Early New England Air Rifle

Early New England Air Rifle.

With thanks to Beth of Amoskeag Auctions, Inc. for permission to post these pics.

The original auction blurb said: ".28 caliber, 29 1/2" barrel. This is an interesting rifle which features a long cylindrical air reservoir mounted beneath the barrel. The mechanism is quite simple with an actuating rod protruding vertically from the frame, when the hammer contacts the rod it depresses a spring loaded plunger allowing a charge of air to be released from the reservoir. The most endearing feature of this rifle is its typical New England style buttstock with German silver furniture, including a fancy round patchbox and a lovely thin cheek piece and double set triggers protected by a German silver guard. All iron surfaces of rifle bear a smooth and even gray patina. The buttstock rates excellent with 95% original finish remaining and with a pleasing patina on German silver furniture. The flat spring on right side of hammer is a modern replacement - it functions fine, if one wished a more original appearing spring could be easily made. The reservoir is pumped from the muzzle and the original pump is included with the rifle. The hammer does not stay on full cock, this may be simply a trigger adjustment or the tumbler may need its notch freshened up. A brass ramrod is mounted on left side between barrel and reservoir; there may have at one time been two German silver keepers, presently there is only one. A really neat and endearing New England air rifle."