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LOT 3244
Exceptional Game Scene Engraved 19th Century Stock Reservoir Air Gun by Thomas Jackson Mortimer of London, with Case, Air Pump and Accessories - NSN, 51 , 31 1/4 inch part octagon bbl., brown/casehardened finish, metal stock. Thomas Jackson Mortimer of London was active 1818-1839,
and like his relatives made high end firearms. He was granted royal privilege and special appointment
as gunmaker to the king. “T. J. Mortimer/St. James’s St.” inscribed on the left of the action, “MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY.” inscribed on top of the barrel. 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 .51 caliber/13 mm with a part octagon barrel, German silver post front sight, a rotating faucet breech that loads from the top, walnut forend and a leather wrapped metal stock air reservoir. Features high quality floral engraving on the right lock plate, top of the action, hammer, trigger guard and sides of the faucet breech, and a game scene with a stag and a doe engraved on the left. Circular brass collection tag “R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/ COLLECTION/450” hanging from the guard. Includes a hardwood case with Thomas Jackson Mortimer trade label on the inside of the lid, air pump, bullet mold, extra rifled octagon barrel inscribed “MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY” on top and chambered in approximately .40 caliber/10 mm, and three tools.