This massive pistol was manufactured by "foreign" gunmaker Johann Gottfried Kolbe (or John Lawrence Kolbe/Coleby) in London circa 1730-1740. He previously and subsequently worked in Suhl around 1719-1730 and 1740-1747. He is recorded as under investigation by the Gunmakers' Company Court for his right to work as a gunmaker in London and for possibly forging London proofs. He is known to have continued to make air guns even after the Gunmakers' Company forbid him from doing so in 1734. At least one of these incredible air weapons by Kolbe is believed to have been owned by King George II and is regarded as Kolbe's masterpiece and is now in the collections of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (No. 494-1894). The oversized brass barrel forms the air reservoir and surrounds the actual brass barrel. The reservoir is charged through the pommel whilst the magazine for the lead balls is accessed via a sliding cover on the forend. The three-stage barrel has a large silver front sight, is signed "KOLBE LONDON", and is engraved with scrollwork and a large classical trophy of arms at the breech. The breech and barrel tang are grooved for sighting. The flat bevelled lock is signed "KOLBE" and engraved with border lines and foliage. The walnut full stock is carved in low relief with foliage and shell patterns behind the barrel tang and on the forend around the brass magazine door. It has cast and chased brass mounts, including a two-piece pommel, pierced side plate, and shaped escutcheon. A spare replacement right pommel plate with screw is included.

This impressive and very rare pistol is presented in very good condition. The brass parts have some age related rubbing and discoloration. The decoration generally remains clear. The lock plate has some light corrosion marking throughout but retains clear engraving. The cock and frizzen have been expertly repaired. The stock has some age related rubbing, handling and storage marks, minor setting cracks, and some repairs on the butt around the pommel. The mechanism has not been tested.