Columbian Model-1896.
With thanks to Beth of Amoskeag Auctions, Inc. for permission to post these pics.
The original auction blurb said: "This is a rare Type V air gun that is in remarkable condition with a cast iron receiver with a squirrel cast into the area over the trigger. The cast fore stock is checkered with the date 1896 on the left side. The metal surfaces retain 98% of black paint finish. There is a Winchester type cocking lever that retains 98% original paint. The barrel retains 95% of faded nickel plate finish and is marked with the Pat date of Oct 24, '93 and has the front post sight in place. The rear sight is cast into the top of the receiver. The blond straight grained wooden stock rates excellent and has a curved steel butt plate. This is one of only 25 to 50 known to exist of this model."
With thanks to Sean Campbell, imaging manager of the Buffalo Bill Centre of the West in Cody, Wyoming, for permission to post these pics of a gun held in the Cody Firearms Museum. The blurb accompanying this gun follows.
Accession Number: 1993.8.57
Date : 1896-1917
Dimensions: L: 35.5 in, Barrel length: 11.625 in, H: 7.5 in
Credit Line: Gift of Thomas K. Hutchinson
Inscription: top of barrel: Pat'd Oct. 24. 93 [left side, forestock] 1896
Synopsis: firearm- airgun- Heilprin Manufacturing Co., Philadelphia, PA- wood- brass- steel- top of barrel: Pat'd Oct. 24. 93 [left side, forestock] 1896- Columbia Model 1896- .177 or .22