It was the Cox 1902 model that was patented first.
Patent No 15702 of 1902 was for the cylindrical air chamber forming the body of the airgun, containing a hollow reciprocating plunger (piston) with the spring within it. Also, a thrust rod (spring guide) with a fixed abutment for the rear end of the mainspring, a cocking lever carrying the trigger and an integral trigger guard. The patent additionally allowed for two or more sear engagements for varying levels of power and having the stock fixed on top of the air cylinder.
The above features were also used on the Cox Britannia from 1905.
Although they look similar, the Cox 1902 model should not really be called a Britannia as the name was not used until 1905 and the 1902 models were not stamped with the Britannia name.
I've never seen a contemporary advert for the 1902 model. Does anyone know of one?
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.