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Thread: Mercury/Airsporter S question

  1. #1
    Hellequin's Avatar
    Hellequin is offline I used to be indecisive.....
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    Mercury/Airsporter S question

    I've done a search online for this but getting mixed results so...

    Did the BSA Mercury S and Airsporter S models come with the lettering on top of the action finished in gold etching, as standard?

    The photos I can find via search engines are inconclusive- some have it & some don't. For clarity, I'm just talking about the bit that says 'BSA Mercury S' & 'BSA Airsporter S' between the dovetail.
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  2. #2
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    I believe they were highlighted in gold paint rather than etched but yes, this was a BSA feature.

    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.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hellequin View Post
    I've done a search online for this but getting mixed results so...

    Did the BSA Mercury S and Airsporter S models come with the lettering on top of the action finished in gold etching, as standard?

    The photos I can find via search engines are inconclusive- some have it & some don't. For clarity, I'm just talking about the bit that says 'BSA Mercury S' & 'BSA Airsporter S' between the dovetail.
    My Mercury S has the lettering you describe and just had a little bit of the gold left. This is the same paint that came on my 70s BSAs and it soon weathers away.
    The more I think I know, the more I realise the less I know.

  4. #4
    Hellequin's Avatar
    Hellequin is offline I used to be indecisive.....
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    Thanks gents, I was curious as I may be having mine re-finished at some point and I'd like to keep them looking original.

    Much appreciated.
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  5. #5
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    Yes my Mercury S has the gold paint in the letters on the cylinder, As it would of been done when they were made.

  6. #6
    harry mac's Avatar
    harry mac is offline You can't say muntjack without saying mmmmm
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    Yes Paul the S models did use gold in-fill in the lettering.
    I bought a Mercury S, new in 1980, and it was a thing of beauty. (Apart from the pressed chequering).
    The South of England has 2 good things, the M1 and the A1. Both will take you to Yorkshire.

  7. #7
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    Bought my dad a .177 airsporter s yesterday still showing a little of the gold lettering. Rifle looks to be all original 👍

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