This Austrian air gun dates to around the early 1800s. It is silver inlaid with the maker name "Ludwig.Zeer.a.Wienn" on the top barrel flat at the breech and signed "Ludwig.Zeer" on the lockplate. No information related to this maker has been found at the current time. "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 is chambered in approximately .46 caliber/11.5 mm and features a part octagon/round barrel with a smooth bore that loads from the muzzle end, a German silver bead front sight, high quality floral border engraving on the brass components and iron lock with motifs engraved on top of the receiver and bottom of the trigger guard, a walnut stock with floral relief carving on the bottom, and a leather wrapped metal stock reservoir. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2287" hanging from the trigger guard. 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 Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Fine, retains 75% faded original blue finish on the barrel with some scattered minor surface freckling and light handling marks, and most of the silver inlay. The brass exhibits an attractive golden aged patina with sharp engraving overall. The revarnished wood is very good, with an absent chipped section ahead of the lock, a few light handling marks, and defined carving. The leather is good with age related flaking and cracking. Mechanically fine.