Rare English "The Lincoln Air Pistol"

Atlantia · 31st December 2011, 11:16 AM

The Lincoln Air Pistol.

A little late for this forum strictly, but as it's rather rare and interesting, I thought you might all like to see one of these iconic early 'spring piston' barrel cocking air pistols.
The "Lincoln" Air Pistol, By Lincoln Jeffries ltd.
Production (according to Denis H. Hiller) 1921-30, with production estimates up to 2000, although I can't find an example with so high a serial number.

There are various slight differences in examples found.
Some from gradual revisions to the model, some seemingly from the fact that they were essentially hand made so have the possibility of slight individuality.
I've seen examples with vertcal lines on the 'slide' like a Colt 1911. Different locking toggle styles, some have a large finger tightened front pivot screw to allow for removal and 'folding' of the gun for storage/transport/cleaning.
Also the size of foresight blade varies, as does the cylinder grip which came in two variations: Standard (as mine) or long. They are often described as having a 9-1/4" barrel, my examples barrel is exactly 9" from the 'break' to the end.

Design.
Probobly the most interesting thing about these pistols is the design.
They look like 'steam punk' meets 'James Bond' meets 'Sten gun' to me!

The spring/piston assembly is located within the grip which has a large open slot in the front showing the spring. A good firm two handed grip when firing may result in the decompressing spring and piston removing skin from the inside of fingers! (ouch). This system was later used by other famous makers including Walther, but I believe this is the original pistol to use it.

Finish: The Bluing process used on the all steel construction is similar to the military guns of the period and so does wear. Mine is lucky enough to retain much of its original finish, if somewhat worn in the expected areas.
Also, my example still fires

Calibre: .177 (4.5mm)

I'd like to hear from anyone else who has one of these or access to one as I would like to try and establish firm production/serial numbers for these.
Pm or email to: gimmieitbaby@aol.com
The highest I can find is # 1218.

Hope you all enjoy the pictures.
Best
Gene

31st December 2011, 11:16 AM	#1
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Rare English "The Lincoln Air Pistol" The Lincoln Air Pistol. A little late for this forum strictly, but as it's rather rare and interesting, I thought you might all like to see one of these iconic early 'spring piston' barrel cocking air pistols. The "Lincoln" Air Pistol, By Lincoln Jeffries ltd. Production (according to Denis H. Hiller) 1921-30, with production estimates up to 2000, although I can't find an example with so high a serial number. There are various slight differences in examples found. Some from gradual revisions to the model, some seemingly from the fact that they were essentially hand made so have the possibility of slight individuality. I've seen examples with vertcal lines on the 'slide' like a Colt 1911. Different locking toggle styles, some have a large finger tightened front pivot screw to allow for removal and 'folding' of the gun for storage/transport/cleaning. Also the size of foresight blade varies, as does the cylinder grip which came in two variations: Standard (as mine) or long. They are often described as having a 9-1/4" barrel, my examples barrel is exactly 9" from the 'break' to the end. Design. Probobly the most interesting thing about these pistols is the design. They look like 'steam punk' meets 'James Bond' meets 'Sten gun' to me! The spring/piston assembly is located within the grip which has a large open slot in the front showing the spring. A good firm two handed grip when firing may result in the decompressing spring and piston removing skin from the inside of fingers! (ouch). This system was later used by other famous makers including Walther, but I believe this is the original pistol to use it. Finish: The Bluing process used on the all steel construction is similar to the military guns of the period and so does wear. Mine is lucky enough to retain much of its original finish, if somewhat worn in the expected areas. Also, my example still fires Calibre: .177 (4.5mm) I'd like to hear from anyone else who has one of these or access to one as I would like to try and establish firm production/serial numbers for these. Pm or email to: gimmieitbaby@aol.com The highest I can find is # 1218. Hope you all enjoy the pictures. Best Gene Attached Images Last edited by Atlantia; 31st December 2011 at 06:04 PM.