Daisy First Model Air Rifle

Daisy First Model - Variant Five.

With thanks to Mark for these pics.

Daisy First Model - Variant Four or Five.

With thanks to Beth of Amoskeag Auctions, Inc. for permission to post these pics.

The original auction blurb said: ".180 cal., 31" overall. This rare and desirable Daisy rifle remains in very nice original condition. This brass framed rifle appears to be either a fourth or fifth variation with deeply cast patent marks in cocking lever. Metal surfaces of rifle retain about 85% original nickel plated finish with most loss being on the stock where there is some flaking present. The stock is a little loose. A very early and rare Daisy air rifle."

Daisy First Model - Variant Four.

With thanks to John A for these pics and patent drawing. He says:

"They show the first model Daisy, believed the fourth variant of the top lever cocking gun with cast brass frame and skeleton wire stock, with earlier variants reputedly being initially offered as a premium with the purchase of a iron prairie windmill from the company. The v-notch rearsight is integral with the cast iron cocking lever and the foresight is a post type. Calibre is true American B.B size of .180 inch (‘big BB’) with a shot seat restriction for the muzzle-loaded lead ball.

Also attached is an extract from drawings of Clarence J. Hamilton’s US Patent No. 408,971 of 13.8.1889 for his all-metal model to rival William F. Markham’s wooden ‘Chicago’ airgun. Note frame difference i.e. no strengthening web at rear.

Underside detail is also photographed. In this fourth variant, the brass frame can be seen through the worn nickelled edges. Some other variants have cast iron frames.

The old style slab serif letters cast into the iron top lever of this 4th variant of the first model Daisy - reading: “DAISY PAT. AUG. 1889 PLYMOUTH, MICH.” are either very worn - or hard to read in the first place, but later variants were marked with sans serif type that was much sharper and easier to read."

Daisy First Model - 2009 Reproduction.

With thanks to Stu of MrGuns Place for permission to post the first pic.

Reproduction #794 of 1000

Daisy First Model Air Rifle (reproduction) 

Daisy First Model Air Rifle (layout) 

With thanks to Mark.

Daisy First Model Air Rifle (variant four)