Crosman currently owns Benjamin & Sheridan air rifles. I'm attaching a link to Crosman's (Benjamin / Sheridan ) database of serial numbers. However there are no sreial records before 1983. But if you have the model number the records go back to 1882.
See the link below
The first Benjamin model was the "St Louis model" made in 1899.
Benjamin Franklin BB rifles were made by Benjamin air rifle. The name Franklin was added as a marketing ploy. Walter Benjamin founded the company in 1899. Today Benjamin is owned by Crosman Airgun Corp. If you have any other questions then you need to state the model and condition of the rifle.
As far as I can find, Benjamin made a pump handgun model 112 from 1938 to 1941. I could not find anything on a rifle with that model number.
Benjamin (Owned by Crosman) has a new Benjamin Rogue it is a .357 caliber. At present it will be the largest Pellet rifle made with the Benjamin name. Yes it is a hunting rifle. The next largest Benjamin rifle is the Benjamin Marauder .25 caliber. Sam Yang make a 50 caliber and a 44 caliber hunting air rifle.
Are you asking about the first Gun or Rifle? The first gun was made in 1935 it was part of the 100 series (100, 122, 177) the first rifle was made in 1899 (the St louis)
Which model. Benjamin made about 20 different models. Also state the condition of the rifle.
The value of a benjamin sheridan 392pa 5.5mm 22cal air rifle is $185
Model 312 Benjamin: Mfg: 1940-1969 (177 & 22 Cal) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In perfect shape it is worth around $125
Today Crosman air gun company in New York owns both the Benjamin and Sheridan line of airguns. And Yes they still make both of them. See the link below.
In 1977 The Benjamin Rifle company purchased Sheridan air gun company. In 1992 Crosman purchased Benjamin. So now Crosman owns both Benjamin and Sheridan.
Walter Benjamin started the company in 1899. Today Crosman owns Benjamin.
Benjamin ( who is owned by Crosman air gun) recommends 10 pumps. Over pumping may damage the rifle. You can still get the owners manual for this rifle for free. Go to the Crosman link below and click on "Download a manual" at the bottom of the web page, then click on Benjamin and locate your rifle.