The Improved Model D was manufactured before WW1. Some light pattern Improved model D parts were left over When BSA picked up production again in 1919. They were used to assemble complete guns with post WW1 trigger blocks and sights. No other post WW1 BSA came with a straight hand stock which was optional since 1905 on the Lincoln Jeffries and 1906 for the BSA's. There were no stock options after WW1. No other BSA came with the side button cocking lever after WW1. From 1919 onward all have front button latches. I've read that quite a few of these exist. Perhaps 1000 0r more but I only ever saw 1 other as listed in Vintageairgungallery serial#392. Mine is #373. All BSA light pattern rifles came in .177 except a few very rare Improved Model D .25 and I believe they all went to India! Yes, India. At first designated "ladies pattern" but soon changed to "light pattern" for boys and men wanting a lighter and handy rifle.
Here it's shown with a typical 1919 light pattern below it.
And here, top to bottom: 1912 45 inch Improved Model D sporting pattern, 1919 Improved Model D light pattern, 1919 Standard light pattern, 1919 Standard pattern 45 inches
And here at the bottom a nice 1906 "BSA AIR RIFLE" .177 shares the spotlight. Notice the Duckbill or bayonet cocking lever. 43 1/2 inches
Those are beautiful. I've always lusted after a BSA or Diana Militia-style gun. Some day...
Thank you.
A quarter stock break barrel is called a "Millita style" or just Millita. Mill'- it -a Like my 1936 BSA Breakdown. Has the 1930's BSA "Saw Handle" stock.
This is a Millita brand rifle. Millita was actually a brand. Probably a distributor. Likely manufactured by Langenham
1930's Diana 27. Millita style rifle with a 1919-1929 BSA copy stock.
Like a Gem. Many European manufacturers made Gems but they were introduced by Quackenbush here in the US in the late 1800's
Diana Gem
Here's another of my own Millita style rifles. Olympia. Made in occupied Japan I believe
Interesting that the gun in the drawing is depicted with a spring tube mounted rear sight, while all in your photos have theirs on the barrel/breech.
Artistic license?
That sight is mounted on the stock. They were optional. This is a BSA #22 folding leaf sight. The adjustment screw was missing on the sight I'm holding. I made it ? . Also available were the similar #21a and #21b sights. I have several BSA's with these sights. Getting a gun with the optional sight is a bonus.
The very rare BSA # 12 sight was available on a 1910 Improved Model D. Milled into the trigger block. Predates the rifle in the drawing above. Her gun appears to be a 1920's front button due to the lack of a trigger adjustment screw in the trigger guard. I bid on a used trigger block with #12 sight like this once on eBag UK but it went for big $.
Karl,
I may be the only one here who doesn't understand 'these' guns as much as I should. I have seen them many times before but chose to keep my ignorance silent I suppose.
I'll guess that they are all springers with leather seals?
Are they .177's?
What is the typical power of these antiquated beauties?
Thanks!
Bo, you're right, springers with leather seals indeed. BSA made underlevers in .177, .22, and .25 (RARE). The Light pattern as noted above was .177.
I have a 1921 BSA Standard model in .22 that was in nearly new condition when I got it. After an internal cleanup and lube, it shot around 11.5 ft-lb. The smaller versions should make a bit less due to shorter stroke.
Don R.
Thanks Don.
11.5 lbs strikes me as pretty darned impressive for the era.
Those are in remarkable condition for their age. Some serious caretakers up and down the the generations is the only explanation. That and really good manufacturing. Very nice indeed.
There's so much to know and learn about the prewar BSA for collectors. There are many confusing terms and sometimes they have different meanings. I think I have a lot of it figured out after reading and collecting them over 30 years. First I'll mention the Light pattern 39 1/2". Was originally called a "Ladies". "Standard" at first meant 43 1/2" guns 177 and 22 as opposed to the ladies model. Then differentiated from the "Long cylinder" 45 inch guns with a longer cylinder that was designed to handle the 25 that didn't last long. The "long cylinder" guns became 22 caliber and were eventually referred to as "Sporting pattern". And soon they were considered the "Standard" model because the previous 43 1/2" Standard was no longer produced. Then in 1914 some of the 45 inch guns(not all) received the photo etching on top of the cylinder that the post 1919 BSA's are known for (if it's not worn away). They also no longer had steel butt plates. Still Improved Model D but now referred to as the " Standards" and the previous models referred to as Standards, in conversation, are referred to as "Sporting patterns". After 1919 the 45inch guns are etched "Standard #2" and often referred to as a Long Tom. Now get this, the gun we know as a 39 1/2" light pattern 177 says "STANDARD #1" in the photo etching. IDK They're British! LOL!
Some other terms: First through sixth batch. Improved model. Improved model B. Improved Model D. Military pattern. Flat top. Front button. Junior pattern. Juvenile pattern. Club Standard. Safety sear. Lincoln Jeffries patent. Standard #3. Standard #4. Pistol hand stock. Saw handle stock. Foresight
I don't buy them as much anymore. I have 33 now 1906-1936. Another disease. I do enjoy rebuilding them and finding missing parts or spares is always a score. Making certain parts for them is also something I like to do in my shop. I've made quite a few replacement screws and leather seals among other things.
The Improved Model D featured above was missing parts when I acquired it. And needed rebuilt. I have several that are currently in stages of rebuild as I locate parts or get time to work on them. I do not refinish them. Only repair.
