bulpup Theoben for sale at auction

[bighit]

Theoben prototypes


Click pics to enlarge them .

.22 Theoben Bullpup pcp, multi shot pump action air rifle (6 magazines), redwood stock, aluminium scope rail, two Parker Hale butt pads, stamped SJL001 This is the original model accompanied with the Inventor's working drawings and contemporary copy magazine article
https://bid.southamsauction.co.uk/lo...rms%3Fpage%3D4

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Some others too
.177 Theoben bolt action multi shot prototype air rifle (no magazine), heavy barrel, Monte Carlo stock - un numbered and incomplete
https://bid.southamsauction.co.uk/lo...rms%3Fpage%3D4

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.22 Theoben Rapid 7 pcp multi shot air rifle (no magazine), fitted silencer, black plactic grip and stock, no. 000050 with original Rapid 7 instruction leaflet
https://bid.southamsauction.co.uk/lo...rms%3Fpage%3D4


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[Mach 1.5]

I do like the heavy barrel one I must say. Mach 1.5

[rapidresponse1]

interesting guns

[Shed tuner]

i dont think the bullpup is a theoben.. everything looks wrong...

[bighit]

i dont think the bullpup is a theoben.. everything looks wrong...

They are claimed to be prototype's though so it may look wrong compared to what we have seen from them in the past but as people may not have seen this before it could be a Theoben that never made past that stage of development .

Only Ben Taylor or who ever worked on it would know I would guess.

Look at the drawings on the auction page . It has a singlepoint red dot on it . That may show how long ago it was designed

It also says there a magazine article . Possible that a magazine had a sneak peek back in the day .


This is the full description .
Description:

.22 Theoben Bullpup pcp, multi shot pump action air rifle (6 magazines), redwood stock, aluminium scope rail, two Parker Hale butt pads, stamped SJL001 This is the original model accompanied with the Inventor's working drawings and contemporary copy magazine article[Purchasers note: Collection in person or shipping to nominated RFD only. Please see Shipping Procedure for full details]

Theoben Prototypes

[bighit]

experimental parts too.

https://bid.southamsauction.co.uk/lo...y%3Dtheoben%2B


Also an SL88 Imperator listed as a prototype also .

Description:

.22 Theoben SL88 Imperator under lever multi shot air rifle, fitted silencer, scope rings, thumbhole stock, adjustable butt pad, 2 magazines Included are copies of the US patent for the magazine and numerous contemporary magazine articles[Purchasers note: Collection in person or shipping to nominated RFD only. Please see Shipping Procedure for full details]

Theoben Prototypes

https://bid.southamsauction.co.uk/lo...y%3Dtheoben%2B

[oneseven]

Very interesting prototypes. They look like slide actions that were being developed before there was the interpretation that airguns could be subject to the prohibition on semi autos and slide actions.

[Geezer]

To use a posh word, the lack of provenance is concerning.

Are these actual prototypes or experimental models made by Theoben, or are they the creations of a talented amateur gunsmith?

Did Dave and Ben really think about making a Theoben Colchester Gamekeeper?

Is that “SL88” (sic) Imperator a factory prototype or a rare, maybe one-off, special order .22” repeater, or just an Imperator stock later fitted to a .22” SLR action?

[oneseven]

If they had been owned by either of the Theoben originators you would expect that to be a major selling point.

[Geezer]

If they had been owned by either of the Theoben originators you would expect that to be a major selling point.

My point entirely. Where’s the proof? I could now (if I had the skills and machinery, I don't) chop up and modify a few of my rifles and they could then offer them as “prototypes”. Where’s the evidence?

[Shed tuner]

I agree.. and am not convinced they are not shed guns...

[bighit]

Prices

£1400 + fees for the SL88.

The one with the SLR pistol grip £750 plus fees. A member of the other forum bought it.

The bullpup £500 plus fees.

[averageplinker]

Lots of crazy prices for air rifles on there today!

[bighit]

From the other forum

Quote
Ive had verbal confirmation that Steven Lilley was the designer and seller of my rifle.


That was the tactical Theoben prototype that was in the auction .

[averageplinker]

Who is Steven Lilley?
Rich