BSA model D

[KotKotofeich]

Well, this is a hard one to place, so I'll ask here first and trudge off to the air rifles section if I get chased off...

We have an estate find air rifle - looks like a BSA model D (will have pictures a little later). The family reports a story that this was _issued_ during WW1 for pest control (rats) in the trenches and that's where this example originated...

My question is - would there be any specific markings on the rifle to confirm this? (I found a capital C but no broad arrows as I would expect from a military issue equipment) Would this have any significant value? They want to give it away as a gift with no value, but we want to make sure they are not surrendering something significantly worthy without knowing its true value. I suspect it is quite common but I want to make sure we do our due diligence on this.

Any information would be appreciated.

 

[KotKotofeich]

Pictures if anyone is interested. My research shows this to be commercial (non-military issue) from 1920-1923 so the story was not quite true... This can get moved to the air rifles section if the mods want.

(let me know if tinypic screws up picture links)

 

[Nyles]

Neat old gun even if it isn't from the war. Does it still work?

 

[donor]

I would love to shoot it too.(Some) air guns are perfectly fine shooters and a lot of fun.

 

[KotKotofeich]

It works ok, the latch is a little loose, the shot is not super powerful - about same as a cheap crossman pellet pistol...

 

[mbogo3]

You may be able to have it rebuilt J+G airguns.......leather seals etc........or Chambers gun parts in the UK...........Harold

 

[KotKotofeich]

Thanks. Not my gun - just helping out with an estate, but I will let the person it's willed to know in case they want to restore it.

 

[KEN.]

Hello ..Its a model "L"...made 1920...No.1...model or known as "light" or "Ladies" model...info from Dennis E. Hiller's ..The collectors guide to Air Rifles...
never made to have a lot of power....not worth a lot..but around $200- 300..it looks in pretty decent shape from the pics..I wouldn't do anything to it.......KEN.

 

[KotKotofeich]

Thanks for the reference All information is always appreciated!