Attn Kessler owners, Possible serial numbers on pump linkage. Survey

[DWTrull]

After reading about and examining my late 1949 Crosmans for possible serial numbers on the pump linkage. I noticed my Kesslers had numbers stamped on the pump linkage as well,
and there is a very good chance these numbers are a serial number. Rochester the progenitor of the Kessler had the serial number stamped on the front of the receiver so there are no numbers stamped on the linkage. Kessler redesigned the receiver and there is no room for a stamp on the front of the receiver anymore so they may have moved it to the pump arm. The pump linkages are the same for the Rochester and Kessler.

I'm going to see if I can compile a list of Kessler pump linkage numbers to see if they are in fact serial numbers. I'll start with my Kessler rifles.

Model A straight cut forearm: has no number on the linkage like a rochester and has several rochester parts on it. The Barrel is labeled Rochester
Model A slant cut forearm.: # 1833  -This gun has a Rochester style barrel but the rest of it looks just like a regular Kessler. The Rochester style barrel is labeled Kessler.
Model B: # 57692 - Standard model B with no surprises
Model C: # 44118 - Standard model C with no surprises

Do we know if the linkages from the parts hoard have numbers stamped on them? If not then the numbers were likely stamped when assembled.

So how about it you Kessler owners, take a look at your pump linkage and either post it on this thread or message me the number you find on it and tell what model A,B,or C, that it is and see if we can get a handle on this. I've cross posted this to another forum. hopefully we got a good sample size.

[Kmanca1]

Model 'A' slant cut  #42043

[Glasstomb]

Where on the pump linkage is the number located?

Checked my model B and could not find any number.  Maybe mine is a "Smith's Lawn Mower example?

[DWTrull]

Kevin are you sure yours is a model A with a rochester style barrel and front sight. I'll post a picture of a Model A and B to show the difference. Look closely at the end of the barrel at the front sight and end of pump tube. That's where the differences are. The model A on top has the rochester barrel and sight, and the clamp and pump tube end is Rochester. The Model B on the bottom with the dark stock has the standard front sight cap that doubles as the sight and seals the end of the pump tube. Please take a look and confirm your model. 

[DWTrull]

Quasar
The number should be on the right side. I have posted a picture from my Model C for reference

[DWTrull]

It has been suggested that the numbers were stamped on the arm for factory repairs. I'm pretty sure that the numbers are not from factory repairs.
Almost all the Kesslers I have gotten info on have the serial number stamped on the pump arm, so I do not think this is from being shipped back to the factory for repairs. 90%+ of the guns have the numbers but I only have 12 Kesslers on the survey so far. 90%+ of the Kessler were not sent back for repairs. The stamped numbers appear to be serial numbers and the earliest Kessler model has the lowest serial number. Hopefully we will get a little more participation in this to get a better sampling. I've been told the Kessler parts hoard has pump arms and they were examined and are not numbered, so the serials were placed when assembled for sale. Of course Smith Lawnmower assembled Kesslers from the Kessler Parts hoard would not have serial numbers. Smiths Lawnmower assembled Kesslers for years until running out of some required components (barrels and Pumptubes) I would not be surprised if hundreds were assembled over the 45+ years period

[Killeraggie]

Dave,
Just got my new Kessler in the mail this morning. I does have the serial number stamped on the linkage. 56988. It is faint but it is def there.
It looks to be a standard Model "C".

[Latches]

My gun's serial number is either 40375 or possibly 40325.  There is a wear mark partially obscuring the next to last number.  I do not know which model it is, but the photo showing models A and B shows a butt plate, which my gun does not have and shows no sign of ever having. This would indicate a late gun as this is an indicator of corner cutting.

[DWTrull]

Thanks for posting serial number!!
I am writing up a book on vintage American air guns and have been researching them for the last two years in my spare time. The Kessler story is quite interesting and a lot of misinformation is out there. I have identified four models with two models having variants. There may be more but its so hard to find Kesslers.
There is a Model A with 2 variants, a Model B, a model C with 2 variants and a model D. I have posted a picture below of 5 out of the six different versions, lacking only the Model D.
From top to bottom
Model A variant 1 straight cut forearm - Rochester trigger
Model A variant 2 slant cut forearm - Kessler trigger
Model B
Model C variant 1 curve buttstock
Model C variant 2 straight buttstock

[Killeraggie]

Mine is def a model C 1st variant with the curved buttstock.

[Latches]

Thanks for the photo and description of the variants. My gun is Model C, second variant with a straight buttstock. 

[Pneumatic-Addict]

I've got 57397, a Model C variant 2 (photo attached).  And I've seen 41206, also a Model C variant 2.

[Pneumatic-Addict]

And here are the numbers on a Model A slant.  Although very faint (and could be more imagination than real), it looks like possibly a 48K to the left of 1497.  Have you seen something like that before?

[DWTrull]

Yes
48k is on the lever of Model A V2 models.

[threesuns]

Dave, I have a NOS lever and link from the parts hoard and NO numbers are present.

[DWTrull]

Yes
Serials were applied by Kessler when assembled. NOS links should have no serials.
Also those rifles assembled by Smith Lawnmower from the original Kessler airgun parts
that were acquired in the bankruptcy sale do not have serial numbers.