Another old rifle needing identification

[jeff0100]

Can anyone tell me anything about this old gun. It's tiny, like a childs rifle. It belongs to a workmate, and it's been in his family for years.

There's some writing on the cylinder, and this is what I can make out it says.There are some bits missing.

KING
breech loader shot or darts no17
The Markham air rifle co Plymouth
Patent June 13 1922
Trademark

I've never seen one before.

Here's some photo's

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../411241735.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../411241738.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../411241736.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../411241737.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL147.../411241739.jpg

[joffy]

http://www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-ga...air-rifle.aspx

[erichtfisherman]

Its a Markham-King Number 17 manufactured 1917 -1932. It may have a little sliding lid below the barrel pivot which opens to reveal a little compartment to store ammo. Should have June 13 1922 Patent date. In USA according to blue book valued b/w $450 - $90. I have one and quite like it but its not worth much over here. Daisy took over the company in 1916 but the Markham King name remained alongside until 1928. Hope this helps.

[jeff0100]

http://www.nramuseum.org/guns/the-ga...air-rifle.aspx

Its a Markham-King Number 17 manufactured 1917 -1932. It may have a little sliding lid below the barrel pivot which opens to reveal a little compartment to store ammo. Should have June 13 1922 Patent date. In USA according to blue book valued b/w $450 - $90. I have one and quite like it but its not worth much over here. Daisy took over the company in 1916 but the Markham King name remained alongside until 1928. Hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies.It's a lovely little thing, like a toy really. I haven't fired it but my mate says its very low powered.

I'll pass the information on to him.

Thanks again.

[DT Fletcher]

This type of early BB gun has very good value here in the US. Outside of collections, they are extremely rare and just never come up for sale. If I had it, would put a $500 tag on it. Be sure to never touch it or clean it in anyway. To do so would drop the value by several hundred at least. As it is, it is in excellent condition for the type.

[larrylamppost]

i was offered one about a week ago for £20!
i thought it was a markham king but wasn't sure.i'll be round there tonight!

[DT Fletcher]

As I have pointed out before, UK collectors should be on the lookout for old American BB guns. There was a price war in the US, with Daisy trying to push out the rest of the market, which prompted a focus on exports for many companies. I know for sure that Benjamin sold their very early pneumatics (that appear to be little more than toys to the uneducated eye) in the UK. We actually have the product release announcement for a couple of these. Find an early pneumatic Benjamin, regardless of condition, value is in the thousands. Chances are that at least a few show up in boot sales, priced at near nothing, around the UK each year.

[larrylamppost]

i was offered one about a week ago for £20!
i thought it was a markham king but wasn't sure.i'll be round there tonight!

i bought it even though it is pitted and some idiot has cleaned it with a wire brush!