^Lot 297 Rare Early Staudenmayer Air Gun

Dating to late 18th- early 19th century. This scarce long-gun has a two 29” barrel set with .50 caliber rifle (octagon) and .20 ga. (1/2 round) smooth bore. Extensively engraved and inlaid. Steel stock/reservoir covered in shawgren (ray or shark skin). Fancy flintlock locking hammer and spring system. Crafted by S. Staudenmayer, famous London gun maker “to the Prince of Wales and the Duke of York.” This rifle is a Staudenmayer standard, external-lock SINGLE shot airgun of a standard type, common in England in the 1700s and 1800s. On the left side of the receiver is a decocking lever, a feature that had not been invented until after 1810.

We were incorrect attributing anything on this gun as invented by Bartolomeo Girardoni and it should be noted that it in no way resembles the Lewis Airgun - as listed inthe printed catalog