Lovely collectible vintage BSA / Lincoln Jeffries Underlever Air Rifle (.177) – Early 1907 “L-Series” Improved Model B
Calibre: .177
Serial Number: L13425
Action: Underlever / Rotary Breech
Manufacturer: Birmingham Small Arms Co. (BSA)
Era: Circa early 1907
A wonderful early example of the iconic BSA / Lincoln Jeffries underlever — the rifle that defined the modern spring-piston airgun. This one carries the L-prefix serial number, placing it firmly in early 1907 production, during the highly desirable Improved Model B era.
These rifles were built during the golden age of Birmingham gunmaking and remain a firm favourite among collectors due to their craftsmanship, reliability, and historical significance.
🔍 Key Features
- Classic underlever cocking system with the original two-piece rotary breech
- Correct early-pattern rear sight and blade foresight
- Original plain wooden butt (these early models were supplied with or without steel plates)
- Nicely shaped pre-WW1 stock with traditional hand-cut checkering
- Fully working condition for its 115+ years
- Matching serial stampings and authentic early BSA fittings
- A rifle that carries genuine history and charm
🔎 Condition
- Metalwork: Even and clean, showing signs of sympathetic refinishing but no heavy pitting.
- Stock: Honest wear with solid wood throughout; butt shows age as expected for a rifle of this period. Chunked area at action join, but structural solid and sound.
- Mechanically: Cocks, fires and cycles correctly via the classic Lincoln Jeffries underlever system.
A solid, working example — ideal for collectors who want a piece of early BSA history that can still be demonstrated on the range.
🎯 Why This Model Matters
The BSA / Lincoln Jeffries partnership revolutionised the airgun world. Early L-series rifles like this one were among the first commercially successful sporting air rifles, built with precision and pride in Birmingham’s legendary gun quarter.
Owning one isn’t just adding a rifle to the rack — it’s preserving a piece of airgun heritage.
📦 Ideal For
- Collectors of vintage BSA and pre-war airguns
- Shooters who appreciate early engineering
- Enthusiasts looking for a display piece that still functions
- Anyone wanting an affordable entry into the early 1900s Lincoln Jeffries lineage