Hi Mac,
This is not the kind of item you can look back upon and compare realised prices, so auction is probably the way to go. However, taking fees into consideration, if a collector were to offer you a sum around or in excess of £1000, I'd be inclined to accept.
Kind regards,
John
Hello,
Although similar in appearance to other air rifles from the same period, I can't say I have ever come across one of these obviously very rare air rifles.
I would agree with both the auction option and the estimated values posted above. I'm sure Danny (Garvin) would welcome the opportunity to include a picture of the rifle in his excellent Vintage Airgun Gallery if you were agreeable.
Regards
Brian
Thank you all for your thoughts on the valuation of my Baker, I myself agree with putting it in to auction. Yes Danny can use the photo or I can take him a better one.
Mac
Probably this is still the only one known example, and John Atkins wrote a very detailed article about this rifle, including its patents, in the September 2008 Airgunner magazine.
This is definitely one for the connoisseur of early 1900's British air rifles, and could fetch more than £1500 if two collectors were after it.
When I bought this rifle at an evening auction at the Punch Bowl Bridgnorth it was described as a Greener type air rifle. I bid against Dennis Hiller who dropped out at £30. I had no idea what the make was. I sent a photo to John Atkin who identified it as one made to the Cummins patent.
Mac
Thanks Brian and Mac. I would like to add this amazing rifle to the gallery.
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.