Page 255 - 89-FLIPBOOK1

3
LOT 301
Rare Documented 18th Century Engraved British “Flintlock” Ball in the Buttstock Air Gun
by Dovaston - NSN, 38 , 36 1/8 inch part octagon bbl., blue/bright finish, walnut stock. Though this example offered looks like
a flintlock long arm, it is actually a smoothbore muzzleloading air gun with a detachable buttstock section containing a ball reservoir; a
rare variation of air gun. 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. The flat beveled step tailed iron lock is inscribed “Dovaston” at the center. Blade front sight. Engraved martial scenes on the lock and brass fittings. This exact air gun
is photographed and described on page 169 of “Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition”.
CONDITION: Very good, with refinished blue finish on the barrel, some scattered
patches of light pitting visible underneath the finish and areas turning to a smooth brown patina, mostly bright surfaces on the lock, attractive golden aged patina
on the brass, applied gold painted finish on the ball reservoir, and sharp engraving overall. The refinished wood is also very good with some mild cracks around the forend area, various cracks and filled in repairs in the stock around the ball reservoir, and remains solid overall. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000
AS PICTURED AND DESCRIBED IN BLUE BOOK OF AIRGUNS: 13TH EDITION BY BEUNING, ADLER, GAYLORD, & BEEMAN
LOT 302
18th Century Engraved and Relief Carved German “Flintlock” Stock Reservoir Air Gun by
Johan Adam Straub - NSN, 10 mm , 41 1/4 inch part octagon bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. Though
this example offered looks like a flintlock long arm, it is actually a smoothbore muzzleloading air gun with a
concealed stock reservoir that has a trapdoor on the buttplate for filling access, and the faux “flint” is a piece of wood. 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. “ES HAT MICH GE MACHT JOHAN ADAM STRAUB”
inscribed on top of the barrel, blade front sight, notch rear sight, “A. BIBRICH 757” inscribed on the lock with a goose neck cock, engraving on the barrel, lock and brass
fittings including animals, noblemen, border engravings and a hunting scene on the left sideplate, and floral relief carvings in the stock. Absent tip of the ramrod. Circular brass collection
tag marked “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2920” hanging from the trigger guard.
CONDITION: Good, exhibits bright iron surfaces with scattered patches of light pitting/corrosion, and sharp
edges and engraving overall. The wood is also good as lightly sanded and re-oiled, with some cracks at the toe, a small chip behind the barrel tang, and numerous discreetly repaired sections visible. The brass exhibits an attractive bright golden patina. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
25