Yes, and it still remains a mystery to everyone The origin of the most important development ever in airgun ammunition is still unknown. Despite a thorough study of catalogues, trademarks, patents and trade journal data, John Atkins could not pin the origin down, other than it was almost certainly in the UK.
Given that pellet manufacturers of the period were quick to patent and publicise the weirdest of designs, most of which were a waste of time, it is hard to understand why the originator of the waisted pellet was so shy in coming forward.