Very nice Louis.
I gave up trying to choose a favourite BSA years ago as I love them all!
John
I received this Light Pattern a few days ago.
The grip area has been altered by a previous owner, perhaps to fit a (No. 8?) peep sight.
Not sure if I will (try to) restore the stock; it would probably mean flattening the cutout, and then attaching a piece of correctly shaped and chequered walnut.
That would be a nice project.
Compared with my first Light, and probably still my fave, from 1929, this 1914 (according to Mr Knibbs esquire) is so much more elegant.
Even though the 1929 gun is... quite elegant.
The slender stock, the even finer sights, the cocking lever, the trigger, .... just so very nicely made, these guns are simply amazing.
Now I want an even older Light! It never ends.
Louis
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Very nice Louis.
I gave up trying to choose a favourite BSA years ago as I love them all!
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.
Good point John.
In my case, like with girlfriends, the first seems to make the greatest impression?
Bit of BSA trivia. Your serial number was made March-April of 1912 - Knibbs saying most were light pattern. My Sporting is actually an earlier serial number made March-September 1912. Mine has side button cocking arm yours bayonet. Made right when transition was made. This era had amazingly fine sights - I think fine enough to compete with a aperture? As with so many airguns the earlier they were manufactured the better made they are.
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Last edited by 45flint; 16-01-2025 at 02:38 PM.
The Pre-WW1 BSA air rifles have always been my favourites, especially the Straight Hand stock Light Pattern models.
It would be quite an easy now to fit a No8 sight to your latest acquisition which could always be folded down should you wish to use the open sights.
Brian
I you like the appearance of the straight-hand BSAs then it's probably better to do the repair as you suggest Louis, but if you do want a no.8 sight, there will be some for sale in the next gallery 'auction' starting in a couple of weeks.![]()
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.
Cheers gents.
@Abasmajor, you're right, this would be the ideal candidate for the No. 8. I can shape the new piece of walnut in such a way, that the No. 8 fits perfectly.
It doesn't fit in the recess now - perhaps another peep sight was used.
This straight stocked Light is different in many ways compared to my 1919 straight stocked Light, by the way. I am stating the obvious, but I hadn't realized how finely made earlier guns are.
@45flint, good call, 1912, thank you.
Very interesting to compare it with your museum piece acquisition of 1912 as well. An interesting year in BSA history.
@Danny, I am preparing to open my wallet for your next auction. Exciting stuff!
Cheers, Louis
Ps. This arrived yesterday from the land of the free.
With thanks to John M. who helped me to identify it as an original.
It smells nice! Like a well preserved old book.
Not sure from which year though.
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Have you had chance to evaluate that nice BSA acquisition from Norfolk yet Louis......
It's Chris by the way...![]()
Yes Chris, so very nice that you're back.
I have got... something very nice for you:
one of these super duper rare Sharp pellet boxes from the sixties, which I recently found in the land of the rising sun.
I have started working on the beautiful Light that you collected for me, for which I am still very grateful. It is a beautiful gun, I shall be posting about it soon.
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.
Thank you Danny.
Does someone know when this catalogue was printed, more or less?
Hi Louis,
The book pictured in my book dates from 1910 or 1911.
I have another that was sent to the U.S.A. in early 1912, which gives you a rough idea of when the book was in print.
https://www.vintageairgunsgallery.co...11f8d9133f.jpg
Kind regards,
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.
I finished working on this one this morning.
I love the stock.
Again with thanks to Chris.
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