What 2 great prizes, and another part of airgun history that we didn't know about until now. very many thanks for the photos.
I have updated the photo album with the rifle etching detail. The model is a Club.
The original prize was a pair of identical rifles as far as I know.
And I think that runners up received a single rifle but I don't know what model.
Again, hope this helps clear the mist....
Thanks
Chris
Last edited by Geeba; 24-11-2021 at 09:59 AM.
What 2 great prizes, and another part of airgun history that we didn't know about until now. very many thanks for the photos.
Wow, that is amazing!! the story & both relics, rifle & trophy! Even without the trophy, this airsporter club is in great condition . Wonder if its twin is still alive! Thnx for sharing.
Collection: vintage air pistols & air rifles / vintage air gun accessories
Facebook groups: vintage air guns 1. Webley, 2 BSA, 3. Haenel, 4. Weihrauch, 5. Diana
That's brilliant Chris, I bet you are pleased you looked now, and please thank your father for looking after the gun and trophy for all this time.......I was looking at the photos and wondered if that was a hallmark on the plate inset into the woodwork?
Anyway, as Mick says, what are the chances of this ?, and also what else may turn up thanks to the internet.
ATB, Ed
Thats a brilliant turn up for the books.
Good shout, chaps. It does look like a silver hallmark on the plaque with a *makers mark first, then the anchor for Birmingham, lion passant, and the date letter B for 1951. Edit: the style of cartouche is correct for that year too.
*The makers mark could be JD, JO, JQ...?
Also, what a wonderful story...and best thread conclusion ever!
Edit: I'm no expert on British silver hallmarks but, to my untrained eye, the hallmark date of 1951 predating the actual event in 1952 is entirely correct, the silver plaque would have to have been made and assayed at Birmingham before sale to BSA for mounting in the stock. The hallmark must always predate any engraving...
Last edited by DCL_dave; 27-11-2021 at 08:04 AM.
blah blah
This is a great 'feel good' story - the icing on the cake would be for the pair of identical rifles to be reunited for a grand finale
No pressure Geeba
Gents,
A really interesting thread - a question prompted by reading the photos of Eagle Magazine posted by Unframed Dave - the words suggested that apart from having the rifle to keep, the trophy was to be retained for the coming year. Is this indicative of the competition / sponsorship being repeated on other subsequent years with other schoolboys winning an air rifle and then keeping the trophy for a subsequent year?
Did the exhibition take place in subsequent years and was he process repeated?
I would live to know!
Thanks.
If it has a trigger, I'm gonna enjoy it!