This is a high quality Harpers Classic air rifle cane, engraved and carved with a dog's head handle especially for Toshiko K. Beeman, the wife of the well known Dr. Robert D. Beeman, circa 1985 with a circular brass plaque with the initials "TKB". Dr. Robert D. Beeman also had a matching dog's head air rifle cane made with his initials "RDB", recently sold by Rock Island Auction Company (lot 1294, auction 89); his is photographed and described on page 628 of "The Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition" in which the book states, "Only ten of these models were imported into the U.S. under the anti-airgun cartridge law, these air canes were deemed dangerous weapons and became illegal in the U.K.! The British police gathered up and destroyed all but the few that were crossing the Atlantic at that time. The decorative dog head cap was carved by the artist from a photo of the Beeman's wonderful, now deceased Labrador Retriever." It functions using reusable Brocock brass air cartridges (not included) that resemble a shell casing and are able to be loaded with a .22 caliber BB at the front, the cane can then be unscrewed from the brass section for loading, with a folding trigger in the brass section. Carved walnut dog head handle, floral scroll engraving on the brass section, and a fine-groove rifled barrel surrounded by walnut. Includes a hardwood case, cane instructions, small parts, and an air pump. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Excellent overall, retains 98% original gold plated finish on the brass, a few light scratches in the wood, and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent. The included case is very fine.