Originally Posted by
Geezer
About 25%+ on very early or late serial numbers.
To widen the discussion, a general principle is that the original model of anything made over a long run is desirable, as the original. And the last model is often desirable as the perfected model. But that is not always the case. Other factors intrude.
A car example would be the good old Morris Minor. The original side-valve 1948 is very desirable as the original. The 1970s 1073cc model is the most usable. The late 50s/60s 948cc model is arguably the best compromise between usability and history, but, last time I checked, does not command a premium.
Compare airguns:
- Airsporter Mk1 is better made than later guns and original. Mk2 is very nearly as good, or as good. All other MKs are much worse, except the late Mk7 RB2, which commands a massive (100-200%) premium over a regular Mk6.
- Webley III. First is best. Last is worst. First gets collector points. Best compromise, though, if you intend to shoot it, is the Series 3 and 4.
- Post war Diana 35 and 50. The early 1950s guns are lovely. The last ones aren’t. Oddly, pricing isn’t much if at all different between the 70s guns and the final 80s guns.
- Webley Vulcans. I see no marked price difference across the three series, although the first one ought to have collector value, and the third series, especially the KS and later Stingray (“Stingray, Stingray, bah bah bah bah”, sorry, I’m a Gerry Anderson fan) are better shooters.
- Diana LP5s. I think the early post-war wood grip guns get a small premium from those who know they exist. Despite varying degrees of rarity, I see no particular sign that the later brown and grey plastic grip versions, or the later alloy-frame LP5Gs (or LP6s) are worth much more or less than each other; perhaps because the later guns hold better than the earlier ones, perhaps because no one cares enough to create a competitive market.
- FWB Sports. The Mk2 is the best. Fact.