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Thread: How do you rate Gat-type pistols as collectables?

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  1. #1
    ccdjg is offline Airgun Alchemist, Collector and Scribe
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    How do you rate Gat-type pistols as collectables?

    Over the years, and in most cases without really putting my mind to it, I have managed to collect more than about 50 different gat-type, (push-barrel, pop-out) pistols. A few were hard to find, like the late 1800’s models made by Eisenwerke Gaggenau, and the pre-1930’s British push-barrels from Frank Clarke, Lincoln Jeffries, and Edwin Anson, but most were just bought on the spur of the moment at arms fairs and boot sales. I personally like these toy-like guns, even though they are a far cry from the serious target air pistols that attract the most attention from collectors, and I was wondering if I was in the minority in this respect.

    Does anyone else collect these humble guns, and if so, what sort of collection do you have and why do you collect them? On the other hand you might despise these “gats” as just toys and not worth the space they take up in your cupboard, and your opinion would be of equal interest. It would be nice to get an impression of the overall collectability status of these guns these days.

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    I have a chrome one in my collection, because I had one as a kid, but back then it was only a black one, got it from Solihull fair for a Fiver a couple of years ago, always brings back memories when i see it.

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    Quote Originally Posted by ccdjg View Post
    Over the years, and in most cases without really putting my mind to it, I have managed to collect more than about 50 different gat-type, (push-barrel, pop-out) pistols. A few were hard to find, like the late 1800’s models made by Eisenwerke Gaggenau, and the pre-1930’s British push-barrels from Frank Clarke, Lincoln Jeffries, and Edwin Anson, but most were just bought on the spur of the moment at arms fairs and boot sales. I personally like these toy-like guns, even though they are a far cry from the serious target air pistols that attract the most attention from collectors, and I was wondering if I was in the minority in this respect.

    Does anyone else collect these humble guns, and if so, what sort of collection do you have and why do you collect them? On the other hand you might despise these “gats” as just toys and not worth the space they take up in your cupboard, and your opinion would be of equal interest. It would be nice to get an impression of the overall collectability status of these guns these days.
    I can't say they've ever really appealed to me as collectables, John, I think mainly because my youthful experiences with a Gat were so miserable, and the accuracy of the guns I moved on to was so superior (even in cheap airguns) that I never looked back!

    But I can see why they might be very collectable, especially the older EG type pop-outs and the rest.

    I have just one, a Diana 1930s tinplate, which I bought on here.
    Vintage Airguns Gallery
    ..Above link posted with permission from Gareth W-B
    In British slang an anorak is a person who has a very strong interest in niche subjects.

  4. #4
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    It's a bit like collecting stamps, some people go for specifics, let's say european countries, but then might add in a few from elsewhere because they just like the colours!
    I have, like many on here, a Gat from my yoof, then I saw that Harrington had produced a 'rifle', so when one came along at a can't pass price, I had to have it.
    Now my first one was chrome, I have a black one...right place, right price......you know what will happen if a chrome one 'pops out' (sorry).

    Then I was offered a cheap Phoenix G50 .177, soon after, I saw that harder to come by was the G60, as far as is known, the only .22 Gat. So I got one.

    Now being into Webley's I just had to have a boxed Gnat, I mean it's rude not to. And the holy grail of Gats and webleys, might just turn out to be the Junior G50.
    Quite possibly a myth...unless you know better?

    I look upon it as a sort of side branch but none the less a very interesting one. I may even indulge again soon.
    Carl.

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    I like some of the early forged steel pistols such as the Lincoln Scout and the Briton, but don't have too much interest in the later pressed steel examples. It has to be said though, that they were never intended for the high end of the market so I guess we shouldn't expect too much.

    Regards

    Brian

  6. #6
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    Don't have many

    but I find them a fascinating group of air guns. Gats were a very important part of my early life.....

  7. #7
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    Have to say I agree with the previous poster, still have mine, bought on holiday in 1978 to Weymouth. still used and enjoyed. Yes there basic, but there are an important part of airgun history.

  8. #8
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    I have a fair mix of air pistols in my collection which I base on what is of interest to me, from the point of view of
    mechanism,make, method of cocking/loading etc.

    So it follows that I should have pistols of this type, a modern Harrington gat in box with the trimmings together
    with a boxed Diana mod.2 and two others one blued one chrome and a British cub.

    I rate them as an important part of our airgun history and development.

    In fact there is a book which I have on these pistols simply entitled 'Gats' a guide to junior push in - pop out airguns by Malcolm Atkins, a great little book full of useful information.

    Whilst I wouldn't actively seek out these pistols if I were to come across an interesting example I would probably acquire it.

    Chris.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by le frelon View Post
    I have, like many on here, a Gat from my yoof, then I saw that Harrington had produced a 'rifle', so when one came along at a can't pass price, I had to have it.
    Carl.

    Here's mine @ a recent UkHft comp!



    Cheers.

    Roy.
    If it moves.....shoot it!..If it don't move.....shoot it in case it tries to!!!
    Light travels faster than sound....this is why I appear bright until you hear me speak!!!

  10. #10
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    Quite a few on sale

    Several pop-outs for sale at Kranks at the moment, I see. Not cheap though.

    http://www.henrykrank.com/index.php?...ort=20a&page=2

    http://www.henrykrank.com/index.php?...ort=20a&page=1
    Vintage Airguns Gallery
    ..Above link posted with permission from Gareth W-B
    In British slang an anorak is a person who has a very strong interest in niche subjects.

  11. #11
    ccdjg is offline Airgun Alchemist, Collector and Scribe
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    Quote Originally Posted by Garvin View Post
    Several pop-outs for sale at Kranks at the moment, I see. Not cheap though.

    http://www.henrykrank.com/index.php?...ort=20a&page=2

    http://www.henrykrank.com/index.php?...ort=20a&page=1
    I think the Garanta he has on offer must be one of the most overpriced push-barrel pistols I have seen. Yes they are rare, and it took me a long time to find one, but they are only just a differently marked version of the common pressed steel Briton. It has been on sale for a long time now with no sign of a price drop and at this price will probably stay on sale for a long time to come.

  12. #12
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    I think a good gauge of whether something is collectable or not is when someone puts the effort into publishing a book. Has anyone read/got 'Gats' by Malcolm Atkins? I have and I recommend it. Oh and I have about 20 push in pop outs.

    Ormicron

  13. #13
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    They have to be the worst type of air gun to have ever been created!What on earth was the inventor thinking and why was even one bought!!??

    My honest opinion!

  14. #14
    gordon's Avatar
    gordon is offline it`s taken me 6 years to get so far...
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    Quote Originally Posted by Retracted_Yeti View Post
    Here's mine @ a recent UkHft comp!



    Cheers.

    Roy.
    Iv`e got one of those, just needs a Big Nikko now

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by gordon View Post
    Iv`e got one of those, just needs a Big Nikko now

    Good man!.Use IT!!!!!!!!!

    Cheers.

    Roy.
    If it moves.....shoot it!..If it don't move.....shoot it in case it tries to!!!
    Light travels faster than sound....this is why I appear bright until you hear me speak!!!

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