To be fair, I think you paid a fairly high(ish) ( all of the money)price for the gun, in the condition it is in. I would be happy if it was mine and I got 250.00 for it in the current market.
First patterns are nice but are not as user friendly as the later Imp D's and Standards. There is often more wear in the underlever, which can make the lock up a bit hit and miss - yours looks good, but, as you say, the catch block is a replacement. Also the early loading tap is a bit of a fiddle to get the pellets in.
You are right about the straighthand stocks being rarer that the pistol hand stocks, but rarely do they command much of a premium.
The first series are really of interest to specialist collectors, and they may well pay a premium if they have been waiting a while for one. I especially like the long tang cast trigger guards, but again a lot of people dont even seem to notice. First patterns are not that common.
Nice thing.....
Lakey
Thanks,
as I said my friend is a specialist collector of first series BSA's and is quite excited about this rifle, so I think he appreciates it more than most!
It is a lovely thing, I would keep it for Vintage HFT but I find the light pattern easier to shoot as it's not so front heavy.
Cheers,
Matt.
Ditto what Lakey said. My thoughts exactly. Baz's rifle looks original to me. Bargain!
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.
The Baz Rifle is original finish.
You just don’t see them in that condition normally.
The price paid by ptdunk is pretty good for an auction.
The three who have backed me up are people whose opinions I trust and would be the only ones I would sell this rifle to. Especially Lakey if it included some Scottish smoked trout.
Baz
BE AN INDEPENDENT THINKER, DON'T FOLLOW THE CROWD