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LOT 1277
Rare Cased Engraved English 55-Bore Reservoir Takedown Air Rifle by Thomas Conway of Manchester
- NSN, 55 gauge , 30
1/2 inch octagon bbl., brown/ casehardened/ blue finish, walnut stock. With slightly swamped browned octagonal multi- groove rifled
barrel signed
“THO.s CONWAY
15 BLACKFRIARS
ST MANCHESTER”
with silver front
sight. Casehardened
border and scroll
engraved action with rotating tap breech and large cocking hammer. Blued border engraved
top-plate, pistol grip trigger-guard, and heel-plate. Well figured walnut straight-
hand stock with checkered grip, dark horn forearm cap, and a vacant silver oval
initial escutcheon to the underside of the butt. Thomas Conway is recorded at
various addresses in the Manchester area between 1803 and 1852. Ball reservoir
air weapons were in use since the late 17th century and were used primarily
for hunting. “Wind guns” had several advantages over conventional firearms
including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected
by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not use corrosive black powder. In
original fitted mahogany case lined in green baize with accessories comprising two iron ball
reservoirs, stirrup pump with browned Damascus stem engraved “800 STROKES TO FILL EACH
GLOBE WITH AIR”, pump handle with ebony grips, pewter oiler, and two spanners.
CONDITION: Fine, retains 75% browned finish on the barrel, 50% plus faded original case colors on the frame and components, 50% original high polish blue finish on the trigger-guard and heel-plate with smooth gray patina and some scattered light to mild freckling on the balance, and sharp engraving, edges and markings on the metal overall. The action top plate is reblued and has replacement screws and some scratching to the surface. The rear trigger-guard tang screw is loose. The wood is also fine with some scattered handling marks and dents, a few cracks in the front and rear of the forearm, some crazing on the left of the buttstock, and crisp checkering. The mechanism has not been tested. The case is very good with scattered scratches and dents, and some mild cracks in the lid. The accessories are very good. These ball reservoir air
rifles are very distinctive and make
fascinating additions to any collection
of antique arms.
Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection.
218
Ball
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
LOT 1278 18th Century Engraved and Gold Inlaid Stock Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Gun by Edward Bate of London - NSN, 54 , 31 inch octagon bbl., bright/gold finish, walnut stock. Edward Bate (1743-1810) was one of the most talented late 18th century air gun makers and was active in London. He was also among the few who produced high quality air pistols. This attractive example features high quality floral, border and martial scene engraving on the frame, lock, sideplate and trigger guard, a smoothbore octagon barrel that measures at approximately .54 caliber, dovetail mounted bead front sight and notch rear sight, “BATE LONDON” gold inlaid in a ribbon on top of the breech, “BATE” marked at the center of the flat beveled lock, and mounted with walnut front stock and a leather wrapped metal stock air reservoir. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting. “Wind guns” had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. Absent ramrod. CONDITION: Good, with scattered mild spotting and slightly darkened patina on the iron surfaces, retains nearly all of the gold inlay, attractive golden aged patina on the brass, and sharp markings and engraving overall. The refinished walnut stock is also good with some tacked repaired cracked sections visible, a few small absent sections, a mild crack on the right edge, and some scattered handling marks. The leather is also good with mild age related wear and cracking. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection. Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500