Very Rare* 1908-1910 Bonehill Improved Model Britannia .25 Air Rifle. 21290. Very Rare* 1908-1910 Bonehill Improved Model Britannia .25 Air Rifle. 21290. .25 Air Rifles

Production of the Improved Model bagan around 1908 and ended around 1910. By 1900 most airguns were simple break barrel Continental designs with smoothbore barrels. Over time people came up with ideas to improve them. When gunsmith Frederick Cox of Handsworth, Birmingham released his design it followed the period style. A very rare Bonehill Improved Model Britannia air rifle. C.G. Bonehill used the experience he gained in making Fred Cox’s Britannia in making what he termed an Improved Model (It was common practice by retailers to badge up airguns with their own details. One retailer R. Ramsbottom appears to have had a long relationship with the Cox and Bonehill Britannia project). Although it can look ungainly to modern eyes, the original intention was to make an air rifle suitable for target shooting from the prone and other positions, whilst utilising a fixed barrel. He achieved this aim and the improved model can be used from the prone position easier than a break barrel or underlever air rifle. 'C.G.BONEHILL SOLE MANUFACTURER' Firearms Works Birmingham and The IMPROVED MODEL BRITANNIA AIR RIFLE is crisply marked to the top of the cylinder. The trigger block is stamped ‘THE BRITANNIA AIR RIFLE’ between the Britannia and Air is a typical lady Britannia trademark complete with sea in the background with lighthouse and sailing ship. Measuring 44 ¾ “(barrel and cylinder length; 29 ½ “). The foresight is similar to a BSA, whilst the rear sight is flip up on a ramp and is adjustable for elevation and windage, similar in design to the Webley air pistol rear sight. The action is broken by a side lever in the right hand side of the trigger block, this lever being pushed forward to release the barrel and air chamber. A plunger device was patented for the introduction of pellets into the circular rotating breech. See page 14 of Dennis Hiller Air Rifles where he describes the rifle as very rare. The serial No- 1423 is stamped onto all components of the rifle. The metalwork is in very good condition considering its age. The wooden pistol grip stock is chequered and is in good condition with a few age related marks but nothing major *bottom and neck of pistol grip*. The rifles butt has a steel plate held by two screws. The weapon cocks loads and shoots as it should. The price for this rare collectors piece includes UK delivery. 21290.