Falke model 20 - Is it collectable?

[dognz]

Hi,
I've just inherited a Falke Modell 20

I'll try downloading some photos to show its condition. I just fired it and it shoots well. I've also been given two tins of slugs, they must be as old as the gun and both tins are almost full from the looks.
Anybody able to give an approximate value would be appreciated.

Also the rust.
Is there a recognized best method to remove the rust or prevent it getting worse?

Phil.

[MDriskill]

Any Falke is very collectible!  That being said, a junior rifle like the model 20 is not worth big money, but still they are quite rare and interesting airguns.

Falke's best-known airguns are the rather amazing models 80 and 90 underlever rifles, but they also made a full line of top-quality barrel-cocking guns.

There is an excellent forum for Falke airguns, run by an enthusiast from the UK, here.  They can give you much better info on the gun:

http://www.network54.com/Index/98508

The best way to remove rust is with good-quality 0000 ("four ought") steel wool, lots of oil, and even more elbow grease.  Drop the action out of the wood and get to work!  :-)

Steel wool will not harm the blueing--you can rub really hard.  But work in the direction of the surface finish "grain."  Wipe clean and re-oil often, and change the steel wool frequently (steel wool won't scratch the metal, but the iron-oxide rust crystals you knock loose are harder than the original steel, and definitely will). 

[bbv13]

Nice, really nice and don't sell it short. Big money or not I would love to have one!

The fact that it was handed down to you makes it worth ten times market value. I don't have that luxury so I'm just saying that's what it would be worth to me.

Fine steel wool will remove most of the rust and if you get into the steel a little some cold blue will take care of it.

Very nice rifle! I wish I had one!

Bryan

[zielvier]

Phil, keep her!!!!!

Even here in Germany hard to find! A neat and beautiful example of craftmanship in this period!

Jochen

[NTSOG]

G'day Folks,

Speaking of Falke Luftgewehre:

I was reading a local [Australian] air rifles for sale listing today and found this:

http://usedgunsales.com.au/index.php?a=2&b=4399

A Falke 60 - asking price $A25.00/$US20.00 plus postage!  Described as "rough but works".

I know of a couple more Falkes in a large collection of firearms for sale, but my gun safe is nearly full!

Jim

Victoria, Australia

[Slavia]

Is there a recognized best method to remove the rust or prevent it getting worse?

and

The best way to remove rust is with good-quality 0000 ("four ought") steel wool, lots of oil, and even more elbow grease.

There are lots of methods, but I'm pretty sure the main ingredient in all of them is "elbow grease."  Many people swear by Ballistol and a soft cloth - it's less ruinous on the remaining finish than abrasives.  The 0000 steel wool will work, and I've used it.  I also use aluminum foil (with water, not oil).  It's not the aluminum that does the cutting, but rather the microscopic particles of aluminum oxide that form by rubbing.

As far as preventing further rust, you need to apply a thin film of something that will block oxygen from reacting with the metal.  Like oil or paste wax.  Mineral oil is good, but get the unscented kind.  I am personally adverse to a gun that smells baby fresh.

My favorite is Armor All and a soft paint brush.  Armor All contains emulsified silicone.  (Which means the paint brush should never again be used for paint.)  The brush lets  you get into little cracks and crevices, and lets you buff out the silicone in the same manner that one would use a shoeshine brush.  It also does a great job of renewing painted and synthetic (i.e., plastic) surfaces.