Dating Diana 60

[deebee]

Hi all, just got a 60T from Dfor, & am well pleased.
I've just spent an hour trying to date it (nearer than Jan 63 onwards) from serial number.
Anyone got any lists / links please
Dave

[deebee]

no body got no ideas?

[chuckjordan]

Diana 60's started production in 1963. Month and Year date stamps (rear left back of receiver tube) started in 1966.

Do you see the month/year time stamps?

Does the forend of the stock have a fingergroove (dating circa 1964)

Do the hubcaps (sidewheel housing the gears) have 2 holes drilled? Or smooth (dating to very early 1963).

You can always post your question here

[deebee]

Thanks for the reply Chuck, sorry for the delay but I've had a few catastrophes. I'll check marks tomorrow & be back
Dave

[deebee]

Diana 60's started production in 1963. Month and Year date stamps (rear left back of receiver tube) started in 1966.

Do you see the month/year time stamps?



Does the forend of the stock have a fingergroove (dating circa 1964)



Do the hubcaps (sidewheel housing the gears) have 2 holes drilled? Or smooth (dating to very early 1963).


You can always post your question here

No date marks, unless under stock?

No, but I have a tyrolean stock

Yes two holes each side

[chuckjordan]

I'd say your Diana was made in 1965.

[deebee]

Thanks Chuck, but what makes you say 1965?
1963-1966 is the nearest I have got up to now
Dave

[chuckjordan]

I guess I forgot to ask another question; what colour is the buttpad (and is it original)? I bet it's Red.

I used a process of elimination:

1963 - 1966 = No date marks. Date stamping by Diana started early (January?) 1967.

1964-1966 = The early 60's (mid-1963) didn't have the two holes on the hubcaps and endcap. And the very early ones only had two springs on a guide (all normally have 3 and the larger is counter-wound).

late-1964-1966 = Finger-groove Diana was about 1964, most also had the Burgundy coloured buttpad.

So, I guess I could say late 1964 too (especially if it has a Burgundy buttpad), but, it's easier to say 1965 -1966. You see more of the Red buttpads, very few of the Burgundy buttpads. Sorry, I skipped 1966.

I guess I didn't ask you what color the buttpad is. Is it Red (white/black spacer) or Burgundy (with black spacer)? Is it solid rubber or of a sponge material? Diana originally used (not 100% sure) a Red buttpad in 1963, then used Burgundy for a short time in 1964. Many Finger-groove models have the Burgundy pad. Diana switched to a black buttpad in 1967-68?