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LOT 1289
Unmarked American Underbarrel Reservoir Muzzleloading Air Rifle
- NSN, 30 , 29 1/2 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This American
muzzleloading air rifle dates to around the mid-19th century. It features a round
barrel chambered in .30 caliber with six-groove rifling, dovetail mounted blade front sight and dovetail mounted
notch rear sight, a hammer that bumps a valve stem for functioning, double set triggers, walnut buttstock with German
silver furniture including the patchbox, a ramrod located on the left of the barrel, and a large underbarrel cylinder reservoir that
fills from the front. “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.
CONDITION: Fine with scattered freckling and a few patches of light surface corrosion on the bright iron, with period soldering visible around the breech. The stock is also fine with some light scratches and dents, and defined edges. The trigger requires setting prior to cocking the hammer, and the valve stem requires manual assistance to allow the hammer to bypass for cocking, otherwise mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
LOT 1290
Exceptional Engraved and Gold
Inlaid Giffard Patent French Rivolier &
Fils External Hammer Model CO2 Gas Rifle -
, 26 inch round bbl., blue/nickel finish, walnut stock. “PAUL GIFFARD NTEUR BREVETS” gold inlaid on top of the barrel, “RIVOLIER & FILS/St gold inlaid on the bottom of the trigger guard. The knob located on
the right rotates for loading from the top, and it uses a manual cocking hammer. Dovetail mounted beaded blade front sight, adjustable Swiss style notch rear sight, floral scroll pattern engraving on the action and tangs, and a checkered walnut buttstock. Circular brass collection tag marked “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/ COLLECTION/1323” hanging from the trigger guard. CONDITION: Exceptionally fine, retains 85% plus original blue finish with blue flaked off of the trigger guard and 95% plus original nickel finish on the action with nearly all of the gold inlay and sharp engraving overall. The wood is excellent with some light handling marks and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection. Estimate: 2,500 - 4,000
NSN, 6 mm INVE ETIENNE”
LOT 1291
Engraved Giffard Patent French Manufrance St. Etienne External Hammer Model CO2 Gas Rifle - Serial no. 7197, 8 mm , 25 1/4 inch round bbl., blue finish, walnut stock. Manufacture Francaise d’Armes et Cycles de Saint Etienne (Manufrance) maker markings
on top of the barrel. The knob rotates for loading from the top, and it uses a manual cocking hammer. Dovetail mounted beaded blade front sight, adjustable Swiss style notch rear sight, floral scroll pattern engraving on the action and trigger guard, and a checkered walnut buttstock stamped “1593” on top ahead of the hard rubber buttplate embossed “PAUL GIFFARD/
INVENTEUR”. “7197” marked on the barrel and bolt. CONDITION: Very good, retains half of the refinished blue finish mixed with smooth brown patina and scattered light pitting. Stock is fine with some scattered light scratches and handling marks, and a chipped section at the toe of the buttplate. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection. Estimate: 1,400 - 2,250
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