Briton Mark III

[Josie & John]

I found one of these on my travels.

The only markings are THE BRITON on the left side of the frame and MARK III on the right, as John Griffiths' encyclopedia describes. There are no other markings on the pistol to provide a clue as to who made it. My example has a black painted finish rather than dull grey but it is possible the pistol could have been sprayed by a previous owner. Unfortunately the breech inserter pin is missing but otherwise the pistol is all there. It cocks and fires without any issues, although as John says, probably best not to risk it as I can see a hairline crack on the right side of the frame already.

It's not really my cup of tea, so I'd be happy to pass it on to someone who specialises in push in barrel air pistols or wants to complete a collection of Britons. However, I have no idea what to ask, so over to the forum for a valuation.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/z5dzrzfv7...aOyXoi1Qa?dl=0

John

[ccdjg]

This is a difficult one to value, as it is a very rare pistol and yet at the same time would have little appeal to most airgun enthusiasts. If two keen air pistol collectors wanted it to complete a set of Britons, then in a bidding war it could reach over £100. However, in a non-auction sale and wanting to move it on reasonably quickly, I think a figure of £60-£50 would be more realistic.

I have only ever come across three examples of this pistol in nearly 40 years of collecting. Probably most ended up being thrown away due to their fragility and impossibility of repair.

[Josie & John]

Thanks John.

[micky2]

This is a difficult one to value, as it is a very rare pistol and yet at the same time would have little appeal to most airgun enthusiasts. If two keen air pistol collectors wanted it to complete a set of Britons, then in a bidding war it could reach over £100. However, in a non-auction sale and wanting to move it on reasonably quickly, I think a figure of £60-£50 would be more realistic.

I have only ever come across three examples of this pistol in nearly 40 years of collecting. Probably most ended up being thrown away due to their fragility and impossibility of repair.

Hi John l would have to agree with the above coment and values, as l sold one of these in very good condition and complete. with no damage for over £100 last year. John Atkins did a articial in airgunner on these pistols not so long ago which featured my pistol.
ATB,
Mick.

[Josie & John]

Hi John l would have to agree with the above coment and values, as l sold one of these in very good condition and complete. with no damage for over £100 last year. John Atkins did a articial in airgunner on these pistols not so long ago which featured my pistol.
ATB,
Mick.

Thanks Mick - John reminded me of his article yesterday, so I'll need to dig it out.

Kind regards,

John

[ccdjg]

The said account is in the November 2012 Airgunner magazine.

[micky2]

The said account is in the November 2012 Airgunner magazine.

l didn't think it was that long ago, how time flys.