does anybody know the history of the HW35 Hofmann Premier ?

[munchman]

Anybody know the history behind Weihrauch producing the HW35 Hofmann Premier...Brushed steel barrel and breech,1/2 inch threaded barrel.Looks like a walnut stock(will know for sure when I get the layers of red cedar varnish off it !)
It must be an early version as it has the leather piston seal.It's not a varient of the 'Vixen' is it ?!
No serial number and not a Hull Cart import.Just got 'Hofmann Premier 5.5kal ' stamped on the breech.No evidence of the serial number being removed.
Just about to spend too much money restoring it to original condition.Need a little history on it.
Thanks
Carl B.

[Paddy_SP]

Both the Normays I have are marked 'Vixen', and have the distinctive nickel-plated barrel catch, so I don't think yours is likely to be a Norman May 'product'. Is it possible that you have an aftermarket barrel on an otherwise stock gun? I have an HW35 just like this - the barrel has 'EUSTA' engraved on it, but none of the usual HW marks.

[Troubledshooter]

Carl,

The action sounds similar to the one shown in I.J.'s collection.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v4...HW35BlackS.jpg

[E-B]

Is it possible that you have an aftermarket barrel on an otherwise stock gun?

Nope the Hofmanns did come like that I can remember seeing the adverts. Sadly, that's about all I can remember. I suspect that the extra work was done 'Ex-Weihrauch'.

[Paddy_SP]

Nope the Hofmanns did come like that I can remember seeing the adverts. Sadly, that's about all I can remember. I suspect that the extra work was done 'Ex-Weihrauch'.

Any idea when this would have been? I've got loads of old airgun mags, so I'll have a look if I know what era to check!

[E-B]

Late seventies maybe early eighties.

[E-B]

So far I've found an ad for the Hofmann that says it was made especially for Hull Cartridge but this gun has regular bluing. I suspect it is the Premier that was polished.

Still looking,...