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LOT 292
Unique Unidentified Engraved 18th Century European Stock Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Gun
- NSN, 12 mm , 38 3/4 inch round bbl., bright finish, metal stock. This European air gun likely dates to around the late 1700s, with no visible maker name. “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. This example is
chambered in approximately .48 caliber/12 mm and features a round smoothbore barrel with a wood shroud,
brass post front sight, notch rear sight mounted on the brass frame, floral and animal engravings on the frame and lock, and
a metal stock reservoir. Circular brass collection tag
marked “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2268” hanging from the hammer.
CONDITION: Fine, with scattered gray and brown patina on the iron surfaces, attractive golden aged patina on the brass, and sharp engraving overall. The wood barrel shroud is fine with scattered scratches, dents and some finish wear. Retains spring pressure, but does not cock.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 293
Early 19th Century Engraved Stock Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Gun
by Anton Ascha of Vienna, Austria - NSN, 12 mm , 32 7/8 inch octagon
bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Anton Ascha is listed as an active maker between
circa 1807-1815. Silver inlaid “Anton Ascha in Wien” on top of the barrel with “Ant. Ascha in Wien” inscribed on the lock.
“Wind guns” had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and
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relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. Features a smoothbore
octagon barrel, blade front and notch rear sight, walnut stock with incised carving at the edges, light engraving on the lock, hammer and brass frame, and a leather wrapped metal buttstock reservoir. Circular brass collection tag marked “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2105” hanging from the trigger guard.
CONDITION: Very good with scattered light pitting and some light freckling on the otherwise bright iron surfaces, and attractive bright golden patina on the brass and crisp engraving. The wood stock is fine with scattered dents and scratches, a crack on the underbelly, with fine figure. The replaced leather cover on the buttstock reservoir is very good
with some light age related fading. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 4,500