Lincoln Jeffries / BSA 1906 Bayonet Under Lever Rifle

[Huttles94]

Hi. Yes I mean the stamping on the cylinder, and word for word the stamping actually says:

H THE "LINCOLN" AIR RIFLE. PATENT 8761/04.

The serial number on the trigger block is: 14937. Many thanks.

Yes it is a 6th batch BSA.

Right I personally think it might be a bitsa. My reason for doing so is that the early BSA rifles would have had "THE BSA AIR RIFLE (LINCOLN JEFFRIES PATTERN) stamped on the cylinder. But that is only on the first few batches of BSA rifles (they dropped the "LINCOLN JEFFRIES PATTERN" in 1906 and just had "THE BSA AIR RIFLE" or "BSA AIR RIFLE).

So it looks like a cylinder and barrel off a Lincoln but a trigger block and stock off a BSA. I dont think it would have left the factory like that since the two parts were made in separate places (LJ was still making them in his workshop at this time). I have found in some Bitsa I have owned that if you are lucky you can get some parts that fit together and make a bloody decent rifle. That is what I think this is. Though like someone else has said, check to see if there is a serial number under the barrel (it will be hidden by the lever) Though I have only seen the later ones (Standards and CS models) have their serial numbers stamped in this place.


Im sure someone with more knowledge on here will help the truth come to light!

[Gareth W-B]

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Thanks ​Huttles94. Appreciated.

[Gareth W-B]

Though like someone else has said, check to see if there is a serial number under the barrel (it will be hidden by the lever) Though I have only seen the later ones (Standards and CS models) have their serial numbers stamped in this place.

Cheers again. On the underside of the barrel down near the cocking lever pivot point is the number 49. Any significance?

[Josie & John]

Cheers again. On the underside of the barrel down near the cocking lever pivot point is the number 49. Any significance?

Hi Gareth,

If you remove the tap cover, the tap should be stamped with the same number.

I would have expected the rifle to have a Lincoln stamped stock if it were a Lincoln, so chances are a previous owner may have swapped parts around to make up a working gun. You just need to look on t'bay to see these old classics being parted out on a regular basis.

John

[Gareth W-B]

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Cheers John, but no cover on the left side of the tap to remove, as it has a knurled round wheel instead, and am loathed to remove this to check ...

With a BSA number on the trigger sction however, it is more than just the stock that would need exchanging to make it a pure representation of a marque, however, so the way I see it, I have five options:

1) Obtain and fit a BSA cylinder tube so that everything is all BSA;
2) Obtain and fit an LJ stamped trigger action and stock so that all is LJ;
3) Keep and leave as is, as has obviously been this way for the better part of the last 100 years;
4) Sell as is — ensuring the buyer knew it was an artisan hybrid gun, or ...
5) Break it for its component parts and sell off all as spares to renovators?

Thoughts please.

[gingernut]

Is this the one I sold you Gareth?
If so I know nothing!- per Manuel

[Gareth W-B]

Is this the one I sold you Gareth?
If so I know nothing!- per Manuel

Yes my friend, it is, and for the five years I’ve had it I’ve been very happy with it, but as it now transpires it isn’t all 100% LJ, I may move it on — or adjust it accordingly?

[gingernut]

I can swap it for an early model Light with two different serial numbers and a welded under lever.
Shoots well.

I don't specialise in selling dodgy guns.
But I do buy some.
I blame the poor lighting in Bisley Pavilion.
Hasn't happened at Kempton!

Was it really five years ago!

[Gareth W-B]

With a BSA number on the trigger sction however, it is more than just the stock that would need exchanging to make it a pure representation of a marque, however, so the way I see it, I have five options:

1) Obtain and fit a BSA cylinder tube so that everything is all BSA;
2) Obtain and fit an LJ stamped trigger action and stock so that all is LJ;
3) Keep and leave as is, as has obviously been this way for the better part of the last 100 years;
4) Sell as is — ensuring the buyer knew it was an artisan hybrid gun, or ...
5) Break it for its component parts and sell off all as spares to renovators?

If I elected to go for option 4) as above, what sort of price should I expect (will get some photos up to help with value via a hosting site just as soon as I set up an account with one ).

[Gareth W-B]

If I elected to go for option 4) as above, what sort of price should I expect (will get some photos up to help with value via a hosting site just as soon as I set up an account with one ).

Following a couple of p-ms from a couple of folk 'in the know' (thank you Gents), I have now elected to go for my option four as above, and so said 1906/1907 .177 LIncoln Jeffries/BSA air rifle is now listed for sale in the BBS sales section, with photos at the recommended price of £225.

[JB101]

If it’s of any use I have serial Number 14925 which is all marked up as BSA air rifle with lincoln Jeffries on the underlever .

Regards
James