Early Crosman 101 factory numbers

[Pellet Fun]

I recently picked up an older 101. It has the single line Crosman impression on the receiver placing it in an early production run.

After doing some research online it seems that Crosman used A, B(?) and C in assigning numbers. Some early variants used 0 (zero).

Apparently my rifle had been returned a few times for service. The internals had been updated and it even had an o-ring on the compression tube. This thread is really more for information for those who collect details.

If anybody wants to add their comments or details please do. I’ve seen some great threads on other sites discussing these interesting numbers.

[45flint]

I have seen on other sites that the A,B,C,O are actually serial numbers on these early rifles.  Some have kept logs that can ruffly date the gun?  After these early guns serial numbers were abandon.  Some of the numbers could be the code for the worker assembling the rifle? Heard theory on repair codes as well but not sure anything but the serial numbers is really reliable?

Here is my early rifle;

[Pellet Fun]

Thank you Steve for your addition. I was hoping you’d add something. Maybe DWTrull will join in. Any others?

By the way, I’ve seen your C8569 with pictures. Very nice rifle!

[Pellet Fun]

I can’t help but wonder if the series A, B, C and 0 each went up to 9999 and then went on to the next alpha numeric sequence. Then when they started with zero perhaps they planned to continue in the 10,000’s and decided to drop numbers altogether?

[45flint]

The American Vintage Airgun Forum has the guys with the logs.

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/americanvintageairguns/crosman-100-and-101-serial-and-data-collection-t8858.html

[Pellet Fun]

Steve, that link is fantastic. Thanks.

[Pellet Fun]

Based on the link Steve provided I was able to determine my 101 was built in 1929. I was hoping it was earlier, but now I have a much better idea on dating these great rifles from Crosman.

[45flint]

Based on the link Steve provided I was able to determine my 101 was built in 1929. I was hoping it was earlier, but now I have a much better idea on dating these great rifles from Crosman.

Having a 1920’s crosman is pretty cool no matter what year!

[LOKEY]

Great post. My early 101 is from 1927 according to that thread. After reading it they talked about the first models not having the barrel set screw. Do any of you have pics of one? I would like to see one of those.

[Goose]

Dad's 101 has T1353 stamped on the receiver.  Does anyone know what age range that would put it in?  It has a plastic forearm.  My browser doesn't like tapatalk.

Thanks,

J~

[Pellet Fun]

Dad's 101 has T1353 stamped on the receiver.  Does anyone know what age range that would put it in?  It has a plastic forearm.  My browser doesn't like tapatalk.

Thanks,

J~

Jeff, according to the link the “S” ran from 1933 - 1941. The “T” has an Early Pellet Logo. Also, the thread says the clickless forearm was introduced in 1937. Also, Crosman had record sales of these clickless versions in 1946 and 1947. The bronze barrel and silent forearm were advertised in 1948.

It makes sense that your Dad’s “T” was post war but not later then 1948. The rubber forearm and being a “T” help get the date of build. I hope this helps.

[Pellet Fun]

Great post. My early 101 is from 1927 according to that thread. After reading it they talked about the first models not having the barrel set screw. Do any of you have pics of one? I would like to see one of those.

Thanks for sharing your picture. It’s really nice that we are seeing some great data emerging from others efforts.

[Goose]

Jeff, according to the link the “S” ran from 1933 - 1941. The “T” has an Early Pellet Logo. Also, the thread says the clickless forearm was introduced in 1937. Also, Crosman had record sales of these clickless versions in 1946 and 1947. The bronze barrel and silent forearm were advertised in 1948.

It makes sense that your Dad’s “T” was post war but not later then 1948. The rubber forearm and being a “T” help get the date of build. I hope this helps.

Thank you, Gary.  It does help.  I'd been wondering about it for a while. 

He told me that he picked it up years ago at a swap meet in Florida for five bucks.  Thinking I'll offer him ten for it.    It doesn't hold air, so I'm thinking of getting it going for him.

Best,

J~