John Atkins has just informed me that he has now sent the late airgun researcher Tony William's airguns off for auction. 70 airguns and rifles will appear at Wallis & Wallis (probably split over the next two usual sales). Meanwhile, his friend Tony's BSA Military Pattern and, possibly, a Greener and a Britannia a/rifle will very likely appear in the Connoisseur Collectors' Sale, also at Wallis & Wallis. Tony purchased the BSA, serial number 226, from the previous owner - who said it saw service with the Home Guard in WW2! Skilled gunsmith - Bill Roper (ex Charles Hellis) refinished it and made a marvellous job. Like all early Military Models, it's a .177" calibre air rifle.
Holt's have just taken the remaining 68 air rifles and airguns for their next sale and sealed bid auction. Among them is a nice Webley & Scott Service Mk. II serial no. S9559 in .177" calibre - and also a good Mars 115 among the mainly German items from Tell, Haenel and Diana and also an E.G. Victoria serial number 715. Also half the Gem-type airguns, including some rarities acquired as study pieces for Tony's extensive 'Gem' and 'Gem'-style airgun research. Some of these were featured in Air Gunner February, 2012 pages 80-81 and they were divided between the two auction houses. Tony's library of 124 gun books has been split equally between Wallis & Wallis and Holts for intended sale by auction.
John added that in In years to come, he will probably kick himself for not buying more of Tony's guns from the William's family - as there are some scarce items... But, much like myself, he has little room for any more airguns - so had to be sensible for once!