Anybody with insight or info on a Benjamin Air Pistol?

[hodge]

I have found a second treasure in a closet in our house- the first was a really nice Iver-Johnson 22 target pistol, and the second, found yesterday, was a Benjamin Air Pistol, model 102, in the original box with instructions and the included tin of lead pellets.
It holds air and shoots, although I haven't put a pellet through it- from what little I've found, this model was made from 1935-38. I don't want to damage it just to see if it will shoot a pellet, plus I imagine that those original pellets are worth something nostalgically, and are worth more in the tin than somewhere in my yard.
I don't really have any intention of selling it, but I would like to know more about it, including value. I believe that it belonged to my great aunt, and that my dad gave it to my son to play with.
Here is an internet photo of the same model- I will post a photo later of what I have.
http://www.google.com/imgres?sa=X&h...nh=194&tbnw=259&start=9&ndsp=15&tx=157&ty=108

 

[skeets]

Are you remodeling the house?? Those are both great finds, if for nothing more than having found them,,,

 

[Kurtee]

Hi;
I have one that is similar looking that was purchased new in 1975. I did not figure it to have a whole lot of value til I searched online and found it to be worth about a hundred bucks. Do a search to find more info on the internet. Is it 177 or 22 caliber? Mine is 22. I actually used mine to shoot a pocket gopher in the garden several years back. Pumped it up and stood by the hole he was working on and when he poked his head up it was over. Lived in a small town 1 block off of main street so quiet was best. Most likely get called in if I stood in the front yard with any hand gun today. I think I would oil the leathers in that one and give it a try. 10 pumps max. A nice piece of history to have no matter how you look at it.

 

[hodge]

Here's a photo of it.
http://s65.photobucket.com/user/br549_red/media/004_zps3318a55f.jpg.html?sort=3&o=0
I know for a fact that it was made between 35 and 38. I assume that it is pretty rare to find one in the box with instructions and the actual tin with pellets that came with it. I have no way of knowing if they are original pellets, but the tin matches the image on the box.
Maybe I should take it to Pawnstars.

 

[Kurtee]

Another link for you. If appears that yours is one of the early models out there. Nice

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2009/08/benjamin-front-pump-pistol-part-1.html

 

[hodge]

Another link for you. If appears that yours is one of the early models out there. Nice

http://www.pyramydair.com/blog/2009/08/benjamin-front-pump-pistol-part-1.html

Thanks- I did run across that blog last night, but didn't take the time to read it.