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. Retains 80% of the original black enamel on cast frame with the high edge wear and patina blending perfectly. 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. Wood stock with a cast metal buttplate. The Champion Model, or the Type 8, was introduced in 1899. This is the later model with the steel barrel with only 25-50 examples known to exist. The top of the barrel is stamped "Pat. Oct. 24, 93". The steel barrel retains a generous amount of the original plating with some age freckling, no dents, no pitting. Has the original bead front sight. The frame still sports the very delicate cast metal front sight. Buttplate retains 85% of the original black enamel. Original stock is excellent retaining 50% original varnish. There is a 3" hairline grain separation at top of comb. A previous owner has burned "L.H." into right wrist and the rifle has some average rubs and marks as would be expected from a 150 year old rare boy's rifle. Given the age and rarity of this gun, we have not cocked the lever to test for firing capabilities.