This is a high quality Harpers Classic air rifle cane, engraved and carved with a dog's head handle especially for Dr. Robert D. Beeman circa 1985 with a circular brass plaque with the initals "RDB". This exact air cane is photographed and described on page 628 of "The Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition" in which the book states, "Only ten of these models were imported into the U.S. under the anti-airgun cartridge law, these air canes were deemed dangerous weapons and became illegal in the U.K.! The British police gathered up and destroyed all but the few that were crossing the Atlantic at that time. The decorative dog head cap was carved by the artist from a photo of the Beeman's wonderful, now deceased Labrador Retriever." It functions using a reusable Brocock brass air cartridge (one included) that resembles a shell casing and is able to be loaded with a .22 caliber BB at the front, the cane can then be unscrewed from the brass section for loading, and once loaded the dog head is able to be unscrewed and pulled back in order to cock it, which in turn a concealed thumb trigger raises out from the brass section. Carved walnut dog head handle, floral scroll engraving on the brass section, fine-groove rifled barrel surrounded by walnut. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Very fine overall, retains 98% original gold plated finish on the brass, a few light scratches in the wood, and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent.