, 28, 35, 37, 38. Possible. Theoretically it was a very predecessor Highest Possible, and author at present is 1087. The pistol to a Messrs Curry and Keen and in In contrast, presumed pre-War pistols simple step to convert his classic pistol at about one kilo in weight is around was advertised as being provided in a his workshop was found a number often have higher serial numbers, into a concentric design by simply a quarter of a kilo lighter. The patent card box. However, no authenticated of components for the Star pistol, known examples being 51, 64 and 94. relocating the barrel from above the diagrams in Fig. 7 show the basic box is yet known to have survived and sufficient to make about 40 complete In addition, the post-War assembled cylinder to a position at its centre, construction of the pistol, which is guns are stamped on the l.h.s. cocking but it was also a stroke of genius, almost identical to that of the non- lever with the name “ANSON’S STAR”; as no one had thought of doing this concentric version. However, there whereas the older guns may be previously. Again with the assistance are important differences, the most stamped either “ANSON’S STAR” or important being (a) more simply “THE STAR”. (See Fig. 9) the barrel is now Fig. 7 Patent drawings for the located within the The differently marked pistols concentric Highest Possible cylinder, (b) the barrel also have slightly different barrel is shorter and is flush arrangements, and those marked with the end of the latter by at least 5:1. “Anson’s Star” have the barrel cylinder, (c) the barrel protruding slightly beyond the end is made of brass and Although the sturdiness and quality of the cylinder which is retained by a is smoothbore rather of manufacture was still of the high small screwed bracket, whereas “The than steel and rifled, standard found in the non-concentric Star” pistols have the barrel flush with (d) the adjustable model, the introduction of a fixed Fig. 8. The “Anson’s Star” air pistol the end of the cylinder (see Fig. 10 ). rear sight in the first rear sight and a smoothbore brass model is now fixed, barrel were curiously retrograde Two other intriguing features about (e) the breech closure steps. These modifications would discovering one of these would be a guns. Under some mutually agreed these guns are (a) all have grip plates lever is shortened to have put the pistol at a distinct find indeed. business arrangement A.A. Brown & that were used on Frank Clarke’s last allow for the lowered disadvantage over the Webley Sons undertook the assembly of these model Titan (discontinued about 1926), barrel, and (e) there Mark 1 air pistol of the time and it is ANSON’S STAR AND THE STAR pistols, which were then sold off. This and (b) all use a double-start breech is a general reduction difficult to understand why they were however is not the whole story by any pin that is identical in every respect to in size of the trigger countenanced. Despite its reduced The Anson Star air pistol (Fig. 8) is means, and there are several puzzling that used on Frank Clarke’s Britannia guard cocking link size, the concentric pistol was still the most enigmatic of all the vintage aspects about this gun. Reports in pistol (discontinued ca. 1935). area and the grip, the significantly heavier than the Webley British air pistols and the one we the literature suggest that the pistol overall height of the Mark 1 and offered no more power. In know least about. Undoubtedly had already been on the market prior Taking on board all these fact, a Fig. 6. Catalogue advert for the concentric “Highest Possible” gun being reduced addition, the blued Highest Possible the brain child of Edwin Anson, the to Anson’s death, possibly as early possible history for the Star pistol can by over an inch. Like was appreciably more expensive than pistol combines his concentric barrel as 1922, and examination of known be pieced together, although of course its predecessor, the contemporary Webley Mark 1, concept with a unique underlever examples does suggest that this is the it is still largely conjecture, and will be of Westley Richards & Co. his new the concentric version was furnished costing one pound nineteen shillings cocking system, and yet despite these case. The post-War assembled pistols until hard evidence turns up. Highest Possible concentric pistol with black polished horn grip plates and sixpence (roughly £100 in today’s innovative features the design was have low serial numbers, all falling was introduced onto the market in with fine chequering. These are not money) compared to one pound ten never actually patented. Because of 1924. Unfortunately this was a time interchangeable between the two shillings and sixpence (about £80 the absence of information from the of intense competition from other models. The guns were available blued today) for the Mark 1. So these factors patent record and the absence of any very effective air pistol designs and or, at a premium, nickelled, these being help explain why the pistol was never known advertising literature, we have consequently this highly innovative referred to in advertising literature as a commercial success. The gun was no definite idea of the origins or early pistol only had a production lifetime of the “No. 1” and “No. 2” respectively. sold over the period 1924 to 1926 / history of this pistol. We do know that two years or three years. The nickelled guns are, not surprisingly, 1927, and it seems that fewer than it was made in very small numbers, much rarer than the blued version, and 100 pistols were produced. Survival at least in part by Anson, and is from the limited number of known rates do not appear to have been extremely rare – if not THE rarest of Fig. 9. Lettering on the two versions of Fig.10. Comparison of the barrel muzzles examples are outnumbered by the particularly high, and today it is now the vintage British air pistols, then the Star pistol on the “Star” (left) and the “Anson’s Star” 16 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 17

It is most likely that Anson was lack of enthusiasm would explain why vintage air pistols, and the fact that be seen as consistent working on his Star design around the Star was never patented, why we know so little about it gives it an with the guns being made the time that his Highest Possible it was never advertised and why so additional air of intrigue. Uncovering independently at two concentric pistol came onto the few examples were made. With the any original catalogue or advertising different locations. This also market under the ownership advent of the Warrior the Star would literature relating to this pistol would means that we have no idea of Westley Richards & Co, and have been abandoned altogether, also be extremely valuable, both how many of these early presumably Anson’s intention was so explaining the unassembled Star historically and financially. guns were actually made, to produce another concentric pistol pistols that were found in Anson’s but it is clear that they are that was simpler and cheaper to workshop after his demise. THE WARRIOR very much rarer than the manufacture, and one that he could later serial numbered guns. produce himself. It is well known What of the pistol itself? It is relatively It has long been accepted by most By 1933 Anson must have that Anson and Clarke were close pleasant to handle, weighing a few airgun historians that the Warrior sold his remaining 50% share colleagues and as Clarke had ceased ounces lighter than the contemporary was invented by both Edwin Anson in the patent rights over to manufacture of his Titan air pistol “straight grip” Webley Mark 1, and and Frank Clarke in a collaborative Frank Clarke, as from then at that time, he would have been having a similar rake to the grip. venture, this assumption being based on the pistols were stamped able to provide surplus grip plates to The overall quality of manufacture on the fact that the British patent (BP with “F. Clarke’s Patent Anson to use on his pistol. This would is good, making extensive use of 351268) first applied for on July 9th, Nos. Brit. 351268 , USA have required suitable preplanning, forged steel parts, but the gun is let 1930, lists them both as applicants. 538057”, with no mention as it is no accident that the Star down somewhat by the smoothbore However, if one looks more closely at of Anson’s involvement. At frame is tailor-made to fit the Titan barrel and fixed rear sight. The the patent record you find that the the same time manufacture grip plates. The same would be cocking system, though unique and equivalent US patent applied for about of the pistol was handed true for the breech pin, which Clarke mechanically very simple, is not the 10 months later paints a somewhat Fig.11. The first phase Warrior (top) with rounded trigger guard and bevelled cocking lever, and the over to the engineering would have been able to supply easiest to use, and the fact that the different picture. Here Edwin Anson is more commonly seen second phase version company Accles & Shelvoke, at a considerable cost saving. The pellet has to be loaded into the breech clearly stated to be the sole inventor presumably because sales question then is, what might Clarke by removal of the breech screw is (even the patent drawings are signed of the pistol had taken off get out of such a collaboration? One also a big disadvantage. The major by him alone as the inventor), and Jeffries of Birmingham England, grip plates were then required. It and Clarke was finding it difficult to strong possibility is that Anson gave drawback to this design, however, the patent also makes it clear that Assignor to Lincoln Jeffries & Company seems most likely that after Anson keep up with demand using his own Clarke a concession enabling him to concerns the power achievable, as one half of the patent rights had of Birmingham England”, and then had invented all the principal features workshops. These second generation manufacture and/or assemble and the cocking lever mechanism permits been assigned over to Frank Clarke. categorically indicates in the body of of the Warrior he approached Clarke pistols carried the marking “Made by retail some of the pistols for himself. only a relatively short piston stroke This clear differentiation between the patent that the individual Lincoln with a view to its commercialisation, Accles & Shelvoke Ltd., Birmingham”, This would explain the origin of the – about 4.3 cm in comparison with the inventor and any other owners Jeffries is the sole inventor. Even if it and he sold a half share in the design and were serial numbered. Apart pre-War pistols marked simply “The about 6.5 cm for the Webley Mark 1. of a patent was a common feature is correct that Edwin Anson was the to Clarke. Frank Clarke may have from these markings there are other Star” with no reference to Anson, and So although the diameter of the Star’s of the US patent system, whereas sole inventor of the Warrior and of made various suggestions to improve small structural differences between why these had the slightly different air chamber was significantly larger at that time in Britain the distinction all its novel design features, there is aspects of the patent, including choice the early non-serial numbered barrel arrangement to the “Anson’s than that of the Mark 1, because of between inventors and applicants no doubt that Frank Clarke played a of grip rake to suit the Titan grips, pistols and the later serial numbered Star” pistols. In his own workshops the short stroke and the additional (owners) was not usually made, both part in its early design.. Thus an early before the patent drawing were made. version, the most obvious being the Anson would also have made and sold lost volume from the central barrel, being treated as “the applicants”. A 1930’s Frank Clarke catalogue depicts chamfering of the end of the cocking his pistol marked with his own name. the Star had a swept volume of air of further illustration of this is found with an artists drawing of the Warrior on Manufacture of the Warrior in lever in the first series (Figure 11). One example of an “Anson’s Star”, only about 12.4 cm3. The Mark 1, with the 1911 Lincoln Jeffries patents for its cover, showing the pistol with grip the early days was presumably Other differences are to be found in serial number 14, almost certainly a swept volume some 60% larger was his backstrap cocking pistol designs. plates from the discontinued Mark 7 undertaken by Clarke himself, or the muzzle area, where the early guns comes from this pre-War period as it able to generate much more power His British patents do not separate Titan, a cost saving exercise that had jointly in their separate workshops had a slightly protruding barrel which has its original (unmarked) box, which with significantly less cocking effort. the inventor from the patent owners previously been used with the Anson by both Clarke and Anson, and these was enclosed in a steel block, and also has identical covering material to No advertising literature for the Star and begin with the statement “We, Star pistol. The patent drawings for first pistols, which were made over in the breech area, where the wrap- that used on Anson’s Firefly air pistol has been found and so we do not Lincoln Jeffries & Co. Limited and the Warrior also showed the gun to the period 1931-1933, had no serial around cocking lever closure was box. Neither Clarke or Anson would know how much it retailed for, but it Lincoln Jeffries, Director of Limited have a grip rake that accommodated number. Although stamped with the simplified slightly. Serial numbers in probably have had much enthusiasm must have sold at a significantly lower Company, both of Steelhouse Lane these grips, which was no coincidence. name “Warrior” and the British and the second series began at 1000 and for the Star pistol because by 1929 price than the Webley Mark 1. Birmingham, do hereby declare the However, by the time the Warrior USA patent numbers, there are no about 5000 pistols were made over they would have been involved in nature of the invention to be as came onto the market there had markings of any kind to indicate who the period 1933- 1939, the highest developing the Warrior air pistol, a From the collector’s viewpoint the Star follows…”. In contrast, the equivalent been a rethink and the grip rake had made the pistol. This is consistent serial number yet recorded being 5816. potentially much stronger competitor or Anson’s Star is one of the rarest American patent prefaces the patent become more sloping and sleeker, with a jointly owned design, and the for the all-conquering Webleys. This and most desirable of the British application with the words “Lincoln which meant that purpose-made lack of serial numbers could also Continued on page 56 18 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 19

is dampened by a resilient buffer, top of the main body tube, one of resulting in little or no recoil felt by two such keys that retain the rear the shooter, and a minimal elapsed plug in place in the main body tube time between the squeezing of the of the gun. (See Fig 1) The second Walther’s trigger to the release of the shot. key is located at the bottom of the All these factors made possible an tube, and this bottom key also serves unprecedented degree of precision to locate the trigger mechanism shooting, never realized before the mounting unit. (See Fig 2). advent of the LGR. On the late action, the upper key was compression On to the study. eliminated, and replaced with a pair Fig. 4 of shoulder screws, located centrally Over the course of several years mounting unit. (See Fig 4). of rebuilding and repairing dozens of LGR rifles, I have made a few On the late action, the sear portion brainwave observations with regard to the has been changed to a much more evolution of their design with respect robust appearing unit, that has a to the actions, or more specifically, half-round section stamped into it, Walther was ahead of its time when in 1974 it devised the first single stroke pneumatic match rifle. It was both ground- the parts that make up the actions. where the hammer rod fastens. The breaking and world-beating, so good that the target size had to be reduced. LEONARD JOE reports on the evolution of Based upon what I have noted, there hammer rod is now spot-welded to this rifle over its 14 years in production, in particular the features that make it either an ‘early’ or ‘late’ model. were two distinct versions of the LGR the sear portion. The adjustment action, which I have classified as the screw on the retaining bracket has “early” and “late” variations. been eliminated, and the bracket has Fig. 3 a transverse ridge formed into it to set the height of the sear. (See Fig 5). within the dovetails for the rear sight. (See Fig 03). This change resulted The hammer “head”, or the actual in a greater flexibility in where the portion of the hammer that acts to rear diopter sight could be mounted, open the valve, is in effect, a sliding allowing it to be mounted further bar, with a ramp at it’s forward tip, back on the rail. The late action which raises a lever, which in turn, retained the lower key exactly as was opens the valve. The lever is equipped used on the early action. with rollers at both ends to reduce Fig.1 friction, one roller acting on the While the trigger mechanism The most obvious item of note on the mounting units remained the same, The Walther LGR is a very well the precision that these new breed sear. As the lever is now moved in early action, which will stand out far there were numerous differences known 10M target rifle, which was of match rifles were capable of, and the forward direction, the air in the more quickly than the serial number, in the hammer and sear assembly introduced in 1974 and was produced reduced the size of the rifle target, to compression chamber is compressed is the transverse key through the between the early and late actions. through to around 1988. The LGR the size that it remains at to this day. to a pressure of approximately 100 On the early gun, the sear portion of quickly gained dominance in 10M bar (1450 psi) within the valve. This the hammer assembly is a silhouette competition, eventually breaking The LGR is a single stroke pneumatic pressure is adequate to propel an 8 type arrangement, made from a flat both the individual and the team rifle, which means that it’s full grain pellet to a velocity of around stamping, which was then fastened world records in 10M rifle. At the operating pressure is built up with 555 FPS, which results in 7.4 joules (~ into a slot in the hammer rod by 1984 Olympics, the LGR became but a single cycling of the cocking 5.5 fpe) of energy – just under the 7.5 two rivets. The retaining bracket Fig. 5 the first SSP rifle to take gold in lever. As the cocking lever is drawn joule limit. was a simple, angled piece, which the men’s competition. With more rearward, air is drawn through the mates to the trigger mechanism hammer head, the other roller acting and more shooters posting perfect barrel and into the valve, and as the Upon firing, the trigger releases a mounting unit. An adjustment screw on the end of the valve stem. On the scores, the governing body for 10M cocking lever reaches the end of it’s hammer, that is quite light in relation is used to set the sear engagement, early action, the hammer head is rifle competition of the day decided stroke, the valve is allowed to close, to the overall weight of the gun, and the setting is held in place by a very narrow affair, of rectangular Fig. 2 that changes were needed to reflect and the trigger engages the hammer and the end of the hammer travel contact with the trigger mechanism cross section, only 2.2 mm wide, and 20 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 21

8.5 mm high. It too is of a silhouette polyurethane. I have been unable design, similar to the sear portion to locate any data to indicate that of the early hammer assembly. The the early hammer assemblies were collar that the buffer is mounted prone to breakage, but when looking Diana 27: to is a multi-stepped affair, held at the late design, it is apparent that in place on the hammer rod by a the parts are of more robust design. single spring-pin. Note the (white) (See Fig 7 – also shown in the cocked polyurethane buffer that cushions position to show the hammer profile, the impact, and prevents metal to and round opening in the forward metal contact between the retaining hammer guide). Fig. 9 the rifle collar and the face of the forward The hammer springs on both early being made up of an aluminum and late actions are the same, front section, fastened to a steel however, the design of the early rear section, with a stack of spring hammer provides a slight amount washers between the two sections. that kept of pre-load to the hammer spring. (See Fig 9). The spring washer I suspect that the slightly greater stack provides a small degree of mass of the late hammer head compression to take place in the eliminated the need for the pre-load. piston as it reaches the end of it’s stroke, and the cocking lever cams on giving Moving to the internals of the gun, into place. This function serves to Fig. 6 the change in piston design is one make the setting of the eccentric of the major differences between pivot pin for the cocking lever a little MIKE DRISKILL looks at the post-War development of the Diana 27, a rifle whose heritage started soon after the turn of hammer guide when the gun is the early and late actions. The early less critical to adjust, as well as the century and survived two World Wars, before undergoing a number of small but significant evolutionary changes fired. (Fig 6 – shown in the cocked action utilized a one piece, solid reducing the effort required to fully position to show silhouette hammer aluminum piston, which then had close the cocking lever. and rectangular opening in forward a steel reinforcing cap fitted to I re-discovered my childhood love of worn by a light, medium-powered rifle many “Milbro” air rifles built up until hammer guide). the pivot point where the cocking Thus far, the trigger mechanisms, airguns in the mid-1980’s. Like many that shared advanced features with 1980. linkage connects to it. It is not at all the loading gates, the cocking levers, of us, as a newbie I began with some Diana’s larger top-of-the-line models, The late action once again appears uncommon to find an early action and all the other mechanical parts of over-powered, under-refined spring- providing top quality and good value. to have been reinforced with a much that has been retrofitted at some the LGR actions appear to me to be piston rifles! Then I chanced upon more robust hammer head, which is the same on both the early and late Ladd Fanta’s famous article on the While we are focusing here on model now 10.6 mm in diameter, with 6 mm versions. Diana 27, in the 1977 issue of “Gun 27’s built in Germany after World wide flats machined top and bottom, Digest.” His practical background War 2, it’s useful to compare these Fig 2 for contact surfaces. The late action It would take a much larger cross as an airgun dealer and shooter-- with their ancestors. Here (Fig 1) is a shows a much simplified retaining section of guns examined to try to rare in the US in those days--and quarter-stocked model 27 from 1926. collar, which is now held in place by determine at what point in the serial unbiased writing style, not only put The first post-War guns (Figs 3 and a solid, staked pin. On this particular number range these engineering my overall airgunning interests on 4) made an effort to duplicate the gun, the hammer buffer is black changes took place. I have seen late a new path, but ignited a particular styling and features of the pre-War actions with early pistons, which fascination with this historic Mayer & design. Below you can see that the Fig 1 leads me to believe that the rear plug Grammelspacher “Diana” model. overall lines are very similar, though Fig. 8 mounting, and hammer mechanism with certain concessions to more point in time with the late piston. changes took place much earlier in The Diana 27 nameplate existed for And here (Fig 2) is a ‘DRP’ (Deutsches economical production. The stock has Since the piston seal is an integral production than the piston change. I the better part of a century. It began Reichspatent)-marked example from a similar profile but simpler form, with part of the piston, should the piston also have no doubt that there will be as a simple quarter-stocked barrel- the immediate pre-War years, with a flat-sided butt and only rudimentary seal have ever needed replacement, transitional guns out there that will cocker in the first decade of the 20th a 3/4-length stock and excellent but contouring on the grip, and executed in the entire piston was replaced. (See be a mix of the various features. As century. In the 1930’s, it evolved into complex 2-stage trigger. Diana’s pre- beech rather than walnut. The trigger Fig 8). such, this is, and will continue to be, a quite different rifle with full-length War production machinery famously is alloy instead of case-hardened an ongoing study. stock, and was again re-designed moved to Millard Brothers in Scotland steel, and stamped components have Fig. 7 On the later action, the piston has when M&G re-started production after the War, where the old 27 replaced the older forged ones. been completely re-designed, now after WW2. But “27” was always provided the design foundation for 22 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 23

The post-War German model 27 has only one true breech block is concentric with the falls roughly into three generations, adjustment screw, barrel diameter. At the line formed and here we can illustrate a typical which shifts the where this curved surface meets the example of each. point at which block’s flat sides, a perfectly-aligned, the second- narrow horizontal surface is cut into FIRST GENERATION stage fulcrum the top of the breech jaws. Also note point is reached. the twin machined slots under the The new post-War model 27 rifle was There is no true front of the breech block to tightly fit introduced, per John Walter’s research, pull-weight in December 1951. The Diana- adjustment. The branded rifle below is typical. second screw serves only to lock Besides the slab-sided stock with the adjuster into finger-groove fore end already place. illustrated, it had a solid alloy trigger Fig 3. Pre-War rifle at the bottom Fig 8 blade with two adjuster screws, a The simple simple fixed-post front sight, and stamped-metal Fig 11 Even though the post-War Diana guns simple press-on end cap, with its a stamped rear sight. The receiver rear sight closely (Fiigs 5, 6) were clean-slate designs distinctive bulge to accommodate the has no grooves or rail for a scope or resembles the with completely new powerplant ball-sear mechanism, replacing the diopter sight. (Fig 8) pre-War one, components and the ingenious but is different ball-sear trigger, the new model 27 As with all model 27s, the trigger in detail. It must apparently made use of remaining blade is curiously close to the grip. be drifted in pre-War parts. The receiver tube – This is the result of its more rearward its mounting although cut-outs and attachment location in the receiver tube, compared dovetail for lateral brackets for the trigger, action screws to the pre-War rifle, combined with adjustment, and are different – is identical in length and the stock’s closely following the incorporates a Fig 12 diameter, with identical attachments previous grip and butt proportions. Fig 9 rather coarsely- for the breech block. Note also the adjusting slider Fig 5. Pre-War gun at right The design of the breech also owes for vertical the cocking link. Finally, the front of much to the pre-War model 27. The movement. the block and link blend into a single automatic detent latch is a strong It’s an efficient curved line in profile, which mirrors wedge design. There are no chafing enough unit, but that of the front of the stock fore end. washers in the joint, though the perhaps does not At a spot where most barrel-cockers breech block does have a recessed do justice to the are a little agricultural, Diana gives you annular grease groove on each side. gun’s accuracy, art! (Figs 11 and 12) Fig 6. Pre-War gun at bottom The pivot bolt has one “half-moon” and its light recess on each side of its head, to construction is, The first generation rifles lack some accommodate its keeper screw. (Fig in my experience, refinements seen in later 27s, but are heavy pre-War threaded one. The 9). easily damaged beautifully made, elegantly styled, very screws used for the barrel and link atop this solid well-finished, and collectible air rifles pivots are actually interchangeable. There are variations in this first “solid rifle. The good that retain some surprising links to Fig 10 blade” trigger design. Most have a news is, these their pre-War forebears. little units were grooved face as seen above, but earlier apparently stockpiled in vast numbers SECOND GENERATION ones are smooth (I have seen other – they are still available new from Diana models with an even earlier German parts dealers. (Fig 10) A major revision to the entire variation, using differently-located Diana airgun line took place in the small adjuster screws – again, likely A favorite detail is the elegant breech early 1960s. Older models were surplus older components). As an styling on these guns, which bears discontinued, or their variants Fig 4. Pre-War gun at bottom Fig 7 aside – the classic ball-sear design some study. The top contour of the consolidated; new ones introduced, 24 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 25

including the remarkable Giss-patent screw, as the friction of the adjuster is backed by a ferociously stout spring. and was ‘inherited’ for use with lightweight rimfire-type recoilless match guns; and the larger screw against the plastic renders it But perhaps more significant are the from earlier Diana scopes, and its ribbed top surface also sporting rifles – including the 27 – greatly revised match sights that mates with the unique downward- were changed to reduce production breech hinge had been paired acting mounting ‘foot’ on Diana’s costs. details. with a front sight match sights. It really is not suitable featuring four for heavy-duty clamp-type scope But some of these changes were The left side of rotating posts of mounts. (Fig 21) significant improvements. Besides the breech block corresponding a much more pleasing slender and has a heavy flat shapes. The breech area’s appearance is a rounded stock shape, the breech washer in a deep revised but still remarkably clean design was completely revised, and recess (seen Variations of this design. Again, look at the sculptural superior sights introduced, along with in place in the sight are still in relationships of components; the top a simple dovetail scope rail. Below is photo), topped by Fig 18 use on some and bottom contours of the breech a Winchester-marked rifle illustrating a stout Belleville Diana pistols and block are the same radius as the these alterations. (Fig 13) Fig 15 coned spring metal of the breech block (note, other models. (Fig 20) receiver tube, with the previous extra washer. Note I’ve stuck the breech pivot bolt in cut on the breech jaws deleted. Thus that the breech ‘backwards’ here, for a better view of The scope rail is a simple wedge the breech block ‘reads’ as a flat- pivot bolt’s head the notched head). This may be, bar sided extension of the receiver itself has ten recesses none, the strongest and most finely – simpler, but no less elegant, than the (instead of the adjustable breech design I’ve ever previous solution. (Fig 22) Fig 13 previous two) seen in a light barrel-cocking rifle – an for the retaining outstanding design feature. (Fig 18) When I first dissected a second- The re-designed stock lines are screw, which generation model 27, the extent very evident in these shots. The is somewhat The sights are another advance over of the changes from the first- shape is altogether more curved and smaller. This the first-generation guns. The front generation design were surprising. comfortable, especially in the grip area allows extremely has a small barleycorn blade within a While perhaps giving up some minor for the heel of the firing hand. The fine adjustment fixed hood, mounted on a base that cosmetic touches, Diana’s ability to rubber button on the butt, intended to of the breech clamps to parallel longitudinal grooves, Fig 20 realize production economies while help the rifle stand more securely in a tension against all easily removable to accommodate adding technical improvements was corner, is a thoughtful detail that is a the Belleville a scope. (Note: the turned-down remarkable. signature of the model 27. (Fig 14) Fig 16 washer. (Fig 17) muzzle on this gun is an ill-advised owner modification, not factory work). THIRD GENERATION The right side (Fig 19) superfluous. (Figs 15 and 16) of the breech has a lipped chafing In the late 1970’s, the model 27 saw washer, which fits a corresponding The rear sight is a combination plastic further changes that, again, both The following photos (actually a third double recess in the side of the breech and metal design, with smooth click simplified and refined it. These generation 27) show the revised block and provides a flat bearing adjustments for both lateral and concentrated on the rear sight and Fig 21 breech. Most obvious is the change surface slightly proud of the softer vertical movement. The ingenious trigger. (Fig 23) from a wedge spring-loaded rotating notch plate detent latch provides four different sight pictures, shape, spot- to a trapped welded to the ball bearing, receiver. It Fig 14 which seats sits very low, against a small without the hardened cone “shoulder” The trigger blade is shaped identically wedge on the seen on the to the earlier alloy one, but has standing breech larger model transitioned to plastic. These are – very smooth in 35 and 50 notoriously fragile... a poor design operation, and sporters. decision at best. Interestingly, this stronger than it The rail is Fig 22 design omits the separate locking looks, as the ball Fig 17 Fig 19 designed 26 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 27

of the day. This unit fits the non-standard same groove spacing, can be components easily retrofitted, and when with newer combined with the rear sight ones. This may is wonderfully versatile and be particularly precise. (Fig 26) true for guns sold under Fig 30 The rear sight on these guns M&G’s many is nothing short of amazing. foreign-market bearing detent, with 1st-gen pivot bolt Fig 23 While generally similar to the trademarks, which and keeper. previous mixed-construction included Hy-Score, of the blade instead of unit, it is all steel, and consists of no Peerless, Beeman, Whether this rifle represents a short- being recessed, but work fewer than 21 separate parts. Both RWS, Original, lived, early 2nd-generation production precisely the same as horizontal and vertical adjustments Geco, Gecado, Fig 27 previously. Note and Condor. that the brackets attaching the blade of the post-War model 27 into three It’s also possible that M&G to the receiver variants, is really only a generalization. discounted “non-standard” guns to tube are also The number of guns out there which individual distributors or retailers. changed compared really meet none none of these to the previous descriptions precisely, is remarkably Here is a model 27 that is a generation, though large. remarkable example. (Figs 29, 30, the operation 31 and 32) Fig 24 and pivot point The beautiful geometry of the stock has the Fig 26 The trigger blade is now stamped components is the same. distinctive sheet metal. If not as elegant as (Figs 24 and 25) 2nd-gen curvy Fig 31 the early solid alloy blade, it’s at are smooth and precise. I know of no shape, but least stronger than the preceding This trigger may have been introduced better factory open sight ever fitted to retains finger plastic one! The adjuster screws earlier than the sight and breech block any airgun. grooves similar standard, a small batch to use up have smaller heads and stand proud changes. 27s with the stamped blade to earlier models, parts stocks, or something else – I but otherwise Another detail change in this area is and omits the second- the omission of the screw-and-keeper famous ‘butt generation cocking link pivot, in favor of a simple button’ seen on details riveted joint. (Figs 27 and 28) later ones. It was are fairly made by Sile in Fig 28 common. The stock shape, while basically the Italy, the only 27 The basic same, has some minor refinements, stock so marked front sight including a slightly less raked grip It’s interesting to speculate the I’ve ever seen. It is really well-finished, remained angle, a more rounded form to the reasons for this. Possibly the and easily the most comfortable small exactly the comb nosing, and a less abrupt curve features were not introduced as air rifle I’ve ever hefted. The scope rail same, but at the fore end tip. These changes are simultaneously as I have implied, and and plastic trigger are also 2nd-gen these later so subtle they are hard to photograph no doubt there were “transitional” details, as is the hooded front sight. 27’s were effectively.The third-generation guns guns that combined surplus older or But the rear sight is the 1st-gen Fig 32 sometimes – especially for shooting with open stamped model. offered as sights – may be the best of the post- Most interesting “deluxe” War 27s. of all may be the can’t say. But it is representative of or “target” breech, which the many model 27 sub-variations out variants, with VARIATIONS combines the there for the collector. Diana’s globe 2nd-gen washer Fig 29 Fig 25 target sight As mentioned above, the grouping design and ball 28 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 29

several years earlier – the quality of materials and workmanship was a cut Falke mystery above the BSA. Since setting up the forum, I have been intrigued to find that Falkes – made in a former sugar factory in a small town near Hannover, capital of Lower Saxony – were sold all over the world now history as well as in Germany and the rest of Europe, with particularly enthusiastic markets in New Zealand and South Africa. African farmers seem to have The German Falke underlevers have I started an internet forum dedicated 400 of the 80s made. I also read that taken to the underlevers with special a special cachet among collectors to 1950s Falke airguns – the Falke the Falke factory was in operation for fondness and there is even a press for their quality of manufacture and Forum – in 2009, in an effort to just eight years or so, between 1951 photo showing Rhodesia’s prime rarity. DANNY GARVIN writes about pull together the limited number and 1958, before it went bankrupt. By minister, Ian Smith, posing with a the internet forum he started to of sources available on these guns and large there were only snippets Falke 80 while joking that he would be share information about this elusive into one place and in the hope of of information in airgun textbooks, accused of “shooting at Englishmen”. brand and some of the surprising new stimulating more. There wasn’t a and the only real attempt I could find facts that emerged – including the great deal information around, despite to put together a dedicated body of One possibility that has emerged from Model 33 pistol, patented by Albert Föhrenbach in 1952 possibility that these rifles are not there clearly being quite a large information was by collector Vic Turner, data supplied by visitors to the forum quite so rare as initially believed. number of break-barrel rifles – most who sold loose-leaf photocopies of – backed up by photographs – is that of them copies of the smaller pre-War Falke sales literature along with some there were rather more examples of numbers are still relatively small so was only about 4,000. The breadth of Dianas and Haenels – plus two heavy of his own research. the models 80 and 90 made than the the ‘final total’, should we ever discover Falke’s airgun range, the number of underlevers, and a single Falke- total 600 first thought . The figure was it, may yet prove to be in the same rifles apparently made, the global reach patented pistol based largely on the If you examine a Falke 80 or 90 you suggested by the Kiwi author Trevor ballpark. of its export market, and the fact that pre-War EM-GE Zenit. quickly understand what the fuss is Adams and estimated according to the it also branched into making powder- about and why the airgun writer WHB highest known serial numbers at the A key revelation about Falke was burning rifles, suggest that this was an It was the two underlevers, the Smith, in his 1957 Encyclopedia of Gas, time. Since then it has become evident recently provided by an enterprising ambitious, productive company. models 80 and 90, that excited my Air and Spring Guns, said of the model that the serial number stamped German visitor to the forum, Volker, curiosity. I had won a Falke 90 with a 90 that “there are no finer nor more on the loading tap and cylinder of who tracked down and interviewed the Exactly where Falke fitted within speculative bid in an online auction, powerful spring-air rifles made than each underlever rifle is not unique. 62-year-old son of the Falke factory’s Germany’s airgun industry is hard knowing vaguely they were sought these”. Although its underlever design A number of duplicates, and even founder, Albert Föhrenbach. Volker to determine with certainty. The after, and quickly learned that there was almost certainly a copy of the BSA triplicates, have appeared, suggesting was told that Herr Föhrenbach Senior immediate post-War period was were an estimated 200 of the 90s and Airsporter – which came on the market the overall total may be higher. But the suffered a non-fatal but debilitating extraordinarily fertile for airgun heart attack at about the age of 50, production, with almost all of the in 1957, and that this was the cause effort of the surviving post-War of the collapse of the airgun business German gunmakers focused on it, within a year or two, leading to the while sanctions on making firearms company’s liquidation in 1961. prevented their energies going into powder-burners. This concentration It sounds like poor management to on airguns led to an unprecedented allow a business to implode through leap forward in their development in the incapacity of one man, albeit that the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, mostly it was the company’s enterprising concentrated on the popular sport of owner, a former aircraft engineer. 10m target shooting. But this was no cottage industry; the founder’s son said it employed 300 Restrictions on airgun manufacture people in a town whose population were lifted in around 1950. The pre- Falke 90 underlever serial no 148 30 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 31

War firearms giant Walther started helped by the strength of its brand simultaneously. producing low-powered, highly in Germany. Around this time, its accurate air rifles in the southern city engineers also began to focus on Falke seems to have sold its guns at a of Ulm aimed exclusively at satisfying developing recoilless match air rifles consistently lower price than its close the burgeoning demand. Only later and pistols. competitor, Diana. How it managed in the decade did Walther return to to sustain this with no apparent firearms when it helped to equip the Two hundred miles south of compromise in quality is not clear, new West German army. the Falke factory, Bayerische- although Germany in the 1950s had Sportwaffenfabrik (BSF) was a surplus of skilled craftsmen grateful By the mid-‘50s, at Rastatt in producing well-made rifles, including to have work, so wages would have western Germany, airgun specialists the underlever model 54. Not far been low. Meanwhile, anecdotally it is Mayer & Grammelspacher had away, Weihrauch was building a said that Diana lost much of its skilled recovered from the seizure of its name for itself in the adult airgun workforce during the War, along with machinery during the post-War market and, like both Falke and the loss of its machinery afterwards, reparations process, and was starting BSF, produced beautiful all-steel so its overheads might have been high. to put out an increasing range of diopter sights in an attempt to Diana sporting air rifles – no doubt satisfy the sporting/target markets Herr Föhrenbach’s pre-War engineering contacts, plus (as his son Falke 80 and 90 serial numbers are found under the automatic loading tap recounted) at least one friendship with a senior English army officer in deeper match fore-end and straight small machined parts. One skilled potential, beech stock, and relatively the British Occupied Zone in which for the sporter – suggests strongly British machinist I know of reproduced crude pressed steel sights, the two the Falke factory was located, may that the customer was king in the ‘50s two of these sights over about 35 rifles are chalk and cheese. have helped him with obtaining the and if sir wanted a match stock on his hours of painstaking work. The heavy, scarce materials he needed for airgun model 80, that is what sir would have. blued steel diopter sight is no less Questions that have not yet been production. extravagant and has an attractive answered about Falke’s demise One painful matter for some modern design feature in that its underbody is include the detailed reasons for its As you can see, compiling the Falke Falke underlever owners is the cut out to match the graceful curved collapse after Herr Föhrenbach’s heart story is a jigsaw that involves a lot of question of rear sights – the painful tail of the trigger block. A further option attack – was it heavily in debt and speculation – and history is rarely kind part being that they are often missing. was an adjustable iris ingeniously built was credit on loans withdrawn when to those who indulge in conjecture. Both models were sold with an into the eyepiece. bankers’ confidence fell? Did the cost What is clear from the rifles that have intricate, hand-built steel micrometer of the top-of-the line underlevers survived and are cherished by their sight that could be fixed anywhere on These extraordinary sights and other eat into profits and help to topple the owners, 60 or so years later, is that a long ribbed rail above the cylinder, standard features – the minimal company? this was a company that believed in either locked into notches cut at use of steel pressings; the six stock building up to a quality standard and intervals or by friction alone when fixing bolts; the elaborate hand-cut The answers may become clear not down to a price. The big Falke there were none. The optional diopter chequering on the walnut match eventually. In the meantime, Falke‘s underlevers are beautiful, functional sight sat on its own short rail atop the stocks; the delicate falcon (Falke) brand legacy to airgun collectors is the objects that give much pleasure to trigger block at the rear of the cylinder. impressions on left stock fore-end, surviving examples of the superb shooters and collectors alike. Unfortunately, the designed-in ease cylinder, and moulded buttplate; and models 80 and 90, along with some of moving and detaching these sights the removeable front sight elements other fine guns. Their undoubted The models 80 and 90, which were has meant that quite a few rifles have – all add to the luxurious, no-expense- quality and the fact that Falke’s airgun both made in 4.5mm and 5.5mm become permanently separated from spared, feel of the rifles. They may not production started, flourished, and calibre, are almost identical, except them. have been intrinsically better shooting disappeared all in less than a decade, that contemporary advertising tools than the early Airporters, or BSF’s will no doubt sustain collectors’ indicates the 90 was sold only with a The build quality of the sights is model 54, but the workmanship and interest, even if the mystery about walnut match stock and the 80 with an example of the considerable materials that went into the Falke why the company lasted so few years an elm sporter stock. But the numbers care and attention lavished on the underlevers must have represented appears to have in the main been of each model that have emerged manufacture of the big Falkes. The excellent value for money to 1950s solved. wearing the other’s stock – complete elevation and windage-adjustable consumers. Set against Diana’s Falke brochures were produced in German, English and Dutch and Falke underlevers with the correct underlever for the rear sight is a beautiful product of flagship model 50, which retailed at The Falke Forum can be found at: appeared in various contemporary third party sales catalogues stocks – a slight ‘dog-leg’ for the the gunmaker’s art, with numerous 20% more despite its lower power www.network54.com/Index/98508 32 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 33

form of Elspeth busy at her tasks my maximum but 15 more than I felt out loud to the doe, ‘Go in Peace!’. strange was the great ball of dung in the kitchen. Even now I can hear confident of in the available light. I use She dashed off as rabbits will, and I which it tapped and started to roll, her mashing the milled malt for the open-sights as fitted by the BSA was left in the gloaming with the BSA for as it did it burst into the orange Snippets Harmony’s birthday beer. We decided craftsmen, and know that the power Airsporter (with self-opening tap). My and white flames of the morning sun. on double the usual quantity this of the heavy No.2 bore slugs at these disappointment turned to pride as I It burned bright against the gloom of year, and had to buy an extra tun. ranges is more than enough for safe remembered the words of my father the thicket. Then it seemed to grow An expense we can ill-afford, but dispatch of rabbit, pigeon, rat and ‘Some of the best shots are those dull and became as it were entirely Harmony’s university friends are magpie. Provided a clear shot to the that are not loosed’. matte, as if it had grown the skin of terribly thirsty and it is a principle centre of vitality located in the head is Pondering the physics of a mole. I lunged forward, digging my from of ours that no guest should go made, no unnecessary suffering will sighting in low light, I must have fed rear paws into the earth and snarling. unsatiated from our home. attend the hunt’s end. Aye, and there’s something into the animal or indeed Elspeth woke me with a jab in the ribs The smell of hot malt the rub. Slowly creeping forward on vegetable moiety of my brainstem, with her elbow (as is her custom) and reminds me of a curious incident last knees, hips, and elbows, concealed for during the night I had a peculiar told me, in her absurd way, that I was autumn. I’d been lying-up late into by tweed and scrim-netting, in 20 dream. In it I took the form of a badger having a nightmare and that I should the snug the afternoon, field-glasses trained long minutes I managed to close the pushing and snuffling through a go back to sleep. This I did, but not on a spot much favoured by ‘Comrade distance to the doe to 25 yards. blackberry thicket looking for beetles, before I wrote the dream down. Coney’. I was getting colder and colder, Raising my BSA Airsporter displaced fledglings and the odd lost As I sat down to my morning Mr D of Fife recalls an abortive quarry; and I own the finest of all air- the dankness of the close-cropped (with self-opening tap) I aligned the juvenile rabbit. It was most realistic, fry the meaning of the dream came rabbit hunt and the moment he first rifles – the BSA Airsporter (with self- sward seeping even through the sights and brought them to bear probably because my prone stalking to me - as I plunged a folded rasher realised he had to have a gold-plated opening tap) in No.2 bore. untreated tweed of my hunting breeks. upon my mark. Disaster! The doe style puts me at about the height of into an egg yolk – I realized I must get foresight fitted to his BSA Airsporter Through the pages of this Only the thought of Elspeth’s curried- raised her nose and turned a little, a badger’s head. my foresight bead gold-plated. There – the one with the self-opening tap organ it is my presumption to instruct rabbit pie kept me from fruitless presenting a square-on profile. The What was not realistic was is only one man in the Kingdom of the ignorant, entertain the enthusiast retreat. The sky darkened steadily fading light did not allow a well- when I pushed past an elderberry Fife who I will allow to touch my BSA It is a fact universally accepted that and enlighten the expert, so all can and a light breeze off the North Sea placed shot, so I breathed and held stump and spied before me an Airsporter (with self-opening tap) and every Sporting Man deserves three improve their Sporting prowess. I shall brought the delicate scent of a haar, to the mark, hoping for a change of extraordinary insect. From my time that is Shuggy Biancini. I went to my things; a shoot, a sympathetic wife, be writing to you from the snug – a the freezing sea-fog that rolls inland, luck. Two or three minutes passed. in North Africa I recognized it to be writing desk and penned a brief note and a Sporting arm of the highest chamber off our kitchen supplied with silent as death. Then, a movement She turned again and I prepared to a dung beetle; like the fat knight to him requesting an interview at the quality. I am blessed with all three fireplace, slippers, pipe and Tantalus among the blue-green thistle stalks! take the shot. Double disaster! The Falstaff rolling and scuttling about earliest opportunity. in magnificent abundance. Three of warming spirits. It allows me good A surprisingly plump doe tacked into light was failing, and I could not ‘make its earthy business – yet instead of yeoman farmers allow me to hunt comfort in which to relax after a view and fell a-nibbling, out of range. out’ the foresight against the mark. its customary dull back coat, this their lands; my dear Elspeth gratefully long day in the field or toiling at my Long experience told me she was a Rather than risk a wounding shot, I gentleman had a sheen of perfect © Mr D makes good table-meat of all my allotment, and inspiration in the good 40 paces away, 10 more than arose from the damp grass and said blacking, like a Purdey shotgun. More Fife Photograph by Paul Morris 34 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 35

stamped under the left stock side. These are about half way down the grip and appear either side of the stock side screw hole. It seems these Webley were date stamps. Early Premiers carry single figure numbers e.g. “4 5”. This could mean the pistol was produced in April 1965. Later versions had more complete stamps Premier: e.g. “7 71” meaning the pistol was produced in July 1971. The numbers I have encountered to-date suggest these are chronological date stamps, although it should be appreciated I end of an era have not examined factory records to substantiate this likely explanation. Premier A series

JOHN MILEWSKI describes the impressive lineage of the Premier, a pistol which was heir to a famous heritage that The calibre was stamped on the left standard patented leather washer stampings remained the same on went back to the 1920s. It embodied the struggle the company had to incorporate cost savings into its production, with side of the barrel pivot, under the with brass insert. The left side of the later blued pistols, only the “WEBLEY the use of new finishes and materials. foresight. Inspection stamps were air chamber carried the instruction PATENTS” being omitted. As with stamped behind the trigger guard, “OIL “ near to the cocking slot any production line manufacturing, at the front of the grip. Webley to encourage owners to keep the changes could take time to take The Premier was introduced in its father. As manufacturing costs than the Senior’s and the two inspectors only placed their stamp leather piston washer regularly effect, so variations and oddities 1964 as a replacement for the Mark and competition increased, cheaper components do not interchange on a pistol if they were satisfied lubricated. Unusually, the A series which appear to be out of sequence 1 and Senior air pistols and took materials were introduced and easily. with the assemblers work. Curiously, was only available in .177 calibre. will be encountered. The features its name from the shotgun side Webley experimented with a number not all pistols encountered carry described in this study are therefore of the business, namely after the of different finishes to produce a Assembly numbers were used this inspection stamp, suggesting The left side of the pistol carried a general guide on those one expects Premier Gun Works. Although the cost efficient product. instead of true serial numbers Inspectors looked at random the following trade stampings to find on the Premier air pistol pistol was produced for a period of and these were stamped on the samples. “THE WEBLEY PREMIER MADE but please keep an open mind and only 13 years, there are numerous The new Premier combined the front bung, by the barrel pivot. This IN ENGLAND” upon two lines. expect to encounter the odd pistol variations for the discerning collector double jointed cocking linkage and number was also stamped under In January 1965, a system of code Trade stampings on the right side with unusual or out of sequence to seek out and it can be seen fully adjustable sights of the Senior the left stock side, near the top of letters was introduced as an aid consisted of “WEBLEY & SCOTT features or markings. how a well produced almost hand with the trigger adjustment facility the grip. Webley’s have stated the to ordering spare parts. As subtle LTD BIRMINGHAM” and “WEBLEY made steel pistol evolved into a of the Mark 1. The cocking link for purpose of these numbers was changes and modifications were PATENTS”. The latter was stamped The bakelite stock sides were brown mass produced cheaper version of the Premier was marginally shorter to trace an individual assembler made to the pistol, a new code letter nearest the muzzle end of the air as on the post war Seniors with the from his assembly number and to was introduced. Letters used were chamber on this early series of WEBLEY trademark moulded at the keep a batch of pistols together from A to F. The suggested dates pistols only as by 1964, Webley’s top, above the chequering. whilst being “jobbed” around the below have been supplied informally original patent for the classic barrel factory. There does not seem to be by Webley but their accuracy has over cylinder design had expired. The pistol had four “trigger pins”. any chronological sequence with been difficult to substantiate as true Two secured the guard whilst the these numbers and factory sources production records were unavailable The breach screw/end plug was other two held the sear and trigger suggest once four figures were during the preparation of this study. stamped “DO NOT REMOVE” and the in place. reached, the numbers started again lettering filled in with red paint. The from scratch. As these numbers A SERIES - Jan 1965 whole assembly was then secured The barrel fulcrum or the raised were not chronological, they cannot by a peg to stop owners from block on top of the air cylinder near be used to date a pistol. I.e. a higher The first of the Premiers prior to removing this component. The last the muzzle, over which the long link number does not necessarily mean and including the “A” Series used two digits of the assembly number rides during the cocking process the pistol was produced after a lower the leather piston washer from the were stamped at the rear of the was identical to the Senior’s on the number. Mark 1 air pistol, although the piston stirrup catch on series A to C. On A series Premiers but modified to a itself was a new item, unique to the D series and subsequent versions, narrower and higher type for the B Senior and Mk1 pistols: predecessors of the Premier A further series of numbers appear Premier. The breach washer was the this stamping was omitted. These series and subsequent pistols. 36 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 37

The card cartons for the earliest B SERIES - 1965 versions) and a dated instruction Premiers were a revised version of – 1966 sheet. The latter details changes the last of the Senior “Design Centre” up to and including the B series labelled boxes. The lid featured a These and all and amendments were added to picture of a three pin Senior but the subsequent subsequent series as and when a word “SENIOR” was replaced with models were new code letter was introduced. “PREMIER”. The sides of the box available in both were coloured black and the whole .177 and .22 C SERIES - Nov 1965 – July 1966 carton was more solidly constructed calibres. The .22 than later card versions. I have been being the more Although being available from told about an early boxed Premier common of the November 1965, Webley sources having a “Premier” label stuck over two. indicate the C series was not due to a “Senior” label, which reinforces be launched until March/April 1966. the belief among collectors that This series saw The delay was down to stocks of the Webley never threw anything the introduction of a PTFE piston colours determined the grade of the B series pistols having to be sold away. Instructions for the use and washer, making the old leather PTFE used to make the washers, the first. I have a boxed example which maintenance of the pistol were component redundant. The left side blue being of higher grade. is stamped 7 6 on the frame, under pasted to the inside of the box lid of the air chamber no longer required the left stock side. If this is a date and were coloured blue. the instruction “OIL “ as the new Three styles of box have been noted stamp, this must be one of the last C Premier D series washer was self adjusting and did for the B series. The earliest came in series pistols to have been produced. A Webley catalogue from 1964 not require lubrication. Early B series the same box as the A series. Later this detailed all changes to pistols neoprene version did not need to featured an illustration of the pistols still carried the instruction versions have been noted with the A new pattern of trigger and sear up to and including the C series. It be punched into its housing. A new Premier on the cover and was a whilst later pistols of this series did same Design Centre Label stuck were introduced for this model. Both is interesting to note at least two mainspring (P1032) replaced the revision of the 1950’s company not. onto a plain brown card box and the parts were now sintered rather than C series Premiers were bought in previous Mark 1 (M7) version. The catalogue, which originally carried final type carried a new design, also blued steel. The four trigger and sear New Zealand at the time of their spring interchanged with all other an illustration of a Senior air pistol Two versions of the piston washer stuck onto a plain brown card box. pins had by now, flat rather than production. As this series seems Webley pistols apart from the junior shooting at a target. Unusually, the were made. The earliest had a The label had a cream background rounded ends as these were easier to be the rarest of all Premiers, and genuine factory replacements illustration was amended fully from distance piece set behind the washer and featured a picture of a four pin to manufacture. A new longer trigger perhaps the majority were exported. were tagged with the company the Senior to the Premier and not to add length to the piston stroke Premier pointing upwards. The four adjusting screw was also introduced Alternatively, the short production trademark and the initials PAP just by substituting the model name whilst the other had a chamfer, the pin designation identifies the four for this series. Internal differences run may explain the pistols rarity (Premier Air Pistol). on the air pistol’s side as was the purpose of which was to prevent the trigger pins found on early Premiers. included a new piston (part P60) and today. case with the box lid cover on these washer fouling the end plug’s screw The picture appears to be of a pre A washer (part P61) which replaced The stirrup barrel catch was by earliest of Premiers. thread. Some were blue in colour series pistol and I assume this style the earlier versions. The C series was D SERIES - 25th June 1966 – July now a sintered casting, another whilst later versions were white. The of box was intended for the B series. otherwise identical to the previous 1968 modification introduced to cut The B series box I have does not model. production costs and the last two carry the full postcode, quoting only As previously mentioned, all series digits of the assembly number B21. Other versions of this box were This series came in the green Design up to this point had four trigger were no longer stamped on the printed B21 8LU. The side of the lid Centre labelled box. The box itself pins. A fifth pin was introduced as component. also carried the name “PREMIER” is made of the light brown card, a trigger stop pin with this series. It along with the relevant calibre and which was standard at this time. seems curious this modification was Most D series pistols were supplied stated the pistol must not be sold to However, the lid label is the older considered necessary at a time when in the cream labelled box described anyone under the age of 17, which Design Centre version on a green Webley were looking at reducing previously but I do have a “green” was the law in the UK at the time. background. The side label is also on production costs. version, which is identical to the box a green background and in keeping my C series came in. It is probable Box contents included a sample with the style on the lid. It seems A neoprene breach washer replaced factory assemblers used whatever envelope or tin of pellets, warning old stocks of “green” labels were the old leather washer of previous labels were at hand at the time. sticker (telling owners to ensure used up before or even alongside the models and could also fit all other the barrel is secured before firing newly printed ones used for the B previous Webley pistols. The tool A revised components parts list and not to fire the pistol without a series. A component parts list along used for replacing the old washer was included in the box. The sheet pellet in the barrel), Design Centre with an exploded diagram of the (M36) was no longer required as the detailed the various differences award label (only on the earliest pistol was included in the box and between the premier variants to 38 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 39

date and recommended the use of thumb placement. a paint originally developed for use guard pins were coated. Webley accessories. There was also a on aircraft. The resin was sprayed sticker explaining trigger adjustment This series came in the brown box onto a pistol and then heat treated. A change in packaging occurred and a label warning owners not to with the picture of the pistol pointing This resulted in a non rusting hard upon introduction of this version. fire the pistol without a pellet in upwards. It was the last version to wearing finish that was difficult to After the supply of the previous the barrel and to ensure the barrel have this style of label, although touch up if damaged. The body of cream coloured labelled boxes ran is properly secured prior to firing. “transitional” examples do exist the pistol was not polished prior to out, a corrugated carton which was A sample packet of Webley pellets and should not be considered as coating and should the suncorite hinged at one end and had two completed the set. incorrectly boxed. At around this ever be removed from a pistol, a ears securing the lid at the other time, a hard foam lined lockable case rough finish will become apparent. was used. The lid carried a picture E SERIES - 18th July 1968 - 1972 was advertised by Webley & Scott of a youth with a “Beatle” haircut as an accessory for the Premier. The The left side of the air cylinder was shooting the Webley air pistol on an Several variants of E series Premiers case did not carry a trade label and stamped as mentioned previously orange background. The top of the were manufactured with blued and accommodated the pistol, a tin of but the right side did not carry any flap holding the securing ears was enamelled finishes. pellets and a cleaning brush. A craft trade stampings at all as another marked with the word “PREMIER” stock side. Another had no date Sources from the Birmingham gun knife could be supplied in order to cost saving measure. The stock sides and also stated the calibre. A card stamp under its black stock side. trade indicate the F series pistols E SERIES – BLUED - 1968 – 1971 cut around a template of the pistol were now black (as on the older handle at the top could be used for The latter pistol was blued in the were sold at the same time as the for an individual fit. Mark 1 pistols). A larger E (than the displaying the box on a retailers traditional manner and otherwise suncorite coated E series pistols, The internal depth of the piston was earlier blued version) denoting this stand or for carrying the boxed as the previous stamped E series. the F stamp denoting a blued finish. reduced in an attempt to increase E SERIES – SUNCORITE COATED & series was almost hidden under the pistol. The instructions were still The third pistol had black stock The reason for the suncorite pistols the power of the Premier. Strangely, STAMPED - 1971 – 1973 left stock side. Although the body of pasted to the inside of the lid and sides and standard stampings as for was, as previously mentioned an several of the blued E series the pistol was covered in suncorite, a separate sheet was included in previous models. I have been unable economical one as this finish did not Premiers I have encountered have During the early 1970’s, Webley the barrel, linkage and sights were the box, which carried an exploded to determine whether a date was require polishing beforehand and not been quite as powerful as earlier experimented with various finishes traditionally blued. The trigger guard diagram of the pistol. stamped under the left stock side file marks could be hidden under the or later Premiers. as an alternative to bluing in order was fitted prior to spraying whilst as I noted the pistol on a dealers baked on finish. However, Webley to save costs in the time and skill the sear, trigger and their respective On later boxed sets, a separate stall at a busy arms fair. The pistol noted that some of the pistols A new stirrup catch was fitted with a required to hand polish and prepare pins were added afterwards. This loose sheet was included which had was complete in its original carton, were still suitably well finished for cross hatched thumb piece. Previous a pistol prior to bluing. The finish gave the impression of a three the component parts list on one with the cream coloured label, which bluing and these were set aside by catches had vertical grooves to aid used on this series was Suncorite., pinned action as the two trigger side and instructions for use and would suggest early seventies. The an inspector who sorted them into maintenance (as pasted to the lid of final F series Premier was advertised batches suitable for coating with previous versions) on the reverse. by Dennis Hiller in November 1998 suncorite and others for bluing. An example of this sheet was coded with brown grips and a date stamp C48/74. The 74 was the year of of 1973. The F, denoting this series Gordon Bruce suggests in his book, production and the sheet belonged was stamped in the usual place but Webley Air Pistols that another to a later “Transitional” model dealt smaller than previous code letters. reason for the marking of blued with later. The exploded diagram on the components list, incidentally is of a blued “5” pinned all steel Premier. Webley presumably did not think it economical to update their printing blocks at the time and this economy can also be encountered on pre war literature.

