Do the third series Diana 58 “serial numbers” in the tap really make sense

[MDriskill]

Oddest thing to me is that the Diana number is in a hidden location. If intended as a true individual serial, we can at least say it did not function in the same sense as on contemporary BSA or Webley guns. These of course had a multi-digit serial number placed on an exterior surface, easily visible to the user, and from which the factory could identify model and manufacture date, provide replacement parts, etc.

[leh22]

I was rather surprised to read that the author from that referenced article from the 1990's (from that information starved, pre-internet era) claimed to know the number of Diana 58 specimens manufactured. I decided to see for myself what that author actually claimed in that article:

" Next in rarity is the second model, though the sheer mass and quality of this airgun makes it second to none in terms of desirability. I have no data on the numbers produced, but judging from the lack of specimens encountered, and considering what should be an abnormally high survival rate for so fine a piece, one could not imagine more than a few thousand at best."

Oh...that is what he actually stated!