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While I would agree that the Thunderbolt Jr and Acvokes are direct pinches of the Tell 2 design, we should not forget that Venuswaffenwerk's Tell 2 in turn was a direct pinch from Anson's concentric Highest Possible design, admittedly very cleverly adapted to cheap mass produc
Anson was responsible not only for introducing the sliding piston-concentric barrel concept, but also he was the first to use the hinged grip/trigger guard as a cocking lever in an air pistol, as in his first model Highest Possible. There is also good evidence that he was the sole originator of the side lever cocking principle with the Warrior pistol, Frank Clarke playing only a business role. A clever and much underestimated guy in my opinion.[/QUOTE]
Hello John,
I guess it's the common method of sealing the breech on these three particular pistols that makes them seem so closely connected, but as you rightly say, the functionality owes much to Anson. It would seem Anson preferred to design rather than produce anything in great numbers leaving the likes of Westley Richards to profit from his innovation.
Regards
Brian