Though this example offered looks like a flintlock long arm, it is actually a smoothbore muzzleloading air gun with a detachable buttstock section containing a ball reservoir; a rare variation of air gun. 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. The flat beveled step tailed iron lock is inscribed "Dovaston" at the center. Blade front sight. Engraved martial scenes on the lock and brass fittings. This exact air gun is photographed and described on page 169 of "Blue Book of Airguns, Thirteenth Edition". Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Very good, with refinished blue finish on the barrel, some scattered patches of light pitting visible underneath the finish and areas turning to a smooth brown patina, mostly bright surfaces on the lock, attractive golden aged patina on the brass, applied gold painted finish on the ball reservoir, and sharp engraving overall. The refinished wood is also very good with some mild cracks around the forend area, various cracks and filled in repairs in the stock around the ball reservoir, and remains solid overall. Mechanically fine.