COLUMBIAN MODEL 1900 AIR RIFLE.

This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015

These rifles were manufactured by the Bailey Company in Philadelphia, Pa. based on the October 24, 1893 patent. They are instantly recognizable with their heavy cast frames that feature a floral motif along with animals and birds and the only models with the date 1900 cast into frame. The barrel is made of pressed metal and has the distinctive sliding collar/cover which exposes the loading port. The model 1900 is extremely rare. The blue book of air guns estimates surviving examples at 200. They came with the nickel plated frames or the black enamel frames with walnut stock and nickel plated barrels. This example is the all nickel version. The barrel is a mix of nickel and freckling and has the original bead front site, collar intact, 11 - 5/8" barrel. Does not have the screw-in rear site. The lever retains 75% original nickel with some age freckling. The frame has about 50% original nickel blending to gun metal grey. The walnut stock is near mint with no cracks or chips and virtually all the original finish. The cast iron buttplate retains approximately 80% original nickel. Beautiful rare air rifle.