To reiterate, the total projected number of Commemorative edition Benjamin Centennial Model 87’s was 6086, for an average of two guns for each of the 3,043 counties in the 50 states. However, a costly plating process never before attempted by Benjamin whereby nickel was applied over brass, brass over nickel, followed by a protective layer to prevent the brass from tarnishing caused major quality control issues. There were also complications with the stock and forearm whereby both were fabricated from the same block of walnut and often times matching up both proved difficult.
In addition, many have mentioned “back door sales” in previous discussions where some guns or parts of guns left the factory for whatever reason, perhaps because these guns did not meet quality control standards. As a result the actual number of limited edition models manufactured was but a fraction of the projected number, most of which were .22 calibers and of those only a small percentage were .177 calibers.
Due to the issues stated above collecting data for this model for the purpose of determining the actual number of special editions sold is futile although perhaps we can at least attempt to determine the highest number of each caliber sold. To date none exceed the projected 00XXXX numbers. The highest number at this point is 000XXX.
Below are the latest entries into a BCM87 registry. The last report was dated back in April of this year. Since then three more Model 87’s have been added, two of which are .22 Cal (serial numbers 72 & 109) both yesterday. The other one is also a .22 Cal and is listed under “Seconds”. To clarify, the Commemorative Centennial Model 87 has the special 00XXXX sequence whereas the Model 87’s listed under “Seconds” have the standard issue serial numbers.
Finally, if anyone has seen or owns one of these guns not in the registry please forward me photos of your gun; one full length photo and a close up photo of your guns serial number and caliber combined in the same photo. My email address is; vsotero78@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance.
@o7shelby How were they marketed? Through retail, special order?
A question was also posted at AVA with regards to Benjamin’s marketing of the Centennial Model 87 and to date no one has come up with any information as to marketing tools and the like confirming such a campaign. I too have searched the internet in vein and have not come across any information on the topic. The only conclusion I can come up with is that Benjamin’s struggle to mass produce this model (as in 6086 units) never materialized due to a complex platting process and were forced to abandon production and consequently marketing plans.
This is the only marketing flyer I have located, courtesy of D. T. Fletcher’s “The St. Louis Benjamin Air Rifle Co.’s” first edition.
No marketing that I know of. My friend owned a sporting goods store in Racine. He called me and said, "Hey, we've got these Benjamin Centennials in, want one?" That was the marketing. They had about a dozen of them.
Nothing like hearing from someone who was there in real time, pretty much sums it up.
- Doesn't seem to be a rhyme nor reason to the .177 cal numbering system. It's certainly not sequential.
- Doesn't seem to be a rhyme nor reason to the .177 cal numbering system. It's certainly not sequential.
When you consider 2nd's as a part of the regular production numbering sequence is does make sense. Here are serial numbers for certain years not mentioned in typical Crosman/Benjamin/Sheridan Date of Manufacture online sites. This information was gathered by a prominent Benjamin/Sheridan collector. I think this is important in that it clearly shows non special edition Model 87's appear to have begun in 1988 (more data required). Of equal importance is their production ran into the 1990 production year.
Benjamin Sheridan
Start End Start End
1982 100001 109340 381451 401050
1983 109341 131130 401051 417410
1984 131131 159640 417411 437800
1985 159641 178080 437801 460940
1986 178081 195080 460941 480940
1987 195081 212080 480941 500940
1988 212081 229080 500941 520940
1989 229081 246080 520941 540940
1990 246081 263080 540941 560940
IIRC the bid was at $1,550.00. Hmm classic case of the "shill"? Let me guess; the seller will relist & say the would be buyer bailed?
#184 in .22 cal added (currently listed on eBay).
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=benjamin+centennial+model+87&_sacat=178888&rt=nc
Wonder where the case came from? They came with a soft case. That's Colt Python money which is also nuts.
S/N 000291 has lived in Anchorage, Alaska since I ordered it money up front and it was delivered a couple months later. Still unfired in the soft case. .22 Caliber
#88 in .22 cal added to the list. This is a very nice example with all the extras including a factory shipping box. The only down side if you can call it that, the owners manual was detached from the trigger guard. It just sold on eBay for $1,526.00 plus $75.00 shipping.
Good opportunity to pick up a hard to find Benjamin Centennial Model 87 soft case and owners manual, plus a few other goodies.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185841660229
dpauld- would you like to include these guns (bottom 4) in the registry? If yes, can you email two photos of each gun, one that shows both the serial number and cal in the same photo, and one full shot of the guns right side (centennial badge side). In addition, can you also include in the full shot the guns factory soft case and owners manual if these are included.
PM me for my email address.
Thank you,
Marty
@o7shelby I have n21 forearm Ang g23 stock. Does anyone know where the rest of these two are?
Sorry I can't help you with this although are both of these attached to a Model 87? If yes can you please attach photos of the gun, including one photo that shows both the serial number and caliber?@o7shelby I have n21 forearm Ang g23 stock. Does anyone know where the rest of these two are?
Thank you,
Marty
@o7shelby nope just a forearm and stock. I don’t know if they were ever on a gun or just leftovers from the factory
Interesting project. Please post photos when complete or would be interested in following a thread on the topic.Thought of using mine for a 397c carbine I’m building. I couldn’t find the gun anywhere but I did find most of the parts. The pump rod is being shortened now and will be ready to assemble in a few days!
Thanks for the photos and it certainly looks like a nice C9A you have there although this registry is strictly for Model 87's. 😉I have one in .20 Cal not sure if it needs to be in this registry?
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@o7shelby
Hi,
Just found this group. Came across a Model 87 maybe 15 years ago at a pawn shop, it has a serial number of 000353. The numbers are strange in that they look like they were not lined up correctly then double stamped.. anyone seen or heard of anything like that? Hopefully the picture will show what I am referring to.
Thanks,
Szman
To answer your question no I have never seen a double serial numbered stamp like yours. I am not sure what the implications would be other than I certainly wouldn't ever part with it.
@o7shelby
Hi,Just found this group. Came across a Model 87 maybe 15 years ago at a pawn shop, it has a serial number of 000353. The numbers are strange in that they look like they were not lined up correctly then double stamped.. anyone seen or heard of anything like that? Hopefully the picture will show what I am referring to.
Thanks,
Szman
I will add it to the registry with a note referencing the odd serial number.
Thank you for taking the time to photograph and post your unique Model 87.
Updated registry to include .22 cal serial #000092.
This is another beautiful M87 submitted by Hill which he inherited from his late grandfather. The gun was purchased by his grandmother as a birthday gift to his grandfather.
The gun is complete with a hang-tag, card, and original receipt.
Thank you Hill.
