Johann Georg Dinckl was an active gunmaker between circa 1740-1776 listed out of Vienna, Austria and Hall, Austria. Though this example offered looks like a flintlock long arm, it is actually a smoothbore muzzleloading air gun with a detachable stock reservoir, and the faux "flint" is a piece of bone. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting. "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 like the flintlocks that this example is modeled after. "JOH GEORG DINCKL IN HALL" inscribed on top of the barrel, blade front sight, notch rear sight, and scroll pattern engraving on the barrel, lock and brass fittings, with a rabbit on the lock, and relief engraved stag on the faux patchbox door. The flat beveled iron lock is inscribed "I. G. DINCKL IN/HALL" at the tail, with a goose neck cock. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2905" hanging from the trigger guard. An embellished air gun of this style would have been an advanced hunting weapon of the time, fit for an individual of high status. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Fine, exhibits bright iron surfaces with some scattered patches of light pitting, and sharp edges and engraving. The refinished wood is very good with defined incised carvings, a few cracks and chips, and numerous discreet professionally spliced and repaired sections visible. The brass exhibits an attractive golden aged patina. Mechanically fine.