"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 example has no maker markings visible but appears to be from the early 1800s. Features a round barrel that loads from the muzzle with the walnut ram rod, bead front sight, walnut front stock, lock with beveled edges and a large cocking lever, iron frame, and a metal buttstock air reservoir. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2288" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection