Edward Bate (1743-1810) was one of the most talented late 18th century air gun makers and was active in London. He was among the few who produced high quality air pistols. Though they look like a large caliber flintlock pistols, the thick barrels are actually rather small caliber and mostly consists of the air reservoirs which surrounds the barrels themselves. The "flint" is actually a piece of horn. Pumps are attached to charge the reservoirs via a connection in the butt concealed under the pommel caps. The oversized two-stage brass barrel reservoirs have large blade front sights, turned girdles, "BATE LONDON" signatures, two bands of engraved dots each, and integral tangs with standing notch rear sights and engraved rococo scrollwork. The flat bevelled step tailed locks are signed "BATE" and engraved with further rococo ornamentation and ring neck cocks and steels. The well-figured walnut full stocks are carved in relief with a shell at the barrel tangs. The mounts are fine cast and chased brass, including the large side plates which are decorated with an elaborate martial trophy, large shaped trophy of arms escutcheons, and spurred pommels. Each includes a horn tipped ramrod.

Very fine overall with light aged patina on the brass, light gray patina on the lock, crisp checkering and carving, distinct markings, expertly replaced pommel cap, light scratches and dings throughout, a check in the stock just ahead of the right flat, and very slight chip at the top of the lock behind the pan and screw. The lock mechanism is mechanically excellent, but it is not fully function due to aging of the seals.

As described in A with slightly differing engraving on the breech and barrel tang. Provenance: The Blair Charitable Trust, Removed from Blair Castle, Blair Atholl, Scotland, Christies South Kensington, London, 30 April 2015, lot 193.

Very fine overall with light aged patina on the brass, light gray patina on the lock, crisp checkering and carving, distinct markings, light scratches and dings throughout, and slight chip at the top of the lock behind the pan and screw. The lock mechanism is mechanically excellent, but it is not fully functional due to aging of the seals. This is an gorgeous example of a very rarely seen early air gun variation by one of the late 18th century's finest makers.