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. This air gun is likely of Austrian or German origin and features an exposed lock, chambered in approximately .41 caliber/10.5 mm with a smooth bore, and a metal buttstock air reservoir. Devoid of any visible markings. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/801" attached. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection