FLZ pistol
John:
I really appreciate you identifying that ring pull pistol from the Beeman collection (in a
personal sort of way). Towards the end of the Beeman airguns sold off last weekend, it
came down to the 2 nice pistol offerings to close out the airguns. My resources had been
sorely stretched, and I had to chose only one to chase. I was enticed by the EG T-pull
pistol because it had the T & L N.Y. (Tower & Lyons) Peerless markings, proving USA
importation. But the other unmarked pistol appeared to date earlier and be significantly
more solid in its construction. And this unknown pistol had a similar breech loading
mechanism as found on some of the higher quality American gallery guns of which I have
quite a fondness for acquiring and study. And so I opted to chase this pistol. (You are
welcome, Toshiko).
The only partial markings on the Beeman pistol (at the back of the receiver behind the
rear sight) was not too difficult to decipher, but gave little help in identifying the maker.
The photo of your friend's other similar specimen was such a gift in solving this for me.
His example appears to have a shorter wooden forearm, revealing the patent marking
and Langenhan semicircle stamping at the breech. This area is concealed by the longer
wood forearm on the Beeman. Disassembly of the Beeman pistol revealed another
previously hidden marking on the metal breech area. The "Zella St. Bl." was certainly a
valuable clue, but in my mind would have only realistically suggested a couple of
candidates: Langenhan or Oscar Will. Your help with the positive identifying photo of your
contact's other pistol was really appreciated.
Incidentally, I thought perhaps the full (and tall) Langehan semicircle logo might have
been stamped under the Beeman specimen's rear sight...removing its rear sight showed
nothing stamped underneath it.
Thanks again, John, for helping a fellow airgun nut!
LarryH