Looking for info on a Diana 58, 2nd version with factory double set triggers.

 

I do agree with you to a certain degree. but I also have some professional experience with investigative research, and it often started with nothing but questions, guesses and speculation, and brick walls were common. The research often went roundabout and seemingly off course before answers started showing up but usually (not always) they did show up.

Even with the assumptions and guesswork, I know a bit more since I bought it a couple weeks ago. Especially considering all I knew when I looked at it was that it was pre-war Diana which was verified when the owner told me the story. Although I have a couple old springers I like and have kept as shooters, I mostly don't care much for them in general so don't know a much about a lot of them but can usually find what I want to know with a bit of research, this time around it will take more than a bit in more areas than just Diana 58's,

After hearing the story from the seller and then finding out the model and date range, I didn't figure I'd find any info on the rifle itself since I agree with you on the rarity, and since it was probably from a civilian weapon confiscation either in Germany or a German occupied country, and as far as I remember previous research into this subject, I don't think records of these were kept, and I believe most were scrapped for the war effort I doubted from the beginning that anyone would be familiar with it.

What I'm looking for right now is possible info on the separate, smaller things, like the different markings on the stock and whether people have seen them on other models, the types of trigger and sear components which could be specific to the individual smith, or the numbering system. If any of these are recognized they could be tied to a specific smith rather than a model. An answer that fits can sometimes be found by combining a lot of small circumstantial evidence together. Or as you say there just isn't any more info at all, it happens to the best of us, but I'm still enjoying the search anyway.

After finding out what I have about it so far I'm almost embarrassed to admit I came very close to passing on it because of the price. My airgun preference is primarily older co2 and multi-pumps, with a special bias toward pre-Crosman Bluestreaks. I do end up with springers through yard/estate sales, horse trades, or bulk buys, but normally just sell or trade them again to support the hobby. It took about 5 minutes at home to find out it was the 2nd model 58, and about 5 more minutes to figure out the triggers were an unusual feature.

I was looking at a mid - 80's Sheridan E-series pistol priced at $125 and I was figuring on offering $80. The sticker price on the Diana was $360 (much more than I wanted to pay), then the seller offered them to me as a package for $350 for the pair, I still almost passed on it, then decided I'd take a gamble, now it appears I won that hand.
John

P.S. I notice your profile says WA state, I bought this in Deer Park, a small town north of Spokane.