As a side issue from the previous thread on the collectability of gat-type air pistols, I thought it would be better if this new thread was started.

Chris has kindly provided the following pictures of his Milbro Diana 2 pistol which has what appears to be a high serial number.

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...ps8e68db3e.jpg

http://i135.photobucket.com/albums/q...psb4fb67e1.jpg

To the best of my knowledge this is unique and raises several questions. As Chris pointed out, the serial number (if it is a serial number) is very neatly done, and it obviously has not been not added by some amateur with a set of letter stamps. I cannot imagine what the number represents or why it is there. It seems unlikely to be a true serial number as it is so large and yet no other examples are known (as yet). Also there would be no point in a manufacturer keeping a note of the number of guns made and only choosing to stamp one or two off the production line.

I suppose it is just possible that other guns could have been serial numbered below the wood grip and these have gone unnoticed, but it seems unlikely. I have just dismantled two of my wood grip Diana 2’s, one blued, dated 1955, and the other nickelled, date illegible, and neither show any such markings below the grip line.

If you look carefully at the second picture you can make out that the six digit number was stamped as one block, as the resultant depression in the cylinder is quite uniform across the six digits. Such a distortion on these thin walled cylinders would have been bad news for the smooth passage of the piston.

So why is the number there? Does anyone else have a similarly marked example? Any suggestions that might throw light on this mystery would be very welcome.

Thanks to Chris for bringing this interesting puzzle to our attention.