F SERIES – BLUED - 1971 – 1973

This series seems to be a bit of an anomaly. Four pistols were examined and at least one of these dates from 1972 according to the Premier E series date stamp under the brown left 40 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 41

WEBLEY PREMIER MADE IN barrels have been noted. The earliest 2s in both colours suggests this VITAL STATISTICS AND ENGLAND” upon three lines. being identical to previous versions, never happened to any great degree. PERFORMANCE The barrel, sights and linkage whilst the later style had a barrel A card outer sleeve slipped over were still blued and the only shroud near the muzzle, rather like the carton and carried an updated A Parker Hale catalogue dated stamping anywhere was the the later Tempest. photograph of the MK2 Premier September 1966 quotes a price calibre on the barrel pivot. along with other information stating for a Premier as £10 13/3. Post The stock sides, by this time The right side of the air cylinder was this was now the MK2 model. The decimalisation, a July 1971 Webley were all coloured black. recessed for a sticker which read use of this sleeve saved Webley catalogue gives a price of £13.88 + “WEBLEY & SCOTT LTD PREMIER having to redesign the Premier’s £2.55 purchase tax whilst a Webley The pistol was presented MK2 MADE IN ENGLAND” upon box again and it now seems to be advert for the Premier MK2 in the in the same orange “Beatle three lines. Stock sides, like for the quite rare as it is easily removed and July 1976 issue of Guns Review Haircut” cardboard carton as previous variant, were coloured black therefore lost. magazine quotes £22.77 including the late E series (unstamped and the trigger guard was now part VAT. laquered version). Two of the moulding and fixed to the An instruction and spares list examples I have been told frame. Three pins secured the trigger coloured green and white was Webley catalogues and leaflets of about did not have any and sear, which seem to have been included in the box along with a the late 1960’s and early 1970’s Premier transitional model with black epoxy enamel finish instructions pasted inside the lid, added after finishing as the pins sample envelope of Webley pellets quote the following statistics: pistols as the F series at this point decimalisation). It was probably the sets instead having a sheet were not laquered over. The stirrup in the correct calibre for the pistol, a was due to the introduction of 12 made after the blued E series and with instructions for use and catch return spring was moved from guarantee card, sample Webley card Weight : 37oz Length Overall : 8 ½” groove rifling to replace the former 7 before the Suncorite coated and maintenance on one side and an its previous location on the right side target and sticker warning owners Length of barrel : 6 ½” groove pattern. However, the only 12 stamped E series/F series was exploded diagram of the pistol on of the breach assembly to a bulbous not to fire the pistol without a pellet grooved Premier barrel I have seen introduced. Perhaps Webley & the other. One of these examples housing on the left side of the air in the barrel and to make sure the Velocity figures were advertised as was on a later Mark 2 pistol. Scott stopped using the code letter was encountered by Gordon Bruce, cylinder. barrel is properly secured prior to 350 FPS for the .177 and 310 FPS system after the blued E series were author of Webley Air Pistols and firing. for the .22 pistols during the same Several Premiers have also been discontinued and then reintroduced curiously the card carrying handle The corrugated carton was identical period. Accuracy was advertised as noted without code letters and with the F series when a decision was appears to have either been omitted to the previous style other than The following table lists the being capable of grouping within 1 brown grips. The example illustrated made to continue bluing selected or removed. There is also no flap on the top flap was marked PREMIER stampings found on pistols inch at 30 feet. does not carry a date stamp and pistols. It is worth mentioning here, the end of the hinged lid and the MK2 along with the calibre. All examined during the course of this is coated in Suncorite. The coating the font style of series code letter lettering that was usually printed boxed Premier Mk 2s examined work and is provided as an example Accuracy tests were carried out is a lighter, almost blued shade of was altered after the blued E series. on the flap (PREMIER .22 in this came in orange coloured boxes, and not a definitive chronological list: by myself on a randomly selected black than the E series previously instance) was instead found on whilst contemporary Junior Mk 2 Premier from my collection (F mentioned and the trigger guard pins TRANSITIONAL MODEL – ENAMEL the end of the box, where it would pistols have been seen in primarily series) and a 5 shot group at 6 have not been coated over. “WEBLEY FINISH - 1973 - 1975 usually be covered by the flap. The green coloured boxes. A few Juniors Yards measured just under an inch, & SCOTT LTD BIRMINGHAM” is still pistol is date stamped 7 75 and have been encountered in orange centre to centre. The shots were stamped on the right side of the air A new black epoxy enamel finish must have been one of the last boxes and it has cylinder. was used on this series. This was Premiers of this type produced. been suggested thicker than the previous suncorite Incidentally, a minor difference the difference The box label illustration is of coating and because of the new between this and other models in colours was the pistol pointing upwards and finish and the later date stamps of this series was all 5 pins were originally intended other than a tin of pellets, the only under the black grips, this may not uncoated suggesting the trigger to signify green for accessory is a spare parts envelope actually be an E series run. The large guard was added after coating. .177 and orange with “.22” printed on the label. As E (larger than previous code letters) for .22. However, Webley did not produce different stamped almost entirely under the PREMIER MARK 2 - 1975 – 1977 the considerable spares for .22 and .177 pistols, it left stock side may be a clue to the number of is possible this empty envelope finish (E for Enamel, perhaps?). The A new fatter body profile identified near mint sets originally carried a sample envelope main visual difference between this this final version of the Premier. of Premiers of pellets. There is also a price tag on model and previous Premiers is the There was a pronounced step in encountered with the side label of £16.02. lack of any body stampings. The right the air cylinder above the trigger orange boxes in side of the air cylinder had a recess guard and once again the pistol was both calibres and From the above, I would guess the near the breach for a sticker which finished in a black enamel, rather the existence of pistol dates from after 1971 (post read “WEBLEY & SCOTT LTD THE than blued. Two versions of blued boxed Junior Mk 42 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 43

but has worked on worn examples. The remaining finish was polished off, the pistol hand engraved and Don then arranged for the pistol to be blued. Some early examples of his work were polished over the original Tales of a finish but most will be encountered with a reblued or chromed finish over the engraving. Don also polished the internals of his pistols and they are certainly capable of accurate visionary performance, if you are brave enough to test fire a pristine example today. Things we take for granted now, I grew up during the 1940s and ‘50s and, for sale, second-hand and in its case This completes the story of the like the modern lubes we use in like most youngsters, wanted an air with the wooden cocking aid with the Webley Premier, a model which our vintage guns were once exotic rifle. There wasn’t wasn’t much choice metal insert for the barrel end and a underwent many changes during its imports brought in by those who at the time and what was available barrel weight. I had a lot fun with that thirteen year life span. Webley and had the foresight to anticipate their was in toy shops (deservedly so in pistol and wish I had one these days. taken without using a rest, with a be seen on the carton’s lid and Scott continued to produce a well potential. DAVID HUGHES was one many cases). I knew about the Webley Sadly, the few I’ve seen for sale were two handed grip. I am sure with the presumably relates to the pistol made solid and dependable air pistol such visionary, as well as being the Mk3, of course, and the BSA Club and in a poor state but affordable or vice appropriate practice, these group when new. The receipt is dated 5th in the face of rising production and author of the airgun guides with Airsporter but these were beyond my versa. sizes can be reduced further still. May 1972 and states “Webley air labour costs. The style of the carton the blue covers, familiar to many reach, even if I knew where to buy Nevertheless, advertised accuracy is pistol engraved”. It is for a total of the Premier came in also underwent shooters who have investigated how one. I also knew about the fairground I couldn’t see the point of the not far wide of the mark. The recoil £25.30 which tells us the original several changes during its brief life, their HW35 or FWB Sport can be air rifles (mostly pre-war Diana 27’s barrel weight and so wrote to Carl of the Webley air pistol is different purchaser paid just under £10 for more so than those belonging to serviced at home. and Haenel/Schmeisser bolt actions Walther in Germany. Due to a slight to most other air pistols in that the this work to be carried out. A green any other Webley air pistol in fact. from the same era). Eventually it was misunderstanding, they wrote back piston recoils backwards, towards sectored tin of 500 Webley Special In 1977 the frame was redesigned settled on an Original model 16; made and said that it was for one pound the shooter. Contemporary pistols pellets and a folded instruction completely and what was initially by Diana; it was rather small, had a including postage to me in England. It had their pistons recoiling away leaflet completed the set. The scroll intended as a Super Premier model brass inset smooth bore barrel, and started me thinking as I’d been told it from the shooter and the effect was engraving was probably carried out eventually evolved into the Hurricane fired ‘Cat’ slugs. For what it’s worth, cost a lot more. not as natural as on the Webley, as by an apprentice before they were and Typhoon air pistols. the only other available ammunition the latter feels more like a firearm let loose on the firm’s shotguns was expensive Webley & Scott and the Like most of us in those days I’d found in recoil. The power output of the and was applied after the pistol had Several questions remain to be IMI ‘Wasp’ pellets, and of course, darts. and read Wesley’s book and Smith’s Premier was similar to previous been blued. This makes sense as the answered. An accurate estimate of With hindsight, I guess the BSA Cadet book but wondered where I could get Webley models and certainly Premier would have been supplied total production numbers cannot be and Cadet-Major were around but I some of these marvellous air weapons adequate for the pistol’s size. A new by Webley & Scott, then made as true serial numbers were never saw one for sale and I hunted Smith wrote about. So I started digging test on modern knockdown targets engraved at the original purchaser’s not used and records of production high and low for my first proved the pistol will drop these request by Cogswell & Harrison. numbers have not come to light. I air rifle. reactive targets when hit. When the left stock side is removed, am unsure of the box contents for a date stamp of 2 72 can be seen, the pre A series and A coded pistols. A few years later I A rather special Premier (above) which ties up with the receipt very Perhaps a common parts listing managed to save enough was examined during preparation well and suggests the pistol would was included in the box similar for a BSA ‘Meteor’ and for this work, which was engraved have been some three months old to the booklet included with the one of those ‘scopes at the point of original sale. The when first sold. Senior, Mark 1 and Junior air pistols. with the cross hairs that original box, its contents and Alternatively and more likely, an moved up and down importantly the receipt survived with Master airgun engraver Don earlier version of the single sheet and side to side. I had the pistol, which give the pistol its Blocksidge once worked for Webley included with the B, C, D and E series a lot of fun with it and unique provenance. The engraving & Scott and Don has engraved a Premiers may have been available. ‘Wasp’ pellets –which I was carried out by the well known number of Webley pistols including could now afford. Much London firm of Cogswell & Harrison. Premier models. Don will not © John Milewski later on, I was in the City A handwritten price of £15.36 can engrave a pistol in pristine condition and saw a Walther LP53 44 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 45

financial crisis then burst on us in late (target and fairground ones), and ‘68 and no end of import restriction hit Original air rifles and pistols. Even us, although I can still remember our oddities like the Original 25D, which first brush with the Customs people in had the ball bearing trigger fitted and London when they very kindly smiled was very popular with the members and made a silly mistake and let some of the Prep. Schools Rifle Association. rifles through unhampered by a 50% (The PSRA were also useful to me deposit needed. As we were importing because I’d get freebies in small them in half dozens it saved us for a quantities and could pass them on to while and new plans were then made them, without having to ration them.) for the 1969 season. Some of you may have seen and used We survived this as the bigger agents the 25D at the NARPA meetings at in the UK were very helpful and we Hinckley in the ‘70s as it was a popular and discovered the Board of Trade’s By 1968 we were selling RWS, H&N, got one of two special deals when, for rifle. Because we were on good Export Dept’s library in Ludgate Hill. In Bimoco, the Japanese diabolo and example, old stock had to be cleared. terms with most of the wholesalers a nutshell, it was a library of catalogues Lion Jet pellets, and Wasp ammo in Needless to say, it didn’t last long (We wouldn’t be able to these days and I was amazed by the response. and factories in Germany we often from all over the world and I visited all grades and calibres from the small as the rules defining ‘Dangerous Air because of the postal regulations.) It started me thinking and I expanded got things soon after they were it several time and discovered most 4.4mm ball-shot to quarter inch Weapons’ came into effect in May I also spoke to Dow Corning in the the catalogue into a serious sort of announced, even pre-production of the big wholesalers and so on in darts. Since all these were new to 1969. The good news was that the UK and got a lot of information from year book and charged 10/- for it (50p), models, and so we were able to Germany and the USA. It was an eye the country I went to a bit of trouble makers then started publishing them about silicone oils and making which was unheard of in those days. check them over and put them in the opener. It led to me sitting down and and tried to make the catalogue a performance figures for the air guns, unique formulations up. A specialised We softened the blow, again, by giving catalogue quickly; a good example writing a brief list of what I could get serious one, quoting weights, sizes saving me a lot of work. So we were lubricant maker, Rocol, was a great a 50p voucher with the catalogue that being the Walther LP3 which we were and advertising it in Exchange & Mart and so on, with the variations from back at square one again, but now had help to us, recommending a high could be used with the first order. In selling first, long before everyone else. and Guns Review. the norm quantified as a percentage. a lot of clubs interested in the more performance molybdenum disulphide other words, people who collected We even had the wooden grips for In those days, a tin of 500 diabolo .25 serious target air rifles and pistols and grease that was exactly what was catalogues (there’s lots of them about) most air pistols in stock most of the I’d love to say more but the memory’s pellets would cost you £1-15 (£1.75). that side of the firm expanded. wanted and, more important from my paid for them and customers didn’t. time, even left handed ones – not that bit vague about the early period, H&N’s Match grade pellets in the point of view, came in a handy 2oz or Until you run a shop you’ve no idea we sold many. And then there was although I can remember that we foam trays were 10/8 per refill pack We also started selling the more up- 50g tube.” how many time wasters there are in the Bushnell 4 x 20 telescopic sight, sold Sheridan, Crosman, Benjamin of 200 (about 52-53p). The refill packs to-date lubricants that were gradually this world. Anyway, this seemed the the full range of Nikko ones and the and HyScore airguns. These were were in a cardboard box and fitted being mentioned in American So in the late ‘60s we were able fairest solution to the problem and it special mounts made for individual air powerful air rifles we’d all heard of into the posher tin H&N used for the magazines and so on. Even though to offer a wide range of modern seemed we were right. rifles, ballistic pendulums and so on. but just couldn’t get easily. We later individually packed ammo. we were a small, unknown firm in lubricants: silicone oils and greases, added a selection of BSA, Diana and a foreign country we got a lot of co- and molybdenum disulphide in By then the range included almost And that led to what most people W&S airguns to the catalogue. Most This seemed to pay off; word must operation from the makers of Dri Slide greases and a fine base. It seems to every serious air rifle that Weihrauch remember this old git for, because of these were dropped over the next have got around and by August 1968 in America and started selling it here. have inspired others to follow us... made, from the few years as we began to specialise in we’d expanded HW25 to the HW the high quality German air weapons a lot and were Because of all the messing around 55T, with all the but the Webley Premier stayed in publishing a caused by the import restrictions, I stock variations, the catalogue for a long time. It bigger catalogue had to write a short supplement to even left handed was eventually dropped because of with Anschutz, the mail order catalogue saying what ones. We sold and problems with the casting (probably the Feinwerkbau was happening and softening the r e c o m m e n d e d white metal) of the barrel latch but we model 150 rifle blow with a bit of good news like the but could never continued to offer chequered wooden and 65 pistol in it, new Feinwerkbau 300 arriving and so get enough of pistol grips for many years. By the way, the Original range, on. (I sold the last FWB 300T for £103.) the East German in those days many serious shooters the HW 55s, and I expanded the idea a month or two Haenel 302 at would remove the plastic pistol grips so on. (The HW later and we then published a regular just under ten and put a piece of shaped card, wood 55T was pennies supplement to the catalogue with all pounds. And the or metal under them to fatten the under £40 in the news and so on in it. full range of BSFs, grips and improve the handling of the those days). Feinwerkbaus, pistol. Alas, the usual We even offered a subscription to it Walther, Anschutz 46 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 47

to us to get it sorted out, as if we were the suppliers. In other words, they were taking the big money and expecting us to do the after-sales Under the work. That was one of several final straws and I decided to close the firm down while I was winning.

That would have been the end of matters but four or five years later hammer I was asked by Optima Leisure if I could produce a version of the HW35 handbook for them and one was Many airguns are sold at auction Auctions can be good places to obtain bid at an auction: in person in the duly published in 1979, went into – in fact it’s one of the main ways collectables; there is also a certain level auction room; by leaving a bid with the another version in 1981, and then they find their way from private of excitement present at the thought auctioneer giving your maximum bid the final version in 1984, with a extra individuals and collections onto the of picking up an absolute gem for little (the auctioneer bids on your behalf); by in 1971 or 1972 I started to think but just had to abandon things as the few pages in it to cover the HW 80. In market. PHIL RUSSELL explains the money. But beware – if you are not telephone; and online via the internet. seriously about writing a handbook market was changing dramatically. 1980 I also wrote and had printed for best way to buy without being caught careful, your purchase may work out Not all auctions are geared up for for the more popular air rifles starting When we started it was great fun and them the handbook for the sporting out by the many pitfalls. far more expensive than you expected. online bidding. with the Weihrauch HW 35 series. I hard work running the firm. We knew Feinwerkbau 124 and 127. When I started visiting auctions I was spent five months over the summer the people we dealt with in Germany a raw beginner but, as the saying goes, Remember that you have to register of 1972, writing and rewriting and, to and the UK and got a great service From time to time we’d have problems you learn by experience. So here are a with the auction house in order to bid. my amazement, by late ‘72 we had to from them – and often even postcards with people copying and republishing few tips on avoiding a costly mistake. If you are attending in person, this publish the second edition. I followed when they went on holiday. So we what I had written, which was a minor involves filling in a form at the auction it with a handbook in 1973 for the could phone them or write to them irritant. One so-and-so even went as • Examine the auction and being given your ‘bidder number’. Original series of sporting air rifles; the and get almost anything we needed. far as to illustrate his book with all catalogue (online versions are There may well be an entrance fee to models 27, 35 and 50. This involved the pictures of ammunition from our common) and list the items you are attend the auction, usually in the form designing and publishing instructions But a lot of small shops had decided catalogue. Those pictures had cost me interested in. Now find out what you of having to buy the catalogue. If you for making a spring compresser from to jump on the bandwagon. The a fortune to get done by a technical can about them, including current are a regular attendee and buyer at easily available components (a sash bigger agencies were changing hands, illustrator and there they were in prices. Google search or search airgun such an auction, ask to be put on their clamp modified with a part from a ‘G’ expanding the range of stuff they sold someone else’s book and not a word forums. A little knowledge is worth a mailing list. You may well then receive clamp and a ball race.) and stopping us getting items direct of apology or acknowledgement. Then lot. Good catalogues may give serial the catalogue free. from Germany. Worse still, they were some years later I realised my books numbers for guns. Again, a search on In 1974 I started writing a smaller rationalising the range in some ways were being scanned and put online; the ‘net can sometimes relate these If bidding via the internet or telephone handbook for the Haenel 303s, which and cutting back on what they sold, so I went online to try and track them to year of manufacture and model. Do then you also need to register. The on- were a very pleasant and well-made, if especially spare parts. In addition the down and sort out the publishers of your homework. site auction details will tell you how. slightly old fashioned, air rifle from East Home Office had proposed, in a Green these pirated copies. And that was If you have viewed your item and it is Germany. Alas, the model changed Paper, a ban on mail order sales, which how I discovered the various airgun • Wherever possible, view late in the auction, and you do not wish just as I’d finished the book and I’d would have the effect of shutting us forums and came to contribute to the items personally or get a to hang around from the beginning, made a handful up on a photocopier down completely since local sales them from time to time. I’d like to say knowledgeable person to do so for you. remember that some auctioneers to check the spelling, layout and so were few and far between. I’m still shooting but I had an operation Viewing is usually the day before the can move at up to 180 lots an hour, on. So it was abandoned and a few on my right hand a year or so ago and auction and shortly before the auction although a more reasonable estimate lucky people who had asked about it Soon we were selling mostly the may need another soon, and it makes starts on the actual day. Buying online is 120. Ask the auction staff for advice were given the dummy copies and a smaller items and losing out on the things difficult. So I sold the final air without seeing your intended purchase on timing. warning about mistakes as it was the larger sales, which were needed to rifle in my collection, put some items up close is dangerous, as many faults proof version. keep us going. I can remember getting on ebay that the burglars had missed, are not visible in an auction catalogue • If you cannot collect your my haircut one day and seeing a small and that was that. photo. Treat auctioneers’ descriptions purchase from the auction house, I then started work on a handbook for rack of air rifles in the corner of the with care as they are rarely very check the policy on posting and the BSF55 and 60 air rifles but it was barber’s shop, for instance. And when © D R Hughes knowledgeable about what they sell. packing. Some auctions can charge a never completed. I’d written some the rifle broke, the wicked shopkeepers lot for the service, and some will not notes and taken a lot of photographs were telling their customers to write • There are several ways to offer the service at all. Many will only 48 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 49

post to an RFD, so you may need to a member of the auction staff and providing threads etc have not been • Is the exterior finish good? arrange this with your local RFD and inform them. With their permission damaged. It should, however, be taken Blueing wears with age and use but pay his fees as well (typically £25). the only solution may be a dry fire as a warning that other issues may be this is not necessarily a major issue with the rifle pointing down. Some say present; particularly if the other bolts unless you are after a mint example. • Remember that on top of any potential harm can be avoided by or screws have damaged heads. Light patches of rust can be removed the sale hammer price you will usually pressing the muzzle firmly against with fine wire wool and oil, but rust have to pay a buyer’s premium plus a carpet and then dry firing. Indeed I • Look for signs of dismantling pitting is virtually impossible to remove VAT on the premium. This can add have seen this done at auctions and damage: vise, or mole grip, or Stilson without leaving evidence. around 20% to the hammer price. If arms fairs. Jim Tyler’s articles in Airgun marks on the action are not a good you pay by credit card this will often World indicate that dry firing may sign. Pins with damaged ends and • Examine the barrel. By looking cost you an extra 3%. Buying via the not be the ‘impending disaster’ we all damage to the action in the area of the along the barrel from all sides with internet can attract a similar charge. thought, but I still prefer not to do it. pin head indicate careless removal or a the action closed and then down the Please never just replace a cocked rifle failed attempt at removal. bore with the action just broken (not Remember that you cannot test fire in the rack or on the table; it is asking cocked) it can be possible to determine the item at the auction so will have no for trouble and could give a person a • Examine the stock for if the barrel is bent. If it is, walk away This BSA Military Pattern was sold at Holts in London in summer 2007 idea of its performance or its internal nasty fright if someone just picked it damage and splits, particularly around unless you are confident of getting condition. You can, however, carry up and pulled the trigger. I have seen the pistol grip area and extending into it straightened. Look for a blocked or fitted with an adjustable bolt, but walk away. If the sears do hold, keep out a few rudimentary checks to help too many rifles, particularly those fitted the butt. Check the underside of the rusty barrel. Has the muzzle been up and down play, or play when you a firm grip on the barrel and de-cock you decide on its condition and hence with scopes, plucked from the rack stock for splits starting in the area of tampered with? Has the barrel been pull and push on the muzzle, could it. Do not ‘dry fire’ the rifle, it proves value. This is my general check list: and waved around with gay abandon the cocking slot; particularly at risk in shortened? If you do not know the indicate wear in the pivot pin which nothing. I have heard some auction by people with their trigger finger on some break barrel models. Unless you original barrel length, tell-tale signs can may need replacing. For tap loaders, goers say they are testing the power. • Release the barrel or cocking the trigger while they peer through the feel competent in repairing stocks, be the absence of foresight mountings check the tap for looseness and play. Utter rubbish! It proves nothing to lever. Be prepared for the barrel or scope. It worries me. replace the rifle in the rack and forget (bolt holes, dovetails, a stepped muzzle Repairing leaky taps can be difficult hear the rifle go ‘bang’ or ‘twang’. cocking arm to fall away with no it. for a slip on sight) or a muzzle with no and expensive. resistance, indicating that either the • Are all the bolts, screws, crown – just a crude cut end. • If all seems well you must rifle has been cocked or that the pins present? Do any look obviously • Are the open sights present? • Check sear engagement now decide if the item is worth your cocking linkage is broken. De-cock it wrong? Non-original bolts are not They can be expensive to replace if • Check cocking linkages for (non anti-bear trap models): break the interest. But be realistic. Do your safely. If you cannot do this because necessarily ‘a stopper’ as they can indeed they are available at all. wear and sloppiness. Pivot pins can action and slowly attempt to cock it. homework before the auction to of an anti-bear trap mechanism, call usually be replaced with a substitute, usually be replaced quite cheaply but Listen out for strange noises; you may establish its market value. It can be worn pin holes may necessitate new even feel odd mechanical graunches. very easy to get carried away at an cocking linkage parts. The noises could be from the auction and bid beyond your limit just mainspring being broken or grinding to get the item. Stay calm... there is • Break the action (do not cock) against the piston sides. Noises could always another day. I have seen many and look into the cocking lever slot. also come from the cocking lever arm rifles go at prices far in excess of that A dry spring with signs of rust could as it pushes the piston back; look for at which you could get a good model indicate internal problems. An action wear areas around the cocking slot. from a reputable gun shop or from an swimming in oil could indicate an Beware raised grooves that could internet forum. Remember the hidden attempt to provide cosmetic surgery, indicate worn cocking links or, worse, a costs over and above the hammer although I have known guns from damaged slot in the cylinder. Continue price. Caution is the byword. collections to be stored in such a cocking to engage the trigger sears. state and it has certainly kept them Listen for them engaging with a nice And finally... rust free. On the other hand, a clean ‘click’. While keeping a firm grip on the interior and a greased mainspring barrel/cocking lever, relax pressure If you have bought in person, may indicate a well cared for rifle. a little to allow the sears to take the remember that it is most unwise Check for play in the breech jaws of a strain. If they fail, this could indicate a to walk from the auction house break barrel rifle. Can the barrel unit major problem or maybe the trigger to your car brandishing your be jiggled from side to side, front and is seriously out of adjustment. This is new pride and joy. Take a gun bag with back or up and down within the jaws? where experience of the item you are you, be prepared. Finally, you have your Excess play side to side can usually looking at is helpful. If in doubt, slowly beautiful bargain home. Well done! be cured by shims, or tightening the let the barrel or cocking arm return to breech jaws, particularly if they are rest against the spring pressure and © Phil Russell 50 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 51

main sales four times a year in your behalf on the day of the sale air rifle model ‘Double-Express’. London. They also hold four sealed and try to secure the item for you After a nice cup of coffee in the bid sales a year from their base in at the lowest possible price. snack bar, I resolved that I would Norfolk usually just after the main set my bid somewhere between sale. As I live down on the Sussex the low and high estimates at coast and the lot I was interested around £1,350 bearing in mind A lot to Lots are offered in many different was not scheduled to come up this would mean actually paying categories from modern & antique until around mid-day, I decided around £1,700 after the buyers firearms to taxidermy and nearly to combine viewing and possible premium had been added. I took always include 20-30 air guns. If bidding on the day of the sale. my seat at the appointed time you wish to attend an auction, I had already conducted a and awaited the arrival of my lot the procedure is very simple and considerable amount of research with mounting excitement. Finally be desired clearly explained on the Holts web on the “Concentric” so had quite it appeared on the screen with site www.holtsauctioneers.com a good idea of what to expect in an opening bid of £800, which or you can give them a ring on terms of a realistic price. These thankfully meant it was not going 01485 542 822 if you want more pistols are very rare, with just to start at the high end of the BRIAN UPRICHARD conveys some of the nervousness and excitement of a collector whose dream airgun comes up for information. The two days prior to 100 or so ever made around 1924 estimate. auction and he goes all out to acquire it. There’s just the matter of the other bidders to contend with... the actual auction day are viewing and only dozen known to have days when you can inspect the survived. The estimated price The bidding quickly rose to £1000 lots of interest to establish reflected this, and was listed in which left just one other bidder condition and consequent limits the catalogue at £1,200 to £1,500. apart from myself to compete you might want to place when This particular example had for the pistol. My bid of £1,200 bidding. featured in a number of air gun swiftly followed his of £1,100 I was a keen small- and full- anything marked “Made in Britain” air guns but does sometimes magazine articles and it’s history and my hand was already poised bore pistol shooter up until 1995 reduced significantly. have the odd Webley or Diana, Viewing can also be undertaken was consequently quite well to indicate one more bid after when the government imposed probably taken in part exchange. on the day of the auction itself, I concentrated on pistols as they documented. his seemingly inevitable bid of the breech loading pistol ban I tentatively enquired about the if you cannot attend one of the are easier to store and over a £1,300. It’s easy to see how the which meant handing in my much cost of the Star and was told as specific viewing days. Although Having arrived at the venue nice period of years established quite excitement can lead bids far in cherished pistols. I continued it wasn’t their normal line I could you can bid by telephone or on- and early, I had a couple of hours a nice collection of British made excess of originally intended shooting reproduction 1860s have it for £350. As soon as I line it’s definitely worth actually free to examine the “Concentric” air pistols including examples of limits. However, in this case the muzzle loading revolvers at regained the power of speech, I handling the items you desire and some other items of interest. the major Webley variants and £1,300 bid never materialised and our outdoor range, but needed eagerly agreed to purchase the as sellers condition descriptions These included a BSA Military other contempory models such the lot was mine at the lower something to shoot at the indoor pistol with a £10 discount for and photographs are no real Pattern, Cox’s Britannia, a couple as “The Warrior”, “Abas Major”, estimate of £1,200, well within range especially during the winter cash. Having found one of my substitute. Proxy bids can also be of Webley Mk2 Services and a very “Titan”, “Lincoln”, Highest Possible” my budget. I can only describe my months. The first air pistol I desired final four pistols, I felt placed on viewing days following interesting Imperial Air Rifle Co etc. There remained however, four feelings as similar to having just acquired was an Italian FAS 604 incentivised to set about tracking which the auctioneer will act on .22 multi-pump double barreled single stroke pneumatic which pistols which I thought were out down the remaining three. satisfied my immediate precision of my reach due to a combination needs, but lacked the “live” feeling of extreme rarity and consequent Within what seemed a very short experienced when shooting my high prices. They were in order of time, I managed to buy good firearms. Shortly afterwards, while scarcity, Anson’s “Star”, Westley examples of both the “Certus” attending the “Phoenix” Arms Fair Richards “Highest Possible again bought at Bisley and the at Bisley I was tempted to buy a Concentric”, “Parker Precision “Parker” which I acquired from 1960s Webley “Premier” air pistol (Crank Wound) Pistol” and a military antiques dealer in which not only brought back Cogswell & Harrison “Certus”. All Derbyshire. I had to pay more memories of my youth but being of these pistols are pre-war and realistic prices for both of these a springer, might just provide were made in very small numbers, pistols, but this was offset to something similar to firing a less than 100 in the case of the some extent by the bargain price firearm. first two pistols. The likelihood of of the first pistol. This left just coming across any of these pistols the Westley Richards “Concentric” This was the start of what in reasonable condition was finally obtained in 2012 at auction, became a very enjoyable and extremely low and the associated by far the most enjoyable method sometimes all consuming passion price tag in excess of £1000 each, of buying any of the pistols. for collecting vintage and classic essentially ruled them out, or so I air pistols and air rifles. I initially thought at the time. AT THE AUCTION confined myself to Webley and The “Concentric” was catalogued BSA products, but this soon Fate stepped in just two years in the March 2012 Holts Arms & expanded to include anything ago when I noticed a very nice Militaria Auction held at Princess of British manufacture dating “Anson’s Star” in a cabinet during Louise House in London. Although from around 1905 right up to the a casual visit to my local dealer. based in Norfolk, Holts hold their mid 1960s when the quality of He normally only sells modern 52 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 53

calmed down a bit and with a bit of “aiming off,” I eventually managed a group measuring 40 mm CtoC (shown below) and all within the black aiming area. Better Haenel 311: groups could no doubt be achieved once one becomes accustomed to the specifics of the pistol and with the luxury of more practice. Although 10m workhorse this pistol is unlikely to see much further action, it’s comforting to This is an airgun know it is still capable RON GILL describes how he acquired an old Haenell 311; East Germany’s story that is too of acceptable accuracy good not to tell. answer to the impressive range of nearly ninety year after it In 1997 I read first appeared. 10m air rifles that were available in Airgun World won some money on a horse race the H&N pellets were carefully I have bought collectable air the West. It was made in the 1970s from the UK and being a mixture of elation and inspected and weighed before but its origins were several decades Tom Gaylord’s relief that I would not be returning starting the test. I am normally guns from many sources, but the earlier. But in the features that really Airgun Letter home empty handed. happy to hold the black aiming auction experience has been by far the most enjoyable, being a count, this is a formidable target rifle, from the US. area with my “Premier” on the AGW had prices A stupid smile remained on my bit more of an adventure rather he reports. standard NSRA 10 metre precision in British pounds face for some time afterwards target which is 60mm in diameter. than just answering an advert or which must have seemed a bit visiting a dealer etc. which I couldn’t I easily achieved this at the first afford even if strange to anybody not knowing attempt with the “Premier” with the reason. It only remained for I also enjoyed testing the pistol they had been in a group measuring 25mm centre and although the “Concentric” US dollars. Tom me to visit the administration to centre (CtoC). I rarely do much office and pay for my purchase. was surprisingly nice to shoot, it’s kept us informed better than this, so immediately easy to see how it was completely on where the Once you have paid and been turned my attentions to shooting the Idaho winters drive us indoors. given an invoice, the items can eclipsed by the first Webley “Mk1” best deals could the “Concentric”. The pistol uses which was the predecessor the be found in US. In the Airgun Letter be collected from one of the These guns were well used, 10 a break barrel action and has “Premier” and also appeared I read that Battlefield Firearms and representatives present in the meter target rifles. They had been an interesting little cocking aid in 1924, only slightly after the Relics in Georgia was selling Haenel viewing room. in storage for years, and they hinged at the base of the grip introduction of the “Concentric”. 311 air rifles at ‘fire sale’ prices. I which can be extended when came with sights. I was interested Although I check any rarer items still have my Haenel and I shoot it in needed. Cocking effort was much because, too often, sights become I buy for basic functionality, I monthly bell target matches when less than that separated from their rifles. On would not normally shoot them needed for the very much, especially if they cost “Premier”, but as much as this one. I made an was sufficient to exception for this article and suggest enough decided to directly compare the power to propel performance of the “Concentric” the pellets out using my regularly shot Webley to at least 10 “Premier” as a control. metres. The AT THE RANGE first group was surprisingly Both pistols were tested at my quite reasonable local range using a single handed especially for precision hold at a range of 10 a smoothbore, metres. I have found H&N Match measuring about flat head pellets work very well 80 mm CtoC but in my older .177 pistols although about 2” low and the cheaper RWS “Hobbys” also to the left of the perform quite well. No expense aiming mark. was spared for this test, so Once my nerves Haenel 311 54 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 55

German Democratic Republic had demonstrate the 311 to juniors, I muskets, the had their sweaty hands on my rifle. often have to cock the rifle so the 311 produces The stock had oil stains and traces of youngsters can make it through five a smoke cloud orange varnish. The ragged orange shots. with each varnish and the sweat stained wood shot. The had to go. I stripped the finish and Besides bolt action cocking, the piston’s leather restained the wood to a more wood- 311 also features tap loading and a washers need like color. leather pistol seal. These features frequent oiling are distinct from current day air to maintain The Haenel 311 was made in the rifles and give the 311 its unique their seal and to 1970s, but its piston and cocking personality. Tap loading air guns prevent burning arm were from the 1930s. Designed are uncommon in America. I have the leather. You by Hugo Schmeisser for the Haenel learned to leave the tap closed prior must oil it up 33, it duplicates the motions of to cocking. The only pathway for air until you see a cocking and loading a bolt action into the cylinder is down the barrel wisp of smoke. firearm. The rifle’s cocking lever cocking the gun with the tap open Without the extends vertically above the piston, for loading results in a strangling oil you risk not but it is articulated and folds down sound as air seeps through every only damage out to the right side when not in gap in the rifle’s tolerances. but loss of Diopter sight: eyepiece complete with adjustable iris use. It is not a bolt like a SMLE or accuracy as well. Loading and firing the Haenel 311 is a Mauser, but everyone uses that All’s right with the a complex series of steps: raise the terminology. 311 when there is the faint smell of sight has an adjustable aperture. bolt to vertical, draw back the piston, combustion with each shot. These things are necessary on a The rifle cocks by raising the bolt. open the tap, drop in a pellet nose good target rifle and the Haenel has the telephone, I spoke with Mr. Ed first.” “How many do you have left?” I When it is straight up, the automatic first, and close the tap. Then return The Haenel 311 teaches us what them. Puhala, a man with a sonorous voice asked. “Not a lot,” he said. Well-used safety is applied. Drawing the lever the bolt to the forward and folded counts in a target rifle. The stock and a southern accent you could might be an over estimate, but the toward the rear, forces the piston down position. Now, the safety is must be ample to support a heads- After refinishing my Haenel, I set it spread on buckwheat cakes. “Yes, price was $74 and $12 for a set of back to engage the trigger. The lever pushed forward and the shot can be up offhand position. The cheek rest aside until the rifle found its place we still have rifles” he said. I asked inserts for the front sight. “I’ll take pivots well below the cylinder giving taken. must align the eye with the sights. shooting bell target, where it has about their condition. “You know,” one,” I said. the user some leverage against The trigger is two-stage, and like rung the bell for the last six years. Soldiers in the American Civil War he said, “they’re like bottles of wine the piston spring. The force needed other springers in its power class the When the package finally arrived, reloaded their muskets with only at a wedding. The best ones go to cock this air gun is too much 311 is a very mild shooter. The rear it looked like every club shooter in for many young shooters. When I a few more steps. Like those 56 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 57

experience in airgun not engage with it, even when the manufacture before grip was pushed as far forward the war with Anson as possible in the cocking stroke. Eccentric and Clarke’s Warrior, However, this problem could be and no doubt the easily remedied by removing the concentric principle trigger guard and opening out the behind that pistol bend slightly in a vice. concentrics strongly influenced their choice of In its production lifetime a few minor design. The project changes took place, and for example was largely the the grip closure mechanism changed Continued from page 17 responsibility from a leaf spring to ball catch of John Basil between serial numbers 12409 and Arrowsmith, an 13218. Some examples are known employee of the which were fitted with a cork-firing THE ABAS MAJOR tradition of quality sporting guns introduced on these between serial adaptor (e.g. SN 13227 and 13858). Fig. 14. Examples of the three grip types of Abas Major company, and his manufacturing, the Abas Major numbers 1295 and 1389, the final design (Fig. 15) in This adaptor was factory-made, The Abas Major air pistol (Fig. 12) was an extremely well made pistol, grips bearing a marked resemblance and was inscribed “Adaptor for was developed by gunmakers A.A. the pistol also changed during its fact followed quite on a par with the Webley Senior to those used on the contemporary closely that of the German Tell 2. cork shooting”). It screws into the Brown and Sons in the early 1940’s of the time. However, it was not Webley Senior. Examples of these short lifetime, beginning as “ABAS muzzle as a replacement for the as a short term venture to generate MAJOR AIR PISTOL No. 1” and then Despite this obvious close similarity to be as successful as the Webley variations are shown in Fig. 14. The he was nevertheless successfully normal barrel, and the adapter new business after the ravages of range, and only about 1900 pistols Brown brothers also experimented becoming simply “ABAS MAJOR” “barrel” (made of copper) is smaller World War 2. As we have seen, the between serial numbers 317 and granted a British patent in 1949, were produced by the time it was with different finishes and a very the application being submitted on than 0.177 and so cannot be used company had already been involved discontinued in about 1949. By small number of pistols were 369. It is popularly believed that to fire pellets. Two prototype pistol this change occurred because November 21st, 1946 . Production then demand for produced with a black crackle began in 1946 and continued for bodies have been reported which sporting firearms enamel coating, as opposed to the of damage to the die which lost have no serial numbers, and which part of the lettering. However it another 10 years, by which time had returned usual deeply blued finish. At least some 25,000 were sold. The highest were accompanied by black and to its pre-war one example is also known with a could also conceivably have been a brown grip plates, a .22 barrel and deliberate action, if when the gun substantiated serial number yet level and A.A. factory aluminium enamel finish. reported is 24840, making this the a barrel with a fitted cork firing Brown and Sons was first introduced there were adapter. These were apparently In addition to these cosmetic plans to produce a .22 version as most successful concentric air pistol were able to up to that time. used as demonstrators by the concentrate on variations, certain structural the “No. 2”, and when this notion designer in the early days of the quality shotgun modifications also took place. The was abandoned it would have been The pistol itself (Fig. 16) was much pistol. No production pistols with manufacture, first guns had a secondary safety sensible to simplify the lettering. It larger and heavier than the Tell brown grips or a .22 barrel are their brief sear which engaged with ridges should be noted that no .22 versions 2 and was obviously intended known. Apparently towards the venture into in the piston to ensure that if the of the Abas Major are known. to challenge the very successful end of production serial numbers airguns having cocking leaver trigger guard was Webley Senior and Mark 1 pistols were dropped but I have not yet accidentally released it would not The Abas Major is a real collector’s Fig. 12. A fine example of the last version of the Abas Major served its item – quality engineering in every by providing a full power pistol at a come across any examples with this purpose. The fly back and injure the user. After lower price. Of all steel construction, feature. about 200-300 guns had been respect, heavy and powerful, and relatively small once you have got used to the apart from the plastic grip plates, number of pistols made this was changed to a single the pistol was well made and The Acvoke air pistol is an essential in assembling a small number of thicker sear, which served the same cocking effort, a delight to shoot. for collectors of vintage British air produced means that examples are Unfortunately it is a rare pistol and rugged, but did not aspire to the Anson Star pistols from parts left now rare and very much sought safety purpose but was cheaper same quality of construction as the pistols, and they are still relatively over in the estate of Edwin Anson, to make. Early models had a slide examples are becoming very hard to easy to find in good condition, after by collectors. find, but at least they are not as rare Webleys. Their most common fault and no doubt it was this that gave button release for the trigger guard, was that with the brothers Sidney and Albert Despite the short production located at the base of the grip, and as the concentric Highest Possible and the Anson Star. When they do heavy use Brown the idea of producing their period for the pistol various minor this was changed to a self-latching the trigger own design of air pistol. The new modifications occurred, the most mechanism between numbers 101 come onto the market they naturally command a high price. guard/ pistol utilised the concentric principle notable being the grips. The first and 190. The stamped lettering on cocking lever of the Star, but a revolutionary new guns had smooth THE ACVOKE could become cocking system was developed walnut grips, bent inwards which used the trigger guard as an which were At about the same time that the and the gun underlever. Also, for the first time in replaced by Abas Major was being developed, the would not a pistol, a tap loading system was smooth brown company Accles and Shelvoke Ltd. cock. This used, giving a near perfect air seal bakelite grips of Birmingham was also considering was because between cylinder and breech. The somewhere introducing an air pistol of its own the piston pistol design (Fig. 13) was patented between serial onto the market. Although not a flange did in 1946 and came onto the market numbers 231 and traditional gunmaking company not reach in that year. As might be expected 323. Chequering (their speciality was humane Fig. 13. Patent drawings for the Abas Major the sear from a company with such a long was then cattle killers) they had already had and could Fig. 15. Patent drawing for the Ackvoke 58 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 59

com/produsit-airguns.php ), which successor in 1989 as the Hy-Score discussion of a unique concentric seems to have been mainly exported Sporter. When first introduced the air pistol design that was patented outside the UK. I know of only two gun was only available with a blued well before Anson’s first concentric documented examples of the Big finish, and had a brown grip and pistol but which never made it into Chief at the present time, both of had the same type of metal sight production. This was the G. Norman which were located in New Zealand. as used in the American models, / B.S.A. design first patented in As the trademark “Big Chief” was adjustable for elevation only. The 1911, the principles of which were Fig . 19. Comparison of cylinder end exclusive to Produsit it is probable markings on the Thunderbolt Jr and Big gun was soon modified as the outlined at the beginning of this that most of the Big Chief pistols Chief (courtesy of Trevor Adams) “Mark II” version, (Fig. 20) then article. Although the system does were exported outside the U.K. by having a fully adjustable plastic rear not strictly fit into the “Anson Produsit, leaving the “Frank Clarke a larger copy, the extra power sight, and available with a blued concentrics” theme of this article, it (Lead Products)” Thunderbolt version resulting from the increased size finish and brown grip, or chrome is quite possible, given that Anson to dominate the home market. is disappointing. In trials by the plated with white grip. A 6-shot and BSA were part of the same Manufacture of the Thunderbolt author, the Thunderbolt Junior repeater or “Autoloader” version was Birmingham airgun community in Junior took place between 1947 and turned in velocities using waisted introduced September 1991, based the early 1900’s, that Anson was about 1949, or possibly into the very pellets averaging about 250 f.p.s. on the original Laszlo patent early 1950’s, and approximately 8000 in comparison to 200 f.p.s. for the magazine. Pistols were rifled Fig. 16. The Ackvoke pistol were made in total Tell 2. The most disappointing and available in 0.177 and feature of the Thunderbolt Junior 0.22 calibre. The “Thunderbolt Junior” version is the trigger which can be painful although they are not as common 18) closely resembled a somewhat itself came in a cardboard box to use. The trigger shroud extends Structurally the guns differed as comparable Webley Seniors and larger version of the Tell 2, and yet with this name on the lid, and the too far forward, and given the harsh mainly from the 1950’s Mark 1’s of the same period. despite the similarities between his gun had brown plastic grips with pull needed to fire the gun, this American models in their pistol and the Tell 2 and the Acvoke, “Thunderbolt Junior” molded into can cut into the trigger finger quite length, being much shorter THE THUNDERBOLT JUNIOR OR BIG a patent was uncomfortably on firing. These than the standard Hy-Score CHIEF successfully negative points apart, the pistol 800 Target model, but not applied for in is well finished and eminently as short as the Models The golden age of concentric 1947, and was collectable as a rare 1940’s British- 803 and 804 (the American air pistols was clearly the mid granted in 1949 made air pistol. Hy-Scores are discussed 1940’s, as yet another company ( British patent in Part 2 of this series). In felt inspired to introduce a new 623869). The HY-SCORE SPORTER addition, the cylinder and model onto the market in that pistol had a blued barrel housing formed a period, namely Frank Clarke (Lead The American Hy-Score pistols steel frame and continuous unit, with the Products) Ltd., Birmingham. This ceased production in the 1970’s cylinder, and last few inches presenting company had evolved from Frank and the Hy-Score company itself the smoothbore a squared profile. The barrel Clarkes’ gunmaking business after went into liquidation in 1981. In barrel was itself was recessed some his death in 1936, and this venture 1989 the English businessman aluminium or 2cm from the muzzle end, Fig. 21. Patent drawing for the 1911 Norman/BSA back into air pistols was no doubt Richard Marriot-Smith purchased steel, available in the recess being threaded air pistol driven by the difficult economic the engineering drawings, machinery .177 calibre only. to receive a custom-made times in the immediate post-war and parts for the Hy-Score pistol silencer. Although a relatively period. The designer was W. Walker, from the long abandoned site Evidently in recent pistol, the Sporter has already inspired by the Norman patent to and like Accles and Shelvoke he Fig. 18. The Thunderbolt Junior and shipped them to the UK. The 1947 Frank achieved cult collectability status make his own investigations into drew heavily on the pre-war Tell 2 Phoenix Arms Company in Sandwich, Clarke (Lead thanks to its short production run, concentric air pistols. design for his inspiration (Fig. 17). Products) Ltd. had no facility for them. In contrast, the “Big Chief” Kent then began production of a and is now considered relatively In fact, the resultant pistol (Fig. large scale pistol manufacture had smooth wood grips with no substantially modified form of the rare. It is particularly sought after The patent drawings (Fig. 21) are and so production of the gun markings on them. The Thunderbolt stub-nosed, single shot Hy-Score by U.S. collectors because of the quite complex to follow and as was licensed out to Produsit breech closure plate is impressed 803 pistol, introducing the new American Hy-Score connection, and no known prototype exists it was Ltd., of 78 Lombard Street, there with PROV. PAT. 137492, as it was never exported to the difficult to visualize how the pistol Birmingham. It seems that whereas that of the Big Chief is USA (because it lacked a safety might have looked or even to decide Produsit not only marketed stamped with the name “BIG CHIEF” catch) it is particularly rare in if it was a practical design or not. the pistol themselves, but (Fig. 19). The only other difference that country. Cased examples However, thanks to the efforts of also supplied it to Frank Clarke between the two versions is that complete with silencer, spare that highly skilled re-creator of (Lead Products) for resale. the Big Chief has a more rounded barrel, barrel changing key and past airgun designs, Mac Evans, Interestingly two brand names muzzle plug than the Thunderbolt pellets are the most desirable. we can now see a fully functioning were in use for this pistol. The Junior. No box for the Big Chief has prototype in action. He was able one sold in the UK was called yet been documented. AND FINALLY, THE ONE THAT to create from the patent drawings the “Thunderbolt Junior” pistol, NEVER WAS three working examples, one of The pistol itself is reasonably well which (serial number 3) is pictured in and the extremely rare second It would be fitting to finish made but when compared against Fig. 22. Fig. 17. Patent drawings for the Thunderbolt version was called the “Big Fig. 20. The single shot Hy-Score Sporter, with this account with a brief Junior Chief” (http://www.cinedux. the Tell 2, of which it is essentially plastic sight 60 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 61 Advertisement

the tap places the pellet Royal British Legion shooters) and we ask anyone - Recoilless in line with barrel. It that would like to enter would of course be vital (subject to available team The safety brief prior to the to ensure that the tap Poppy Shield, was closed before firing, 6th October 2013 places) to think of a wacky competition’s start will be at otherwise the cylinder name to make things a bit 11am. There will also be an A4 moving rapidly forwards The first RBL Poppy Shield more fun. We already have safety list of dos and don’ts would shear off the tap competition will be held in teams entered with names along with hints and tips that handle. the grounds of the Greyhound such as The Screaming Abdabs, will be handed out with each The design has its good Airgun Club, Longford near Kittens in Kombats, The Tartan with each score card, bearing points and bad points. Coventry, a short distance Terrors, The Jackass Jackals, in mind a lot of the emergency On the positive side from Junction 3 of the M6 The Borg Collective, and many services and military personnel the button release is extremely pleasant motorway. Our main aims more. The main difference have never shot air rifles. to use, and the large are to raise awareness of apart from the teams are the Safety marshalls will be dotted angle of swing of the the Royal British Legion, the air rifles they will be shooting around the course in case any grip makes cocking very oldest military charity in problems arise during the easy. On the downside, the UK, and the important comp. the metal ribbon that work it still undertakes on has to pull against the There is ample car parking a daily basis for serving mainspring pressure on site, camping if needed is fragile and prone to soldiers, ex-soldiers, and breakage, but most and a very nice local pub. Fig. 22. Mac Evans’ reconstruction of the 1911 BSA air pistol, serial number 3 their families from conflicts damning of all, for its going back to World War 2. size the power that can In addition to the above HFT be developed is very low. We also hope to raise much comp and side shoots there The pistol has a completely unique position where it automatically locks needed funds to enable us cocking principle, which can be in place, as in Fig. 22. The gun is then This last disadvantage is due to the will also be a full hog roast understood by looking at Fig. 3 and fully cocked. It only then remains to fact that compression chamber is to carry on the good work on site, plus hot and cold Figs. 22-24. With the pistol in the insert a pellet into the barrel – a not in line with the barrel rather than that gives welcome aid to drinks, food etc available. A uncocked position (Fig. 22) pressing inconsiderable problem. Norman surrounding it, and so the design war veterans - whether aged offers none of the size reduction mini assault course run by the small button on the left hand solved this by inserting a small 92 or 22. members of the Parachute grip releases the grip from its locked tap into the barrel breech – small advantages that the Anson system position, and the grip can be swung enough for the moving air cylinder does. We have organised what Regiment. A band, and nine Normandy veterans will almost 90o rearwards to the position to ride over it during the cocking Replacing the steel ribbon with we think is a fairly unique shown in Fig.23. At this point the and firing strokes. The aperture cut strong piano wire solves the team event based on the also honour us with their sliding air cylinder engages with a into the side of the cylinder housing presence. We are hoping to breakage problem. Tests by the popular Hunter Field Target Poppy shield made by Edward Marrian hook on the end of a flexible steel and also into the side of the sliding author strongly suggest that even add more things of interest ribbon contained within the grip. As cylinder exposes the tap once the if fully optimized this design would scenario of a 30-shot course the grip is then swung forwards to air cylinder is locked forward in the with animal shaped string prior to the day. only achieve power levels on a par with. At least one team will the position shown in Fig. 24 the cocked position, as can be seen with a good quality push-barrel reset silhouette knock down be shooting vintage BSA There will also be raffle tickets air chamber is pulled rearwards, in Fig. 24. The tap lever can be pistol. targets from 8 - 45 yards. compressing the mainspring, until thumbed upwards allowing a pellet underlevers nearly a century available on the day. The top There will also be a 6 yard bell sear engagement occurs. The grip to be inserted into a hole located © John Griffiths old. Another team is shooting prizes at time of writing are target range and an air pistol can then be returned to its original on top of the cylinder, and closing ‘60s BSA Airsporter’s and yet a beautiful bell target, an side shoot, both under cover, another shooting ‘70s vintage SAS print signed by regiment and all with trophies for the Sussex Armoury/Air Arms veterans, a bottle of wine from highest three scorers. The Jackals. the officers mess of the French main competition will be a Foreign Legion and a signed three-man team event with The entry fee is £10 per Liverpool FC shirt. More prizes emergency service personnel, shooter, with all proceeds going will be added closer to the military, disabled, and ladies- to the Royal British Legion. date. only teams and of course teams from local and national The categories are: The Greyhound Gun Club airgun clubs, internet forums - Vintage unscoped; Sutton Stop, Longford, CV6 6DF etc. There will be places for - Vintage scoped; (Located at back of The Fig. 23. Grip in position to begin the cocking stroke Fig. 24. Cocking stroke completed a maximum of 30 teams (90 - Recoiling; and Greyhound Pub) 62 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 63

Roberts gave impassioned speeches that appealed especially to From Boer the patriotic instincts of audiences. The result was that small bore War to and air rifle shooting gained a huge following in a few short years. This bell target momentum no doubt helped in the The superiority of South African marksmen during the Boer Wars of the late nineteenth century was a wake-up call to popularity of bell shooting Britain’s colonial leaders. With their encouragement, ordinary working men took up the sport of bell target shooting as well, in pubs and clubs across the land, most often using Lincoln Jeffries or BSA rifles like the one below. Soon there were which was Note the winners’ medal fobs proudly displayed on their watch chains; a highly visible display to visiting teams thousands of bell target clubs, with the greatest concentration around Birmingham and the Black Country. EDWARD already taking that they would have a hard fought match MARRIAN describes the origins and evolution of this phenomenon. place in Birmingham at least. A petition against the magistrates’ arrived at the turn of the century, decision was launched, and was and in the next two or three years One of the earliest recorded and signed by 47,000 people, but the Lanes Musketeer (or Greener documented bell matches in the form was rejected. So the shooters’ Lane as described at the time by that is associated with the sport – two representatives called a meeting with R.B.Townsend), and the earliest opposing teams from different pubs the mayor at the town hall and 10,000 Britannia guns, as well as better – was held in 1900. It was organized airgunners turned up to peacefully versions of the many Birmingham and by a Mr M. Hirst, and the prize was a state their case. London “improved” guns which had mutton supper for the winning team, been available before 1900. to be paid for by the losers. Apparently In light of this impressive and well- the match aroused great interest, and behaved protest, the resolution was A common occurrence back then was was fought out to a packed house, dropped and shooting re-commenced. for imported guns to be modified to with word spreading quickly and the varying degrees and then re-sold Birmingham and the Black Country idea being taken up by others to such with British markings. This could THE BEGINNINGS... Target shooting was already an accuracy of the Boers’ rifle shooting was certainly an area of high an extent that, within a relatively short range from a simple re-branding, established sport, especially for the in comparison to the average British concentration of clubs, as was the time, there were more than 1600 air to an honest attempt to improve It is impossible to say with any well off and professional classes, soldier, although it must be said that surrounding area. But in other areas, rifle clubs in Birmingham alone, and the design – with Lincoln Jeffries in certainty when, and even where, and the Society of Working Mens our men still employed older Officer- especially those with lots of industry, over 4000 nationwide. particular improving barrel latching, the first bell target match was held. Clubs also established a shooting directed fire discipline tactics under a factory, social, Post Office as well and The targets in principle have been in sights and barrels, then advertising competition as early as 1882. But the strict command structure, and did not However, at the start it did not go pub clubs flourished. The sport was existence since the 1800’s or even these re-worked guns as “the most events in South Africa in 1880-1881, enjoy the free rein that the Boers had. smoothly for the shooters when the also popular in Wales, where several earlier, and even the early dated accurate airgun sold”. Meanwhile, and especially in the second Boer War On their return from the campaign, Birmingham City Fathers decided they clubs can trace their history back to patent Quackenbush target of 1890 Lanes advertised that they could “rifle from1899-1902, would lead to a re- many high ranking and notable figures would not issue an alcohol license to those early days before WW1. had been made for years previously by any smooth bored airgun”. assessment of the skill at arms of the decided that they would learn from any premises with airgun shooting – the Havilland and Gunn company. THE RIFLES British Tommy. Soon the speeches their painful experiences in the field. on the grounds of “drunkenness and Shooters then were no different to and influence of well-respected public gambling”. We have to remember now, they clamoured for the latest So the first match, or perhaps just The Lord mayor of London, Lord The late 1800’s and the turn of figures, and even a hero of the British that the sport was predominantly a equipment as competition experience a gathering of airgun enthusiasts Salisbury, Lord Baden Powell (lately the century would have seen the Empire, would lend their weight to working man’s one and the order of grew. Lincoln Jeffries, whilst still selling around a bell target may well have the commander of the besieged majority of competitors using Gem- a national campaign to improve society and class was very much more the imported guns, was already hard occurred in the mid to late 1800‘s, Mafeking garrison), and the national type break barrel guns, in the main the marksmanship of the nation’s pronounced then. So there was a at work making a series of well- even possibly in the USA. But it was hero, British commander in chief, probably smoothbore, although the menfolk. suspicion that the powers that be just received prototypes of the rifle that the turn of the 20th century that saw Lord Roberts, as well as many others, Belgian “Laballe” Gem type of gun did not want “the lower orders” to be would shake the air rifle scene to its an explosion of interest in the sport in During the Boer Wars, reports reached pushed for better facilities and training was rifled from as early as 1888, as trained to use guns, even airguns. foundations. the UK. the highest levels of the deadly for younger shooters especially. Lord were possibly others. The Millita type 64 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 65

Midlands was the ‘Club’ bell target with an option simple box affairs, to 25lb cast iron in non drying paint, normally titanium a hotbed of for gas “where there is no lighting behemoths, with mechanisms ranging oxide mixed with oil, to show each engineering, and service”). from the simple striking bar type most strike clearly, and the shooters soon the gun trade, encountered, to elaborate sears and found that the new diablo pellets such apart from notable The problem with these early targets lever designs, and even stacks of ball as Wittons, Cox’s Wonders, Astons giants, was was that a fragment of pellet (a bearings fed by magazine to behind and Villas and of course Adders etc. still very much ‘splitter’) may ring the bell if the shot the hole, and then catapulted in turn left a perfect central “witness” mark in dominated by was not dead clean, but sometimes onto the bell by the pellet’s impact. the middle of the strike which made small specialist the sound was not heard by the on the line decisions easy. workshops, each scorer, who would be a few feet away Notable makers in this period were with a particular at a safe distance, so very soon a Cox’s of Handsworth, Charles Ross of At the firing table or nearby would skill or trade. cocking type was introduced. West Bromwich and John Stanton and be a penny in the slot Avery, Wadkin Obviously there sons. BSA themselves offered no less or Howard dispensing machine to These had a plunger behind the hole, was a new than 5 differing designs in their Book dispense a few pellets, the proceeds which on being struck by the pellet market in air rifle of the BSA air rifle, and also stated helping the funds of the home team. would move backwards releasing a shooting to be “other types are available on request” sprung loaded flat or round bar. This The Great war would see many bell supplied, so many in turn would strike the bell, and in Lincoln Jeffries, patented an target and other shooters caught manufacturers it’s simplest form, would expose the extraordinarily well made target up in the excitement of this halcyon attempted to previously hidden uppermost end of in 1908, and there are many other period sadly lost, but many who produce targets the bar to give a visual confirmation of patents filed between 1904 and 1908 heeded the call to arms back were with varying a “possible”. These ends were normally on record that show the amount of already excellent shots before the degrees of painted, and many had a number 5 effort being expended to profit from Army received them, and no doubt success. marked on them as well. the sport. gave a good account of themselves in The members of this team wear clothing and headgear typical of the period, with some sporting boaters from the trenches. the craze started by the Prince of Wales back in 1896, plus, of course, the ‘obligatory’ facial hair Targets soon ranged from fairly The target face plates were covered The earliest targets were a So we arrive in the summer of 1905; pre-1914 BSA and Lincoln guns, soon simple plate with a hole, and a bell the first batch of Lincoln rifles has established themselves as essential behind, and provision for lighting in been delivered to Steelhouse Lane equipment and indeed the standard some cases – many advertised gas for final fettling. So much has been gun to use when finances allowed. In lighting options for rural areas (Parker written about subsequent events that most pubs there would only be one Hale, as late as 1958, still advertised I feel I have nothing of substance to or two Lincoln or BSA club rifles for add – only that these guns, and other the whole team to use, since they were expensive in comparison to the average working man’s means. But they soon dominated the shooting scene, helped in no small part by BSA’s massive advertising machine and distribution network. An illuminating insight into this was the 1907-8 national air rifle championships, where 206 teams and 940 individual entries competed, and 205 teams and 936 individuals used Lincoln or BSA rifles!

A sad aside to this is that although Lincoln Jeffries still had his patents stamped on the BSA guns, very soon BSA took credit for the gun itself in advertising copy, and the original genius was very much sidelined. It is a fact though that over 100 years later, Plan of a Riley’s electric bell target many people refer to any pre 1939 This was also recorded in 1906: BSA as a “Lincoln BSA”, so his name has not been forgotten. “Mr W.G. Porter of Tamworth has registered an electric bell target; the bell rings until stopped when the THE TARGETS bull is hit. An example is in use in the Prince of Wales pub in Tamworth, and This is on my “To Make” list! At the turn of the century, the West has not been known to fail” 66 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 67 How I became

Andy’s refurbished BSA no. 2854. A ‘second batch’ rifle from 1906, according to John Knibbs, whose book BSA and Lincoln Jeffries a collector Air Rifles (1986) carries a list of the model, month of manufacture, and month of factory despatch of pre-WW1 Lincolns and BSAs In time the pistol eventually gave see that an old airgun could be better came away that day with my mind way to an air rifle. Some of my mates than a new, up to date one. made up. I had to have one! already had air rifles, and I was ANDY LAKE, who is no stranger to bell I guess the seeds of my collecting dad produced a fine Webley Mk1 Air Away from airgunning, I also studied I started to carefully check the second passion were sown early in my life. My pistol from the back of a big cupboard, impressed with the extra range and target shooting himself and is a long- considerable knock down power the music and was becoming an hand gun rack in the shop for a likely time collector of BSA rifles, explains parents were avid collectors, and I, my and after carefully unwrapping it, accomplished drummer. That year I looking candidate, but nothing showed brother and my sister accompanied handed it to me. He said that it rifles had compared to my pistol. the origins of his fascination with had been selected to play in a local ‘am up. Apparently, even in the 1970s they them on their weekend trips around was his, and that he had enjoyed I constantly begged my father for these guns and reveals how, many an upgrade to the pistol and finally dram’ production at the local theatre. weren’t that common. Eventually the antique shops and junk shops in shooting it in his youth. I remember Some of the early rehearsals took after a few months a .177 one finally years ago, he took the first steps on the area. I remember sorting through looking down at the pistol cradled in he could stand it no longer and agreed to buy me a rifle for my next place at the orchestra conductor’s did come up for sale, for £27.50 , and the road to building a collection piles and piles of various ‘Old Stuff’ my hands, and immediately noticed birthday. Finally the day arrived and I house. His son, Dean, went to my although it was in pretty poor external whilst my parents looked at fine the weight and the fine build quality school a year above me and, I was condition it fired well for an air rifle of porcelain and other antiques eager to which I later came to realise were key accompanied my dad down to the gun shop in town, to get their advice.Dad soon to learn, had similar shooting and its age. Cyril took the gun apart, gave add to the collection. In a few of these features of these fine pistols. fishing interests to my own. the internals the once over, and I paid shops there was always the odd old consulted with Cyril the gunsmith, and finally a selection was made. Following for it over the next six weeks on the gun lurking in a corner, or propped up Well, thoughts of that pistol were Being older, he had recently made Cyril’s advice, dad had settled on a new ‘never never’, a fiver a week until finally again the wall. never far from my mind over the next the transition to shotguns for most ASI Sniper, bought for the princely sum the day came and I picked it up. few months, and I never missed an of his shooting but still kept ferrets in of £29.50; those were the days… Well, My very first airgun was a chrome- opportunity of reminding my dad how his garden, which regularly needed a When I got it home my father could me and the Sniper became inseparable plated Gat pistol that came to me much I admired the pistol. steady supply of food. The family lived see the rather dilapidated state of the partners in crime, and many a plinking as part of a swap I did with a lad at in a large, ramshackle farmhouse in gun but also noticed my overflowing On my next birthday, I was given a session took place with my mates. school. The deal was done round his a village just out of town with a large enthusiasm, so he sat me down and place one Saturday morning in the small but heavy box, which not only contained the pistol, but a box of .177 A few more years passed, and I was walled garden surrounded by large asked me to explain to him why I liked school holidays, and I received it in its fruit trees that were the favourite it. My father was good like that, always box, with some slugs and a few very Marksman pellets and some paper reaching the end of my compulsory targets to go with it. schooling. I was spending every spare haunt of pigeons and collared doves. encouraging. He patiently listened well worn darts. Being a lad of not These birds made perfect food for the to this 17-year-old, telling him all much more than 10 or 11, I instantly minute I could in the gun shop, often Compared to the short-lived Gat Pistol, ferrets and, much to my surprise, the about the finer points of a gun made dreamt of going hunting with my out the back watching Cyril work on the Webley was on another planet, gun he used to secure them was a fine 70-odd years earlier. I talked about new side arm, bringing back the all manner of shotguns, rifles and and I soon became practised in the .22 BSA Standard Air rifle, which he the walnut stock, the simplicity and family supper in the form of rabbits or airguns. As a lad of 16, I just loved art of bowling over Coke cans in the told me was made in the 1920’s. the fine design of the sights – in fact pigeons……… My dreams were soon standing in the shop soaking up all of back garden. I loved that gun, and everything that Cyril had told me. dispelled after the first two or three the atmosphere. The smell of guns, without doubt, it was my most prized My eyes were well and truly opened disappointing shots. The gun was just the stories, and best of all, meeting possession, not to mention the envy of that day, and I marvelled at the Patiently, he waited for me to finish not up to the task. other like-minded airgun enthusiasts. all my mates. simple design, coupled together then without a word he got up from with impressive On or around my 12th birthday, my I quizzed Cyril endlessly about airguns in general, but especially about my accuracy and ASI Sniper air rifle, and I soon realised power. Three that he wasn’t that impressed with pigeons later, modern airguns, to say the least. I the ferrets were remember him reaching up to the gun sorted and I was rack and bringing down a pre WW2 allowed to have BSA under lever which happened to a go myself. The be there, stating that “they don’t make muzzle heavy ‘em like this any more” and pointed out balance took a bit all the great engineering and quality of getting used to materials that made up the BSA. I but in the end I My first Cadet Major wasn’t convinced, as I couldn’t possibly was a convert and 68 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 69

when not in use. I decided that I didn’t serwant my pride and joy kept in the armoury for all to touch and possibly damage, so I kept it in its vinyl gun bag under a blanket in the boot of my car. At first I used it every week but as Hy-score: autumn turned to winter my visits to the gun club became less frequent.

One day I went out to check on the gun and give it a wipe over with an oily cloth, only to find that it was rusty due the pistol to the condensation caused by the temperature changes in the car boot. I was distraught but as there was nothing I could do for a fortnight until the table and disappeared upstairs. original finish still present. You could my leave, I could only oil it and hope He came down a few minutes later clearly see the etched model details for the best. But the rust had done its that crossed clutching a rifle shaped parcel tied up shining out on the cylinder. worst, and what was a thing of beauty with string, laid it down on the table was now heavily scared by the rust. I in front of me, and started to untie Well a deal was eventually struck, Cyril learned a lesson I will never forget! the string. Eventually there in front of bought the gun, and, once paid, the old me lay a BSA Cadet Major air rifle. My gent left happy. No sooner was he out Over the years, I added more guns face must have lit up at that point as of the shop than I said I wanted it and to the collection. Despite getting a the Atlantic I remember my father smiling as he I put £10 down with the rest due in good few guns in far better condition, picked up the gun and handed it to me, instalments. It was finally paid up on I always kept the first BSA underlever saying: “It’s yours if you want it – as my first official leave from the army, that I owned – as the rifle that started ROB MORTON outlines the background to the Hy-Score spring air pistol; a story of Anglo-American cooperation. The long as you behave yourself and above and rifle number four was in the bag. me on the road to collecting. all else are safe.” Two airguns in one pistols had their origins in pre-War America and 50 years later a version of the design ended up being made by a British I really loved that gun; it was my pride Despite being in near relic condition, day… how was that for luck?! company known for its glossy brochures. and joy. I still have it today, but sadly I decided to submit it to John Knibbs The Cadet Major was the slightly not in the near mint condition I bought for a full restoration and rebuild. I still it in. have the gun to this day, restored to bigger brother to the Cadet and, luckily The history of the classic Hy-Score the American public) were importing pushing the grip towards the back of for me, had the adjustable trigger. most of its former glory and still take About three years later, I had moved to pistol, one of the few proper spring some European airguns, including the pistol, an Em-Ge Zenit overlever, All in all, it was a sleek looking airgun, it down the club for a few shots every an army camp in London, where I was air pistols made in America, is one the famous Webley overlever air and finally a Webley Senior. Later, but definitely not as powerful as my now and again. These days a lot of the part of the permanent staff. There was of the most unusual and interesting pistols, and this could have been the brothers also owned an Abas Sniper. In those pre-chronograph days, joy of collecting comes from using the an airgun club nearby and after going stories in the history of the airgun. what gave him the idea to market Major, and an Acvoke, but that was penetration tests were the only way guns as well, if I can. along a few times I decided to join. In several ways, it could be said a spring air pistol in America. He not until after they had designed the of comparing power and the Sniper Sadly Cyril the gunsmith is no longer to be a story of Anglo-American felt that American airgun shooters Hy-Score. seemed to win hands down. Now the official ruling from the army with us, but I feel that if he was he cooperation. would appreciate a pistol that was was that air rifles were allowed to cocked in one stroke rather than Andrew used his engineering Well, my collection was now up to would be proud of my collecting and be brought in to camp for target In 1938, in New York, there were the ten pumps that some American knowledge to appraise the pistols. four guns and three of those were no the deep passion I have for older practice, but had to be booked in at the two brothers of Hungarian descent, air pistols needed. Andrew also He did not like the fact that the longer made. There seemed to be a airguns which he help to nurture all guardroom and kept in the armoury Steve Laszlo, and Andrew Lawrence. understood from his engineering first three had short barrels, due pattern developing, and my fascination those years ago. Andrew was an industrial designer experience that compressing air to the barrels being in front of the for older guns was growing by the day. and engineer who had anglicised by hand like that is very inefficient cylinders. He felt that the Diana was his name, while Steve was a not powerful enough. He considered I finally left school in 1978 and joined as so much effort is lost as heat businessman, who specialised in the Haenel too hard to cock and the army the same year. I had one last as pressure is importing sporting goods to America. summer as a teenager at home and generated. His business was known as “Lazlo’s as always spent a great deal of time House of Imports”, and the sporting Steve and at the gun shop. About three weeks goods he sold included shotguns and Andrew bought before I was due to report for duty, I revolvers made in Europe. Possibly a few classic was stood in the gun shop when an on his trips to Europe, Steve noticed European elderly gentleman walked in with a that spring airguns were popular air pistols gun bag under his arm and asked to over here, while in America, pump- to evaluate, see the gunsmith. He explained that up pneumatic pistols and rifles were including a Diana his sight was failing and he wanted to common. Steve would certainly have break-barrel, sell the gun as he could no longer use known that the “Stoeger” company a Haenel that the open sights. It was a beautiful BSA Close up of BSA serial no. 2854 after restoration by John Knibbs, with deep blueing (who later sold Hy-Score airguns to was cocked by One of the pistols the brothers evaluated: the EM-GE Zenit under lever, with a large amount of now replacing the rusty pitted finish 70 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 71

