Abas Major (stamped '48E') - wood grips

With thanks to Mick for these pics.

Abas Major serial no. 1354 - wood grips

With thanks to a collector friend for these pics. The wood grips are replacements. Originally the grips would have been the final pattern of chequered Bakelite.

Unsure of the serial number on this pistol at the time, John Griffiths, author of The Encyclopedia of Spring Air Pistols says:

"If the number is lower than 1295 then the original grips would have been smooth Bakelite. These were notorious for being slippery if any oil got onto them and it was not uncommon for a pistol being accidentally dropped, usually with disastrous results – either the fragile tap lever would snap off, or the grips would crack.

Judging from its otherwise excellent condition, the gun has been well looked after, so I suspect that the replacement grips were the results of some such accident."

Abas Major serial no. 6 - wood grips

With thanks to John A for these pics. This is serial no. 6 with double safety sears and is marked "patents applied for".

Abas Major - smooth grips

With thanks to Brian for these pics.

Note the pellet resizer built into the cocking lever.

Abas Major - late chequered grips

With thanks for these pics to John A.

Abas Major user manual

With thanks to a collector friend for these pics.

Abas Major serial no. 261

This pistol looks like it has later replacement grips. It was sold recently on Gunstar.

The sales blurb was as follows:

"Vintage ABAS Major air pistol no 1 The serial number 261 is at the back of the main frame between the grips, and on the lower cocking lever near the trigger area. On the right hand side of the cocking lever , it says Reg design 845425 AA Brown & Sons B’ham. On the left side it says, ABAS prov pat. On the front of the cylinder / barrel it says .177. The front and rear sights are intact. The chequered grips are in good condition with no cracks, the steel work has light rust as well as blueing. I have fired a few pellets to try it. This took a bit of loading because the loading tap has been broken off. (the thumb part) There is one small screw missing as shown on the photograph. This part does not look difficult to make, as long as you had a drawing or one to copy from."

Abas Major - early model strip 

With thanks to Steve for these pics.

Note that these pics feature an older Abas and a newer one (also pictured elsewhere in this gallery). The pic of trigger sears has them from both pistols. The early one was in two parts (see parts 28 and 31 on the diagram).

Steve says: "The older gun is an ongoing restoration as it was bought rusty and not working with some parts missing. Crinkle coated but almost all had worn away and parts were rusty so I have had it re blued. The trigger seer spring is one of the missing parts (one sear has a leaf spring and one a compression spring)."

Abas Major serial no. 1076 

These pics copyright Holts Auctioneers.

Abas Major serial no. 1097 

Pic copyright Holts Auctioneers

Abas Major serial no. 340 (boxed) 

Abas Major serial no.531 

Pics copyright Holts Auctioneers.

Abas Major (final model, reproduction box) 

With thanks to Tim at  timdysonairguns.co.uk.

 Tim says: "A rare ‘Abas Major’ .177 Calibre Air Pistol manufactured by A.A. Brown & Sons, 1 Snake Lane, Alvechurch, Birmingham circa 1945 -1949.

This particular pistols serial number is 1858 only 1870 of these were ever manufactured making this a scarce late manufactured example.

This pistol is in good condition overall retaining a fair proportion of its original finish the cylinder has turned a smooth brown colour possibly subject to a light refurbishment but there is no pitting.

The original stamping’s detailing “ABAS MAJOR” AIR PISTOL on the cylinder, “A A Brown & Sons  B/ham”, “ABAS” and “PROV PAT” on cocking arm are clearly visible as is the serial number “1853” on the frame and the calibre “.177” on the end of the cylinder.

It is complete with its original sights (we believe the sight blade adjustment screw is a replacement)

The grips featuring the “ABAS”  trade mark, these were the later type fitted to these pistols, are undamaged.

It is fully functioning and cocks and fires with no issues

It comes with a very good reproduction cardboard box with is an exact copy of the ones originally supplied with the pistol from new."

Abas Major serial no. 916