Thomas Jackson Mortimer of London was active 1818-1839, and like his relatives made high end firearms. He was granted royal privilege and special appointment as gunmaker to the king. "T. J. Mortimer/St. James's St." inscribed on the left of the action, "MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY." inscribed on top of the barrel. Air guns of this style were used primarily for hunting, with this high quality engraved example being of the type used by an individual with wealth and status. "Wind guns" had several advantages over conventional firearms including that they were quieter, smokeless, quicker to reload, and relatively unaffected by rain. It is chambered in approximately .51 caliber/13 mm with a part octagon barrel, German silver post front sight, a rotating faucet breech that loads from the top, walnut forend and a leather wrapped metal stock air reservoir. Features high quality floral engraving on the right lock plate, top of the action, hammer, trigger guard and sides of the faucet breech, and a game scene with a stag and a doe engraved on the left. Circular brass collection tag "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/450" hanging from the guard. Includes a hardwood case with Thomas Jackson Mortimer trade label on the inside of the lid, air pump, bullet mold, extra rifled octagon barrel inscribed "MAKER TO HIS MAJESTY" on top and chambered in approximately .40 caliber/10 mm, and three tools. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Exceptionally fine, retains 90% original brown twist finish on the barrel, 70% plus original casehardened finish on the action with smooth gray patina on the balance, 60% plus original high polish blue finish on the trigger guard, and absolutely sharp engraving, edges and markings in the metal overall. The walnut forend is excellent with some scattered light handling marks and distinct edges. The leather is very fine with some light edge wear. Mechanically excellent. The included case is fine with scattered scratches and some light aging of the interior lining, and the included accessories are also fine.