(part ‘C’ below) which, when released chronograph machine to measure any way, the by the trigger, strikes the sear. The the muzzle velocity, which consisted pressings powerful spring in these pistols of two paper discs set twelve inches used are of makes the sear quite hard to move, apart on a shaft that spun at a set high quality, which would be bad for accuracy if rate, enabling him to calculate the heavy gauge the shooter had to move the sear speed of the pellet from the angle steel and manually, so the energy that moves of the two holes in relation to each very strong. the sear is contained within spring other. By testing the pistols on On this pistol, ‘D’, rather than coming from the this machine they deduced that the rifled shooter’s trigger finger, which only they were rather powerful. Later, barrel does has to overcome slight friction and the pistols were actually advertised go all the the relatively light pressure of the as “The World’s most Powerful Air way to the trigger spring. This also means that Pistol”. muzzle. if you want to practise dry-firing the All of this research and development Hy-Score The 1949 model 6-shot repeater pistol, you can just open it an inch or so, and close it to set the hammer was continuing as America entered model 800s alone. the second World War, until the didn’t like the way that the cocking balance in the hand of a standard brothers had to temporarily shelve When the linkage was in compression during firearm. Finally, it was to be cheaper In the prototype pistols, a metal development of the pistol for some Hy-Score cocking rather than in tension as to manufacture than the European piston ring was tried, but was found time from 1942 onwards as the US model 800 in the Webley. The Zenit design airguns. This would be achieved by too brittle to cope with the shock. Government’s War Production Board pistols went was discounted because, although using stampings, parts that could The metal piston ring was discarded cut off supplies of raw materials that on sale, it was easy to cock, he felt that the be made on automated machine in favour of a modern neoprene the brothers needed. they were short barrel limited power. Of the tools, and modern materials such as synthetic rubber O-ring which immediately Possibly from a Stoeger’s catalogue of the middle ‘50s four airguns, the Webley was his plastics and synthetic seals. proved reliable, efficient and much The design was almost finalised popular and favourite, so he was obviously a man cheaper than the metal ring. in 1946 and American patents commercially mechanism contains pellets, it does of good taste! However, he even To make it powerful, it needed a were granted. Production of the successful. Andrew went on to not prevent other pellets being criticised that, feeling that the trigger strong spring, and a long barrel, They also experimented with 700 Target Model started soon develop a ‘repeater’ version of loaded directly to the breech. pull was too heavy. That was the so Andrew designed it with a pistons that had a seal between the afterwards but in 1947 the design the pistol, the model 802, which Hy-Score’s first British connection. concentric barrel that was almost inside of the piston and the barrel, was revised slightly. The 700 model had a six-shot magazine added In 1952 and 1953, Hy-Score the full length of the pistol. To however, provided the pistol was had a step between the cylinder of to the breech of the pistol. It is introduced the model 803 and 804 He felt that the people that had make it easy to cock, even with reasonably lubricated, the gains in the pistol and the barrel just ahead an ingenious mechanism, with “Sportster” pistols. These pistols designed these guns were people the powerful spring, they needed a power and efficiency were so small individual chambers for the are rather different, having a shorter raised in the traditions of classical long lever moving through a large they felt this unnecessary. pellets which rotate past the barrel, which can be unscrewed gunsmiths and gunmakers, rather angle. He decided to use the whole breech hole like a caterpillar by hand from the muzzle end and than modern engineering practices. action of the pistol as the cocking The transfer port design was also track or conveyor belt. It is swapped; Sportsters were sold with This was evident in the use of forged lever. To make the most of the extensively researched. They well made, and fun to use both .177 and .22 barrels, and I have and cast parts, which required power, he designed a breech that eventually came up with a port because it is so unusual and read that a .177 smoothbore barrel expensive machining and hand gave a perfect seal despite having design that allowed optimal power quirky, but in practise it is magnetised at the breech end was finishing operations to complete no wearable rubber or leather seals. transfer to the pellet while still slightly fiddly. Pistols with available for shooting BBs. Some them. He decided that by using The breech design is unusual on creating enough of a cushion to this repeater feature went catalogue pictures from the time stampings and drawn steel tube it these pistols, with some saying prevent the pistol damaging itself if on the market in 1950 and show the knurling on the barrels would be possible to make a strong, that it is reminiscent of a camera fired without a pellet. are more sought after by being colour-coded red and blue long-lasting air pistol that would be shutter. It is an excellent design, it of the hinge point, this was a plug collectors and so command higher but I’ve never seen, even in photos, Andrew also constructed a very competitive with the European works well, it is convenient and easy. machined from solid steel and prices. a pistol showing coloured barrels. air guns. When the breech is open, brazed into place. Also, on the 700, you can see right down The Repeater Breech: A pellet is They settled on a set of criteria the rifled barrel actually ends in this the barrel, and know for ‘plug’, with the ‘barrel’ ahead of this inserted in the “LOAD HERE” hole, for their design. It was to be certain that the pistol is then the lugs are used to rotate comparatively easy to cock, yet point being a dummy for the sake of unloaded and safe. the pistol’s appearance and balance. the back of the breech, which more powerful than the pistols causes cams on the inside to move they had evaluated. It was to have To make it accurate, as From 1947 onwards, Hy-Score the seven chambers around one as few parts that would require well as a rifled barrel, produced the model 800. This was position. When this has been replacement as possible, so they it has what Andrew more true to the original idea of repeated six times, the first pellet decided to not employ leather described as a “servo” using pressings wherever possible drops into the breech, and the washers like those used in all of trigger, designed rather than solid parts, with the other six pellets contained in the the evaluation pistols except the to lighten the pull. cylinder and barrel shroud being chambers will he held until needed, Webley. It was to have a light, crisp Basically, fully opening pressed from drawn steel tube. It visible through the other holes. trigger pull, proper rifled barrels and the pistol cocks the main should not be inferred that the use Use of the repeater mechanism The breech end of the barrel ‘floats’ be available in both calibres. It was spring, while closing the of pressings reduced the quality in in optional as, even when the in the piston; a clockwise twist of this to have the appearance of, and the pistol cocks a hammer knurled outer seals the breech. 72 Airgun Collector

for the time being at any rate. Sadly Steve passed away in 1980, own, simpler rearsight made from Although some From this point onwards, Andrew the Hy-Score Arms Corporation was alloy. These rearsights can be easily people loved them, Lawrence and Steve Laszlo wound up in 1981. distorted by over-tightening the they were just too didn’t alter the design, and the mounting screws. Phoenix even expensive to sell pistol continued to be popular, That was the end of the Hy-Score offered these pistols with scopes in high enough selling well over the following story until 1989, when we come and even, amazingly for 1990, a laser numbers, and two decades. Unfortunately, to the final British connection: sight, it cost £295. Ouch! sadly, production in the early seventies the A businessman called Richard ceased again for American government decided Marriott-Smith of the Phoenix Arms Some of the early Phoenix Sporters good in 1991. that all pistols, including airguns, Company bought the drawings, were rumoured to have been being made in America had to machinery and stocks of parts recalled by the factory due to being The last of the have safety catches. Rather necessary to make the Hy-Score too powerful and exceeding the British Hy-Scores than redesign the Hy-Score, pistol, shipped it all to Sandwich in six foot pounds legal limit. This were sold with the the brothers opted to cease Kent, and restarted production. was possibly due to Phoenix using six-shot repeater production. I have heard American parts. It seems that mechanism, Use of the repeater mechanism is optional In some ways, the British Phoenix A detail of the Sportster muzzle showing the knurling conflicting stories about the date in America, Hy-Score did offer probably sourced as, even when the mechanism contains Hy-Scores were better than the on the barrels pellets, it does not prevent other pellets that production ceased. Some mainsprings in ‘standard’ and from the stocks being loaded directly to the breech American originals. The cylinder was ‘strong’ varieties. Possibly some of of American made say 1974, some say 1970, some being quite rare outside America. made from solid steel and very finely these ‘strong’ springs found their parts that came with the tooling. even think that production may The short production run of the The swappable barrels are a really polished and blued. Phoenix Arms way into some Phoenix Sporters They also lacked the unnecessary have ceased in 1969. The pistols Phoenix Sporters gives them rarity nice feature, and the compactness also redesigned the muzzle, doing resulting in higher than usual engraving on the side of the trigger were still on sale in American shops value, while their reputation for high of this design makes the pistol very away with the long barrel of the 800 power. It seems that the power was housing, which I have never liked. towards the end of the 1970s. For build quality and good looks also add “pocketable”. Target model and going instead with somewhat variable though, as one Having said that, it is about the only a short time in the 1970s, there value. A good or excellent Phoenix the shorter swappable barrel of the thing about All of these pistols were available was another British connection: pistol will be worth upwards of £80 “Sportster”. The barrel screws into these pistols with different coloured grips, made the pistols were imported to the while a mint and complete cased a deep recess in the muzzle which that I don’t of a plastic called “tennite”. Colours UK by BSA Guns, before they began set could well be worth more than gives the pistol the appearance of a like! I’m lucky offered were walnut brown, ivory, production of the BSA Scorpion. double that. large-bore firearm. Phoenix Arms enough to own something called “Petrified Wood”, named this pistol “the Sporter” Hy-Score continued as a business two American So there you have the unusual story and onyx. There was also a whitish which often causes it to be confused until 1980. Steve Lazslo became Hy-Score of the Hy-Score, an American air mottled or marble-like option which with the original “Sportster”. This acquainted with the famous Target models, pistol partly inspired by a British is quite rare. General Electric made pistol was sold in single calibres, American airgun authority Dr. Robert a Sportster and design, sold with British pellets, and the machinery and tooling for the but also with both .177 and .22 Beeman. Steve had continued to two Phoenix finally made in Britain. A possibly manufacture of the grips, a fact that barrels, with a key to enable them import airguns made in Germany Hy-Score unique story in airgun history, but they were proud of and actually used to be screwed home. They were by Mayer and Grammelspacher, Sporters. there is one more thing that makes in their advertising! also sold in a cased set, with both more commonly known as Original The Phoenix the Hy-Score unusual: Andrew barrels, the key and a simple (no Another connection with British Diana, but also Em-Ge, Moritz and Hy-Scores Lawrence wrote a detailed account baffles) moderator. The British Hy- One of the last Phoenix Sporters; this one has a repeater breech airgun industry came when Hy- Gerstenberger, both of whom had in particular of the research and development Scores were also available with black and lacks the superfluous ‘engraving’ stamped into the right Score began importing their own made pistols that the brothers hand side of the frame above the trigger are definitely that led to the design of the Hy- grips which I think look better than branded pellets, which were actually had bought many years previously among my Score pistol. It is recommended the brown ones common on the the classic British-made Eley Wasp to evaluate. Steve repeatedly reviewer criticised the Sporter for favourite pistols. Hy-Scores in reading if you are interested American pistols. in a Hy-Score tin. offered to sell the tooling, parts and only giving about 3.5 ft/lbs. general are great fun to shoot, they in airgun history, design and everything else to Beeman, to no are robust, long-lasting and well- The first Sporters had a simple blade manufacture. That was the end of the avail. A friend of mine was given a tour made air pistols, foresight which was push-fit into a development of the Hy-Score pistol, of the factory in 1990 and told but the British- slot over the muzzle, similar to me that the build quality of these made pistols the foresight on the American pistols was just superb. Sadly that have the edge, Sporter, though eventually this had a downside, which was that having all the was discarded in favour of a these pistols were very expensive benefits of the cast alloy foresight secured by a compared to other airguns of the American models, screw into a threaded hole. time. The Sporter was selling for but also a better £75 with one barrel while the cased The first Sporters had the finish. They are sets with both barrels, moderator old-fashioned American style all quite sought and key were priced at £110. At rearsight but this was not liked after amongst the time, Webley Tempests and by British buyers. Phoenix then collectors. The BSA Scorpions could be bought for began making the Sporter with ‘Target 800’ around £50. Webley Vulcans and a dovetail for rearsights and models are BSA Mercuries also costed less than for a short time, a Weihrauch much more £75, so it is understandable that rifle rearsight was fitted. They common, with people found the Sporter expensive. Sportster with spare barrel then followed that with their the Sportsters The Phoenix Hy-Score box recycled the old American artwork 74 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 75

Club ran two of these fayres more recently.

This fayre was When organised by the members of Melbourne Marksmen to raise money for the RBL Poppy Appeal and collectors to generate interest in collectable air rifles from the pre-WW2 era to the more modern rifles used today and also meet to provide some target shooting on the day for visitors to take part in.

The Melbourne Marksmen’s (Royal British Legion) Airgun Fayre in the British Midlands was held on Sunday 16th June Fourteen tables began at 11 am and the fayre shooting soft sponge missiles onto 2013. Apart from raising a significant sum for charity, the event was a rare chance for UK collectors to meet, sell and were purchased by airgun collectors continued until late afternoon. In a target and the 12 -18-year-olds swap airguns, as well as shoot bell and paper targets. One of the organisers reports. to sell part of their collections of addition to the buying and selling of shot low-powered air rifles adapted airguns and spares and the club also airguns/airgun spares, the club held for use by youngsters. Prizes were ran a ‘bring and buy’ stall for visitors air rifle competitions for young and awarded to all the 40+ youngsters to sell their airguns and accessories. old, in fact for ages seven to 80. The who took part. Melbourne Marksmen is a bell who meet weekly at the Royal Three airguns fayres have been 7-12-year-olds competed outdoors target club that was formed three British Legion (RBL) Club on Derby organised in the recent past. The Shooting on the six yard range using a toy type plastic rifle, For the more mature shooters years ago by a number of air rifle road at Melbourne (Derbyshire) first one was at Leicester and collectors who were interested and organise club and interclub District Small Bore Rifle and Pistol in the sport of six yard bell target competitions on a regular basis. Club’s ranges at Groby six years shooting. The club has 30 members ago and then Sutton Coldfield Rifle 76 Airgun Collector Airgun Collector 77

and with the general public visiting pre-charged the fayre. rifles by Air Arms and There were many positive Daystate. comments on the day regarding just Rarer guns how well these competitions were included organised and enjoyed and this was Giffards. appreciated by those involved in managing the events. Prizes were Pistols again awarded throughout the day to the included many shooters achieving the best scores. of the Webley range including The main attraction on the day was Juniors, the sales section and it was the Seniors, huge selection of vintage, classic Premiers, and modern airguns that most Mk1’s and the people attending were interested more modern in. The number of air rifles and Tempests, pistols on display for sale exceeded Hurricanes, all our expectations and the fayre and the ever was very busy during the day. Our popular BSA experienced caterers carried out Scorpions. A their duties providing BBQ food good choice during the day and the whole of superb event went very smoothly, with Walther LP53 numerous people commenting spring pistols on how they enjoyed the event. were on demonstrates a demand for similar What was obvious was the interest display including boxed examples, events in the future. Many of the many people have in collecting and a mint boxed Walther LP3 SSP, HW visitors left the fayre with air rifles using the older type of airguns that 45’s, various Crosman and Hammerli and air pistols they purchased and (over 18), bell target competitions Visitors were encouraged to bring accordance with the club’s safety perhaps some owned in their youth. pistols, a boxed Hy-Score model 800, hopefully this will boost our club were organised throughout the their own air rifles to compete for rules. and many others. membership and increase interest The types of guns for sale included day on the club’s six yard indoor the many prizes on the day but in airgun target shooting. A number most of the popular British Webleys range with prizes kindly donated club guns were made available for The bell target competitions were In addition to the takings on the of enthusiasts have in fact stressed (including two very nice Service by several very generous sponsors, those without a rifle. The shooting organised for different classes of day by the RBL staff, the fayre itself that they have never seen such a Mk11’s), some superb examples of including Solware Ltd, T. W. was supervised by experienced club air rifle. All rifles were .177 calibre raised £700 for the RBL Poppy collection of airguns for sale and BSA break barrel and underlever Chambers, Uttings, and Pellpax. members and was carried out in and were fitted with open or diopter Appeal and a presentation of the have requested a repeat of this sights. There was a bell airguns covering 100 years of cheque to the local representative fayre next year. We hope to oblige target class for pre- production, and custom British rifles was carried out at our weekly club and the club would like to offer our War spring powered air by Venom and John Bowkett. A very meeting on Thursday 20th June. sincere thanks to the sponsors and rifles, a class for classic rare .25 cal Improved model D sold everyone who had a part in this spring powered air on the day and at least 2 air-canes The feedback from those who event. rifles (that included the sold, one straight and one cranked, attended has been fantastic and early recoiling 10 metre with pump, key and ammo mould. match German air rifles Another star BSA on sale was a such as the Weihrauch rather special Light Pattern priced break-barrel 55 models at just under £2,600. and the Walther LG55 There was a big choice of German variants) and an ‘open’ airguns such as Weihrauch rifles, competition for any air Walther spring air rifles, Original/ rifle. The ‘open’ class Diana break barrel and sidelever included the more rifles. Anschutz, Feinwerkbau and modern match single a number of BSF’s were also up stroke pneumatic for sale. In fact there were many rifles and pre-charged rifles and pistols that I did not even dedicated 10 metre recognise. target guns. These competitions proved I saw several superb American, very popular with both Spanish and Japanese pneumatics experienced shooters that were for sale and more modern 78 Airgun Collector