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  • Auction Catalog #85
  • Lot #3241
Lot #3240
Lot #3242

Lot 3241: Engraved Simmons Marked Breech Loading Ball Reservoir Air Gun

Engraved Simmons Marked Breech Loading Smoothbore Ball Reservoir Air Gun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 15, 2022

Lot 3241: Engraved Simmons Marked Breech Loading Ball Reservoir Air Gun

Engraved Simmons Marked Breech Loading Smoothbore Ball Reservoir Air Gun

Auction Location: Rock Island, IL

Auction Date: May 15, 2022

Estimated Price: $3,000 - $5,000
Price Realized:
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Engraved Simmons Marked Breech Loading Smoothbore Ball Reservoir Air Gun

Manufacturer: Unknown
Model: Air Gun
Type: Other
Gauge: 11 mm
Barrel: 30 1/2 inch part round
Finish: blue/casehardened
Grip:
Stock: walnut
Item Views: 1000
Item Interest: Average
Serial Number:
Catalog Page: 140
Class: Other
Description:

This sporting air gun follows the classic breech loading ball reservoir pattern popular in the United Kingdom in the early 19th century and was manufactured or retailed by Simmons, most likely around the early to mid-19th century. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they produced quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. Ball reservoirs were in use since the late 17th century and had the added advantage of being easily swapped out. This piece has a small post front sight, low notch rear sight, round barrel with under rib terminating in a short octagonal section at the breech, floral and stand of arms engraving on the action, trigger guard, and buttplate tang; "SIMMONS" on the left side of the action, a left side lever for rotating the breech block, a 4 inch in diameter ball shaped air reservoir, smooth forearm with horn tip, and buttstock with a checkered wrist.

Rating Definition:

Fine, retains half of the period refinished blue finish on the barrel, reservoir, and trigger guard with the balance mostly a smooth grey patina and some light pitting scattered throughout, including under the reapplied finish. Probably originally with a "flintlock" style cocking lever to the action, this has been replace with a percussion style hammer. The buttstock is fine with some minor dings and scratches scattered throughout and otherwise well-defined checkering, the replacement forearm is very fine with some light chipping near the barrel keys and otherwise minimal handling marks. The item has not been pressure tested but otherwise appears to function fine.



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