"Joseph Schembor" marked on top of the barrel flat at the breech, "IN WIEN" marked on the lock. Joseph Schembor (1777-1851) of Vienna, Austria is listed as an active "wind" gun maker circa 1808-1848, and was known to have also made some examples of Girardoni (sometimes spelled "Girandoni") system repeating air guns similar to what was used on the Lewis and Clark expedition and notably used by Austrian martial sharpshooters from 1787-1815. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. They also required less cleaning since they did not require corrosive black powder. This attractive tip-up barrel example is chambered in approximately .42 caliber/10.5 mm and features a flat top round barrel with a smooth bore, German silver bead front sight, hardwood stock, an iron stock reservoir, and features high quality attractive engraving including a game scene on the left sideplate, floral and border engraving on the brass frame, lock and hammer with a dragon head, and a martial scene on the trigger guard. The breech loading tip-up barrel has a release on bottom ahead of the trigger guard. "1557" and a small circled Austrian double headed eagle symbol marked on the face of the stock reservoir locking ring (possibly an Austrian military/Girardoni stock reservoir?). Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2907" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Fine, retains 40% original brown finish, strongest in the protected areas, with smooth gray patina on the balance and some scattered patches of light surface corrosion on the barrel, strong patterns of case colors visible in protected areas of the lock with smooth gray and brown patina on the balance of the casehardened surfaces, attractive golden aged patina on the brass, a mix of an old finish and gray/brown patinas on the stock reservoir, and absolutely sharp engraving and markings. The hardwood stock is fine with defined edges, scattered light scratches and dents, and defined checkering. Mechanically excellent.