This design was patented by Paul Giffard of Paris, France, in 1889. The Giffard Gun Company Limited was active c. 1890-1894, and these guns were advertised by the maker as "A gun shooting three hundred shots without reloading." This exact example is pictured on page 597 of the "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition". It cocks using the trigger guard lever, which rotates the faucet breech for loading from the top and simultaneously cocks the trigger. It has dovetailed blade and notch sights, a textured upper flat, border and star pattern engraved action with silver inlaid "SAFE" marking and "THE GIFFARD GUN/COMPANY LIMITED/LONDON" engraved on the left, serial number "5077" on the bottom of the action, partial serial numbers on some other components, "6198" and "568" on the tank, a checkered walnut buttstock, and a steel buttplate with a star engraving. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/1339" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Fine, retains 75% plus original blue finish with smooth brown patina on the balance, extensive areas of scattered moderate freckling/surface corrosion, and sharp engraving and markings. Stock is also fine with defined edges, some scattered scratches and handling marks, and crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent.