This unmarked Germanic muzzleloading jaeger air rifle dates to around the late 18th-early 19th century. It features an octagon barrel chambered in approximately .38 caliber/9.5 mm with deep six-groove rifling, a large brass ball reservoir, a lock with external mainspring and double set triggers, and a full length hardwood stock with horn end cap and sliding patchbox. "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. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2093" hanging from the trigger guard. Absent sights. Includes a wooden ramrod (slightly short). Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection