Prototype photo's of Rapid7's very beginnings. Interesting viewing.

[NightOwl]

Morning.
I've had a look around the forum to see if these have been posted before and I couldn't find anything.
So I've decided to posted them here if anyone is interested in looking at the prototype of the very first Rapid which was to became known as our favourite air gun the Rapid7. I've screenshot these photo's from the website 'Vintage Airgun Gallery' courtesy of Garvin.

To see the article with some written info go here.

https://forum.vintageairgunsgallery.com/theoben/theoben-prototype-air-rifles/

[NightOwl]

There's more....

[NightOwl]

Here's the original prototype that was supposedly designed by Steven Lilley.
 
Ben Taylor in 2005 attributing the design to Steven but, Theoben held the design rights as Steven was working for them at the time."

[KevG]

sure that one came up at auction a couple of years ago.
kevG

[Daztilley]

Yep was a pump action - that's why it wasn't produced and they went with the bolt action....

[NightOwl]

sure that one came up at auction a couple of years ago.
kevG

Yeah, it did Kev. It's the first time I've ever seen the photos. Interesting all the same.