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AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN BLUE BOOK OF AIRGUNS, 13TH EDITION BY BEUNING
LOT 299
18th Century Engraved and Incised Carved
“Flintlock” Stock Reservoir Air Gun by Johann
George Dinckl of Hall, Austria - NSN, 9 mm , 31 3/8
inch octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Johann
Georg Dinckl was an active gunmaker between circa
1740-1776 listed out of Vienna, Austria and Hall, Austria.
Though this example offered looks like a flintlock long
arm, it is actually a smoothbore muzzleloading air gun with a detachable stock reservoir, and the faux “flint” is a piece of bone. 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 like the flintlocks that this example is modeled after. “JOH GEORG DINCKL IN HALL” inscribed on top of the barrel, blade front sight, notch rear sight, and scroll pattern engraving on the barrel, lock and brass fittings, with a rabbit on the lock, and relief engraved stag on the faux patchbox door. The flat beveled iron lock is inscribed “I. G. DINCKL IN/HALL” at the tail, with a goose neck cock. Circular brass collection tag marked “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/ COLLECTION/2905” hanging from the trigger guard. An embellished air gun of this style would have been an advanced hunting weapon of the time, fit for an individual of high status.
CONDITION: Fine, exhibits bright iron surfaces with some scattered patches of light pitting, and sharp edges and engraving. The refinished wood is very good with defined incised carvings, a few cracks and chips, and numerous discreet professionally spliced and repaired sections visible. The brass exhibits an attractive golden aged patina. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
252
LOT 300
Documented Engraved 18th Century German “Flintlock” Barrel Reservoir Air Pistol by Futter of Dresden - NSN, 11 mm , 11 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Johann Joseph Futter (1720-1779) was active as a gunmaker between circa 1754 until his death
in 1779. He was among the few who produced high quality air pistols. The flat beveled step tailed iron lock is signed “FUTTER A DRESSDEN” with a goose neck cock. Though it looks like a large caliber flintlock pistol, the smoothbore barrel measures at approximately .42 caliber/11 mm and is actually slightly smaller than the outer brass housing suggests. The outer housing consists of an air reservoir which surrounds the barrel. A pump (not included) is able to be attached to charge the reservoir via a connection in the butt concealed under the pommel cap. The brass barrel reservoir has a blade front sight. “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. Floral engraving on the upper tang, sideplates and lock. The well-figured walnut full stock has a horn tip, relief carvings around the edges of the ramrod channel and trigger guard, relief carved teardrop flats and a sun behind the upper tang. The fittings are fine cast and chased brass. Includes an iron ramrod. Circular brass collection tag marked “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2911” hanging from the trigger guard. This exact air pistol is pictured and described on page 177 of “Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition”. CONDITION: Very good with golden bright patina on the brass, some patches of light pitting on the otherwise bright iron lock, with defined engraving. Stock is also very good as revarnished with numerous scattered scratches and dents, and a few chips and small filled in repairs. The lock is not properly functioning due to an absent mainspring. Provenance: The Dr, Robert D. Beeman Collection. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500