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