Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting, with this high quality engraved example being of the type used by an individual with wealth and status. This air rifle has no visible marker markings but is very likely of English origin, and is of the same pattern as another example in this auction by maker James Beattie of London Lot 1227. It is chambered in approximately .43 caliber/11 mm and features an octagon barrel with fine-groove rifling, brass bead front sight and dovetailed notch rear sight, a rotating faucet breech that loads from the top, walnut forend and a snakeskin wrapped metal stock air reservoir. Features high quality floral engraving on the action, hammer, trigger guard and sides of the faucet breech. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2025" hanging from theguard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Very good with scattered light pitting and dark brown patina mixed with faded brown finish overall, and otherwise defined engraving. The snakeskin wrap is fine with some age related wear and some areas peeling. The walnut forend is good with dents, some chipped/absent sections along the top edges, and an absent wedge plate on the right. Mechanically fine.