With slightly swamped browned octagonal multi-groove rifled barrel signed "THO.s CONWAY 15 BLACKFRIARS ST MANCHESTER" with silver front sight. Casehardened border and scroll engraved action with rotating tap breech and large cocking hammer. Blued border engraved top-plate, pistol grip trigger-guard, and heel-plate. Well figured walnut straight-hand stock with checkered grip, dark horn forearm cap, and a vacant silver oval initial escutcheon to the underside of the butt. Thomas Conway is recorded at various addresses in the Manchester area between 1803 and 1852. Ball reservoir air weapons were in use since the late 17th century and 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 use corrosive black powder. In original fitted mahogany case lined in green baize with accessories comprising two iron ball reservoirs, stirrup pump with browned Damascus stem engraved "800 STROKES TO FILL EACH GLOBE WITH AIR", pump handle with ebony grips, pewter oiler, and two spanners. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Fine, retains 75% browned finish on the barrel, 50% plus faded original case colors on the frame and components, 50% original high polish blue finish on the trigger-guard and heel-plate with smooth gray patina and some scattered light to mild freckling on the balance, and sharp engraving, edges and markings on the metal overall. The action top plate is reblued and has replacement screws and some scratching to the surface. The rear trigger-guard tang screw is loose. The wood is also fine with some scattered handling marks and dents, a few cracks in the front and rear of the forearm, some crazing on the left of the buttstock, and crisp checkering. The mechanism has not been tested. The case is very good with scattered scratches and dents, and some mild cracks in the lid. The accessories are very good. These ball reservoir air rifles are very distinctive and make fascinating additions to any collection of antique arms.