Though this example offered looks like a flintlock long arm, it is actually a smoothbore muzzleloading air gun with a concealed stock reservoir that has a trapdoor on the buttplate for filling access, and the faux "flint" is a piece of wood. 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. "ES HAT MICH GE MACHT JOHAN ADAM STRAUB" inscribed on top of the barrel, blade front sight, notch rear sight, "A. BIBRICH 757" inscribed on the lock with a goose neck cock, engraving on the barrel, lock and brass fittings including animals, noblemen, border engravings and a hunting scene on the left sideplate, and floral relief carvings in the stock. Absent tip of the ramrod. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/2920" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Good, exhibits bright iron surfaces with scattered patches of light pitting/corrosion, and sharp edges and engraving overall. The wood is also good as lightly sanded and re-oiled, with some cracks at the toe, a small chip behind the barrel tang, and numerous discreetly repaired sections visible. The brass exhibits an attractive bright golden patina. Mechanically fine.