This beautiful air gun is signed "V•D•FECHT•ABERLIN" on the lock. The von der Fecht family of gunmakers were active in Berlin from c. 1730s-1820s. This gun would date to c. 1740. It is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from F. Theodore Dexter listing it as a "High Art German Air Gun by von der Fecht. This Air Gun shows the top in workmanship and artistic ornamentation." The swamped octagonal smoothbore barrel has an approximately .40 caliber bore, dovetailed blade and notch sights, a scroll finial on the rear sight, and scroll engraving incorporating a canine mask at the breech. The lock resembles a traditional flintlock, but the "frizzen" unscrews for mounting an air reservoir (not included). The lock is engraved and chiseled with fine designs, including a mask on the tail, a cherub/putto with bow and arrows behind the cock, disgorging mask on the cock, the goddess of the hunt Diana/Artemis in a carriage pulled by deer, and shell and scroll designs. The steel mounts feature exceptional chiseling and engraving comprising foliate finials, masks, a pierced sideplate with putti and the goddess of the hunt in a carriage along with fine scrollwork, and an eagle at the heel. The full-length walnut stock has fine scroll and shell carving. Norman R. Blank purchased this gun from F. Theodore Dexter on February 12, 1960. NOTE: Due to state and local laws, this lot is not available for purchase or transfer to residents of Illinois, New Jersey, Rhode Island or Delaware. Provenance: The William Goodwin Renwick Collection; F. Theodore Dexter; The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very fine with silver-gray patina, crisp engraving and chiseling, minor oxidation, and generally light age and storage related wear. The stock is fine and has crisp carving, minor cracks, insect holes on the butt, and some repairs on the forend. The lock functions fine.