September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
This line of air guns began in 1892 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are the heavy cast metal frames and cost more than any other air gun of the era. They were patented in October of 1893. This is the Columbian Champion Model with the scarce carbine barrel length. Retains 90% of the original black enamel on cast frame with minor high edge wear. Forend is stamped "Champion" on left side with birds on both sides. Left side of frame has a rabbit, right side has a dog. It is a lever action. The barrel has a knurled collar that covers the loading port. Nickel plated barrel with light age freckling. It is the early brass barrel with about 70% original nickel plating and some minor freckling with the brass showing through in spots. Carbine barrel measures 8" instead of the rifle's 11-1/2". Near mint wood stock with no cracks or chips and was manufactured without a buttplate. The Champion Model, or the Type 8, was introduced in 1899. 25-50 known examples exist in both variations and in both rifle and carbine, but the brass barreled carbine is considered the scarcest and it is doubtful whether a higher condition example has survived. The top of the barrel is stamped "Pat. Oct. 24, 93". Has the original bead front sight. The rear sight would be screwed into the breech (sight is not present). Given the age and rarity of this gun we have not cocked the lever to test for firing capabilities.