Resealing a Diana Model 14 clone
A no-name clone of the pre-WWII Diana Model 14 The airgun above is a clone of the Diana Model 14, which was made from 1913 until 1940. I call it a "clone" since there is no maker's name stamped anywhere on the gun, nor is there a serial number or date stamp. Diana 14's have a barrel made from bar stock; this 14-copy has a built-up barrel consisting of a brass tube within a six-sided nickel plated housing. The two parts appear to be joined with lead at the muzzle, but I will in no way try to find out and damage the gun. I was also surprised to discover that this gun is 4.4mm (.173 cal) instead of 4.5mm (.177 caliber). I assume it was intended to fire darts instead of pellets; darts were available in many sizes from 4mm to at least 8mm in the early 20th century. While my gun was complete, the seals were shot; the breech seal was falling apart and the piston seal was severely undersized and had been damaged by some former, idiot owner shooting brads instead o...