247

Interesting & Fine Antique English Butt Reservoir Air Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,800.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Interesting & Fine Antique English Butt Reservoir Air Rifle
CURRENT BID
0.00USD+ applicable fees & taxes.
ENTER YOUR MAXIMUM ABSENTEE BID[?]
You must bid at least
1,800.00USD
USD
1,800.00 x 1 unit = 1,800.00USDApplicable fees & taxes are added at checkout.
[?]Live Online Auction Starts In 2024 Nov 23 @ 09:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
About .40 cal, 30'' round damascus barrel with octagonal shank and a bright near excellent bore perhaps showing a little mild frosting and strong 20-groove rifling. Though seemingly unmarked, this is a very attractive air rifle appearing very English in character and mirroring other British examples of the period. The barrel shows a nice plum damascus twist pattern its full-length, primarily visible under bright light as it has toned and darkened somewhat from the years, with remnants of some of very light oxidation near the muzzle. The heavy iron frame is now primarily a pleasing untouched smooth plum brown patina with tight English scroll on both of the frame flats left and right in about 40% coverage, the right flat with some very lovely vibrant case-hardened colors in the area beneath the pivoting ''hammer'', perhaps 30% of it remaining, the balance a lovely untouched patina. The top cover of the tap-action shows light open flowing scroll as does the bow of the triggerguard. The arm features a very nice shagreen-covered heavy iron butt reservoir, the front collar a plum patina showing light tool marks overall. The shagreen remains very nice overall showing a few spots of light drying which have subsequently crackled or flaked, but the seam is very good along the bottom, only a small 4'' section separating along the toeline, with separation of the seam around the periphery of the butt, with the covering remaining adhered, a 1'' flake missing at the toe and a smaller spot on the butt near the heel. The arm features a left side loop which allows access to the pivoting breech and a right side ''safety'' cutoff loop which will preclude the plunger from operating, so no air is released from the reservoir. The mechanism seems to function properly as-designed and there is a more modern leather seal present between the frame and the butt reservoir. The arm takes down into three portions, barrel, reservoir and the frame itself, and was likely originally cased with a pump and other necessities. The arm is sighted with a standing v-notch rear sight and fine silver blade front. A very attractive British butt reservoir air rifle. (13B11732-6) {ANTIQUE} (2500/3000)