I retired over a year ago and decided to sell some of my centerfire pistols to focus on starting a spring air pistol collection I could enjoy in my back yard. I have been concentrating on old school blued pistols that look like firearms. I just made major progress today by getting a Haenel 28R. A Haenel 28 has been on my list but a repeater was a great bonus. Looks to be in great shape but is not in my hands as yet. Fingers crossed.
So far in the last year I have acquired:
1. Walther LP53 like new in the box, 1955 smooth finish
2. Hy-Score 800 like new in the box probably 1950, no engraving.
3. Beeman Feinwerkbau 65 with wood sport grips, like new in the box
4. EMGE Zenit excellent condition
5. Now the Haenel 28R with fingers crossed
Actually not sure where I go from here, only interested in spring powered pistols. I would love to have the Tell Model III as the show piece of the pre-war part of my collection but the reality is I probably will never obtain that one. A pre-war Webley is on my list if the condition and price is right. Have a English made Hurricane but don't really consider it a real collectible.
Being in the USA puts me at quite a disadvantage as it seems like England has so many more of these old guns floating around. I find the quality of the prewar German guns to be awesome.