Diana's 125-year commemorative air rifle.

A one-off put up for auction by Dianawerke itself. A model 340 gas-ram break barrel, engraved (by a female engraver!) with solid gold medallion inlay and in a hand-finished Caucasus (Circassian) walnut stock.

It made a hammer price of 9,000 euros. The auction proceeds went to a Tanzanian anti-poaching charity.

The auction blurb was as follows:

The One & Only

THE MOST PRECIOUS DIANA AIR RIFLE EVER MADE.

BUY AT THIS AUCTION FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

The “One and Only” is a unique piece; crafted purely by hand to mark the occasion of the 125th company anniversary of DIANA. It is the most exclusive air rifle manufactured by DIANA to date. Absolutely unique!

This special air rifle is based on the new DIANA model 340 N-TEC and powered by German Nitrogen Piston Technology.

Master engraver, Josefine Gröbel, has succeeded in finding the perfect mix of classic and modern engraving. Using her artistic finesse, she has combined a proven oak leaf motif with modern arabesques and English swirls. In addidion, the composition has the central motif of Diana – the goddess of hunting – which is worked onto an inset plate of solid gold.

The unique work is unmistakable not least through the fine engraving of the sights and also on the DIANA anniversary marking which is also done in gold.

A further special feature is that the shaft is made from exclusive and high-quality veined wood from a walnut tree which was over 300 years old from the mountainous regions of the Caucasus. The sophisticated working and multiple hand polishing steps give the shaft its unique style. This particularly durable wood will enchant you particularly with its very fine and beautiful grain.

N-TEC NITROGEN-PISTON TECHNOLOGY
Our new N-TEC-piston is the result of a two-year development cooperation with a high-tech
German gas spring manufacturer.
With the new N-TEC-Piston you get the ability to take more shots with consistent power and better accuracy enjoying smoother and lighter cocking effort. It’s smooth to use and powerful operating – just a “Smooth Operator”.

Technical info:
System
Breakbarrel air rifle

Weight ca. 3,6 kg 7,9 lbs.

Length 116 cm 46“

Barrel length 49,5 cm 19,5“

Calibre 4,5 mm .177

Velocity 330 m/s* 1090 fps*

*Velocity can be controlled to meet the regulations of certain countries

THE GOOD CAUSE
The revenue of the auction will be used to support the gamekeepers of the „Selous Wildlife Sanctuary“ who fight against poaching.
They fight especially against the elephant and rhinoceros poachers, of whom the Selous in Tanzania is particularly affected. An emergency program, which is coordinated by the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), has contributed that the elephant population could be stabilized again in the past year.

And the final auction price:

Giss collection (left-hand stocked match air rifles)

With thanks to Chuck for this pic.

They are:

Top Down:
Diana 75 LH
Diana 66 LH
Diana 65 LH (with the heavy barrel sleeve removed, it's nice!)
Diana 65 LH Tyro
Diana 60 LH Tyro
Diana 60 LH Finger-groove

Daisy 220 video 

Made by Milbro to a Diana (model 22?) pattern and exported to the US.

Posted on YouTube by AVA member 'scepticdeath'. He days:

"Daisy imported air rifles from Milbro of Scotland 1965-1974
 
Model 160    .177cal
Model 220   .177 cal
Model 225   .177 cal
Model 230    22 cal
Model 250   22 cal"

.

Comparison of Diana mods 60 and 65 

With thanks to Chuck.

Chuck said:

I've read people saying the Diana 60 is shorter for those of us small-framed AR collectors. Not 100% true.
As the pictures clearly show, some (not all) model 60's are the same length as later model 65's.
Pictured below (left to right are):
1) Diana 60 (finger groove) - 1967 -- note: it's a little shorter --
2) Diana 65 - 1968
3) Diana 60 - 1980(ish) vintage -- note: it's the same length as both 65's!
4) Diana 65 - 1972

Now, let's look at the differences on the grip and length of pull (LOP). The early model 60 (leftmost) is clearly shorter and has a longer LOP.
The late model 60 (1980-ish vintage) has the same cheekpice placement and LOP as the model 65.

Note: I rearranged the airrifles around, please pay attention to the new order. The above picture has this order:
1) Diana 60 (FG) - 1967
2) Diana 60 - 1980-ish
3) Diana 65 - 1968
4) Diana 65 - 1972

So, unless you have an early model 60, they are not shorter. Of course this is subject to my small sample.