Page 248 - 89-FLIPBOOK2

LOT 1272
Engraved and Gold Inlaid 19th Century Repeating Stock
Reservoir Air Gun by Staudenmayer of London - NSN, 11.5 mm
, 27 inch octagon bbl., brown/casehardened/blue finish, metal stock.
“--STAUDENMAYER LONDON--” gold inlaid on top of the barrel ahead of
a 16-point star on top of the breech. A noted London gunmaker, Samuel Henry Staudenmayer (1801-
1834) was listed as active at 32 Cockspur St., and originally apprenticed under John Manton. He manufactured
firearms for the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting, with this
high quality engraved example being of the type used by an individual with wealth and status. “Wind guns” had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected
by rain. It is chambered in approximately .47 caliber/11.5 mm and features a smoothbore octagon barrel that loads at the breech end utilizing a faucet breech system with a lever located on the left, a magazine tube beneath the barrel allowing repeating capability, an external hammer and mainspring, and a leather wrapped metal stock air reservoir. Features engravings of martial motifs on the lock, sideplate and trigger guard, and a
lion standing on top of a crown engraved on top of the frame (unknown history). Circular brass collection tag “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2082” hanging from the trigger guard. CONDITION: Fine, with a mix of original brown finish and brown patina on the barrel with scattered patches of light pitting, strong patterns of case colors and smooth gray and brown
patina on the casehardened surfaces, 75% original blue finish on the trigger guard, retains nearly all of the gold inlay, exhibits attractive golden aged patina on the brass, with sharp engraving. The leather on the stock reservoir is good with mild age related wear, cracking and absent sections. The breech lever is included separately due to an absent screw, otherwise
mechanically fine. Absent magazine tube door catch.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1273
Cased Air Gun Cane with Pump and Accessories - NSN, 32 , 20 1/2 inch round
bbl., black finish. Cane that doubles as a pneumatic air gun, with the ability to switch between calibers by utilizing a removable brass rifled .32 caliber screw-in sleeve
insert, and has a brass smoothbore .43 caliber outer section. The screw-in brass tipped
ferrule doubles as a ramming rod for loading. The handle is wood, with otherwise metal construction and painted black. Functions by unscrewing the lower barrel section from the top section and screwing the included air pump in its place to fill the tank in a similar fashion to using a modern day bicycle tire pump. Once filled, the lower barrel section can be screwed back together with the top section and loaded from the muzzle end with a ball and patch.
To cock, the included square-tipped key is inserted into the hole two inches down from the joining section and turned. When the trigger button, located near the key hole, is pushed, the air from the tank inside the top section is released into the barrel. No visible maker markings. Includes a walnut case, two .32 caliber bullet molds, a bag of lead shot, air pump, tools, oiler, patches and air cane gun directions.
CONDITION: Very good, retains much of the period crudely reapplied black painted finish with scattered handling marks and flaking visible underneath the finish. Mechanically fine. Included case is very good with scattered scratches and dents, and one of the hinges is not attached. Accessories are also very good.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
246 Estimate: 2,250 - 3,500