We have seen how various manufacturers started their serial number sequences at far above no.1, maybe to give the appearance of a bigger production run for marketing purposes?
So the Walther LP53 started at 1040, the Feinwerkbau model 150 started at 0520, the FWB65 at 1040...
OK, so these are all postwar German airguns and there is no evidence of the practice being used before the war, or in England (or is there?).
My question is: could the BSA Milpats have started higher than no.1, perhaps at 100 or so? Has anyone seen one with a lower number?
The reason I ask is that looking at the serial numbers here, there isn't one below 100.
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.
Very interesting, Brian, thanks for that. So maybe BSA employed this 'trick' too, although they seem to have started the post-WW1 BSAs below 100.
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.
Hi Garvin,
I have handled and photographed Mil Pat SN 10. Sadly it was refinished but I can't see a third digit either in front or after the 10.
Kind regards,
John
Currently looking for Baikal Makarov pistols with the following prefixes to the serial number: 98, T01, T09, T21, T22
Prefer boxed or cased but will consider loose examples too.
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.
I have seen or know of the following BSA M/P with a number less than 100 - 10 28 36 37 40 41 (See Air rifles by hiller) 69 76 highest seen NO.426
Here is another more interesting question - has anyone seen/know of a pre war STRAIGHT-GRIP WEBLEY SENIOR with a serial number of LESS than No.500?
I believe these pistols started at either S500 or S501 ??
I have number 36 and 134 so am pretty sure they started at 1 think binnersnmay know more though, you know what a data hound he is!!!!
Assuming you mean Milpats, not straight-grip Seniors Guy, could I have pics of these rifles for the gallery, please?
Thanks for this, Chris. I've also since heard from another expert who has recorded no fewer than 14 Milpats under serial number 100, each in .177 cal, including all of the above! So no doubt at all that they began at least at serial number 10, and probably no.1. Interesting that the straight-grip Seniors may have begun at no.500 or so. I wonder why?
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.
I am lead to believe than serial No 10 was only sold because the then owner acquired No 7