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 Dragon-like creatures appear on the underside and right side of the frame. The engraver name “Gve PAR LANGLOIS PARIS” is marked inside
a fancy banner below the hammer. This is possibly Eustache-Hyacinthe Langlois (August 3rd, 1877-September 29th, 1837), a masterful and well known French painter, draftsman, writer and engraver, nicknamed the “Norman Callot.” The trigger guard has a blank initial panel. The engraved surfaces appear to have been left in the white, and the non-engraved surfaces of the Damascus barrel are brown. The tip of the steel ramrod is also engraved. The highly figured walnut stock features full length flutes and engraved hardware. The hardware, which includes the flat buttplate, features a similar floriated engraving found on the aforementioned components. The deluxe highly figured walnut stock has incised carved leaves on the side of the wrist. The buttstock also acts as the air reserve. The burled walnut veneer takedown case has brass corner protectors and is lined in royal purple velvet. Fixed bead front sight and notch rear sight.
The accessories include an air pump, bullet mold, key, a few lead balls, takedown tool, and a loading tool. “Wind guns” had several advantages over conventional flintlock firearms of the time, 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 flintlocks. An exhibition quality embellished air gun of this style would have been an advanced hunting weapon of the time, fit for an individual of high status.
     






























































































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