"P.J./Parilis/Aix la/Chapelle" (possibly Parifis) signed on the left of the frame surrounded by engraving. No information related to this maker found at the current time. Features high quality floral and border pattern engraving on the frame and iron ends of the leather wrapped buttstock reservoir. 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 chambered in approximately .44 caliber/11 mm with a smooth bore, blade front sight and fixed notch rear sight, and an iron stock air reservoir. This example features an exposed lock, with a cocking lever that doubles as a hammer for functioning. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/1245" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection