Dating to the mid-19th century. The air cane comprising japanned tapering barrel with rotating breech drum, concealed trigger cocked with a key, rear notch sight and small blade front sight, and brass barrel with multi-groove rifling, the detachable steel reservoir formed as a butt stock and wrapped in shagreen. Stirrup pump stem formed of browned Damascus and signed “JOHN RIGBY & CO. 72. ST. JAMES’S STREET. LONDON” and with casehardened turned fittings and detachable casehardened steel foot rest with checkered upper flats. In original fitted wooden case lined in green baize, the lid with Thomas Boss printed trade label with his 73 St. James’s Street address and noting “Many Years with the late JOSEPH MANTON”. Includes the barrel cocking key and brass “WD” gang bullet mold for six balls.

Exceptionally fine. The barrel retains 98% of its black japanned finish and traces of casehardened finish at the screw thread joint and some age related handling marks and blemishes to the finish. The shagreen cover to stock is discolored and has some storage and handling marks, but it has good seams which is rare as these often split as the shagreen shrinks over time against the metal beneath. Stirrup pump retains 95% plus browned finish, and the fittings have faded traces of original casehardened finish. Case is in very good condition with some storage rubbing to lining from the buttstock reservoir and stained trade label. Functionality not tested.