F. R. Langenham Scarce Pre-WWII* Early Model Millita Original ‘V’ Air Rifle by F. Langenham. 22253. .177

The story of Langenhan begins in 1842 Germany in the town of Mehlis, Thüringen with Valentin Friedrich Langenhan (10th June 1819 – 2nd March 1886). Valentin, who at this time was 23, along with his father, Johann Gottlieb Langenhan, 51, bought a shop in which they set up their gunsmith business. Together they produced and sold various gun parts such as flintlocks, hair-set locks, guards, caps, tools and knife blades. Johann (16th May 1791 – 15th January 1883) was a master gunmaker and personally trained his son Valentin in the art. It is said that Valentin preferred to use his second name Friedrich which is frequently seen in Langenhan company literature. Perhaps this was to differentiate himself from another Valentin Langenhan who operated an iron and steel works that was also located in Mehlis. This example being the rifled version with the under latch, it comes with the F.L.Z. trademark stamped to the air chamber and an Original V within a circle stamped to the side of the stock. The serial number is stamped to the left side of the air chamber-L37042. See page 161 of The Collectors Guide to Air Rifles by Dennis Hiller for reference. The metalwork is good with only minor age-related pitting in areas. The wooden stock and butt plate are in very nice condition also, with a nice patina. It cocks and fires perfectly with a strong spring action. The price includes UK delivery. 22253.