Diana Model-19 MGR

Diana Model-19 MGR (Ansonia / Dolphin).

I believe this is the one of the earlier MGR rifles incorporating the Jakob Mayer lever catch and that the flat cylinder to stock flange predates the curved trigger block that is seen on the later Diana model 19 Dolphin/Ansonia type rifles (see post below).

Diana Model-19 MGR - Dolphin/Ansonia pattern rifle.

This rifle, which has an MGR marking, resembles the Ansonia rifles sold by Edwin Anson in Birmingham. It also has the stamp of Lincoln Jeffries, who was known to import German airguns and add his own markings. The rifle also closely resembles the Diana model 19, apparently sold in the UK as the 'Diana Dolphin'.

With thanks to Jon for these pics:

Diana Model-19 - Nickel plated Diana Dolphin type.

Thanks to Frank for these pics from the Diana museum:

Diana Model-19 MGR - Early Model.

with the straight flange to stock joint and hole just forward of the trigger guard (possibly for a safety catch?), which I think dates from before the Ansonia/Dolphin type curved trigger block.

With thanks to Frank for these pics too.

Diana Model-19 MGR - Prototype?

With thanks to Larry H for these pics of this pre-Diana MGR. As Larry says, this gun has a rear sight barrel latch (Theodor Hornhauer 1895 patent) rather than the Dolphin's Jakob Mayer 1901 patent lever catch.

Diana Model-19 - Ansonia, No Safety Catch.

With thanks once again to Frank for these pics:

Diana Model-19 - Ansonia, No Safety Catch.

Here's an Ansonia advertised for sale in the UK recently at www.micksguns.com, similar to Frank's one pictured above. The E. Anson markings are very clear. Note also that it has no safety catch fitted:

Diana Model-19 - Dolphin.

Here is a Diana mod 19, sold in the UK as a "Dolphin". This one has an angled trigger block (without safety), and no Ansonia markings, but is identified as having been manufactured in Germany. It has a "target-style" MGR stamp, with each letter in a quadrant formed by the crossed 'Eureka' brand rubber-tipped darts, set within concentric circles (the lettering is faint and not visible in these pics). Note the non-slip grooves on the trigger.

With many thanks to Rob for these pics.

Diana Model-19 MGR - First Pattern 

Pics of this beautiful example of an early MGR rifle, similar to Larry H's one, courtesy of John. Thanks mate.

Simply stunning. I can just about make it out through the green mists of envy obscuring my vision every time I look at it!

Note the early "Gem"-style breech lock and how similar the cylinder to stock "mating flange" is to the later MGRs.

Diana Model-19 MGR - With Safety Catch.

With thanks to Tim of http://www.timdysonairguns.co.uk for these pics.

Diana Model-19 MGR - Stripdown.

With thanks to Baz for these pics:

Diana Model-19 - Ansonia and Diana?.

With thanks to Mick for these pics. Note that the barrel of one rifle is two inches longer than the other.

Diana MGR air rifle - early

MGR with M&G markings 

With thanks to Mac for these pics. This rifle is due to be sold by auction at Bamfords in Derby, UK, in February 2019.

Diana MGR (stripey stock) 

With thanks to Andrew for these pics.

MGR Ansonia (Lincoln Jeffries-stamped) 

With thanks to Glyn.