Though sometimes called a "poacher's gun" based on the plain examples that could be taken down and hidden for use by illegal hunters, this gun is far too refined and elegant to have been owned by some member of the common rabble. Instead, it was likely owned by some nobleman for opportunistic hunting and casual target shooting on his estate. There are no identifying markings, but the engraving and other features certainly suggest a high-end English maker. The Damascus barrel has blade and notch sights and fine scroll engraving at the muzzle and breech. A blued key fits into the bottom of the elaborately scroll engraved forearm to cock the action, and then a small button trigger on the left side of the forearm fires the action. There are high grade walnut side panels on the top of the forend with horn end plates. The reservoir is a finely shaped browned Damascus tube with a casehardened and scroll engraved front ring and is fitted with a high grade walnut stock/comb with a scroll and floral engraved and casehardened patch box and scroll engraved blued buttplate. The barrel, reservoir/stock, and pump all have finely detailed screw-on caps. The pump has a separate handle and is fine Damascus steel with casehardened fittings like the barrel and reservoir. The rifle and pump are all contained in an elaborate oak case lined in green baise and with fine scroll engraved brass pierced plates containing a ramrod, original blued cocking key, and an "IMPROVED/No 300" bullet mold in a cloth bag, possibly original.

Very fine overall with 95% plus original brown on the barrel and pump, 95% plus of the original bright blue on the forend and buttplate, strong original case colors throughout other than the outside face of the pump handle which has silvered, 70% plus original brown on the reservoir and a patch of oxidation/minor pitting on the "wrist," fine Damascus patterns throughout, crisp engraving, slight scratches and marks in the stock, dark mineral lines, and general minor handling and storage marks. The firing mechanism is mechanically fine. The case is very good with absent lock, some cracking and damaged edging section, and moderate storage wear. This is an incredible air rifle of superb quality and an excellent example of how air rifles used to be primarily treasured sporting arms of the elite.