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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN THE BLUE BOOK OF AIRGUNS, THIRTEENTH EDITION BY BEUNING
This attractive example is silver inlaid with maker marking “GIRARDONI” on top of the octagon barrel and signed “in Penzing” on the lock, chambered in
approximately .38 caliber/9.5 mm with fine twelve- groove rifling, dovetail mounted blade front sight, notch
rear sight built into the brass frame, a walnut stock and a leather wrapped metal stock reservoir. Features floral and martial motifs engraved top of
the barrel at the breech, on top of the brass frame, sideplate, lock, hammer, trigger guard and fittings. Floral relief carving on the bottom of the walnut stock with checkered forend. Absent ramrod. Circular brass collection tag marked “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2913” hanging from the trigger guard. More information on Girardoni air guns can be found in the online article at https:// www.beemans.net/Austrian%20airguns.htm, as well as pages 598-601 of “Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition”.
CONDITION: Fine, with traces of blue finish in protected areas of the iron with bright surfaces on
the balance, a few minor patches of pitting, nearly all of the original silver inlay, attractive golden aged patina on the brass, and sharp engraving and markings. The leather is also fine with scattered handling marks and some light age related wear. The stock is fine with some light scratches and handling marks, and distinct checkering and carvings. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 8,500 - 13,000
Lewis and Clark are believed to have carried a Girardoni air rifle on their expedition to explore the American West
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