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Product Details
* A RARE 10mm EARLY STOCK-RESERVOIR AIR RIFLE SIGNED J.C. HOFFMANN, no visible serial number,
German, circa 1760 with detachable octagonal iron 23 5/8in. barrel rifled in seven grooves (cleaned of finish externally with some pin-prick staining), applied brass replacement fore-sight, the slab-sided action with stippled finish left and right, the top with moulded notch rear-sight to the front and sunken gilded rococo panel, engraved cock with faceted retaining nut operating an engraved articulated valve release with external tensioning spring and engraved bridle, the latter also signed 'J.C. HOFFMANN A SUERIN', the left side with large carved mainspring and engraved bridle to the sear and exposed trigger arrangement, detachable leather covered air-reservoir forming the butt and with moulded comb, full-length walnut fore-end with mouldings alongside the ramrod channel, four brass thimbles and a replacement wood ramrod
Provenance: This is one of a small number of air rifles of similar action all signed 'J.C. Hoffmann (or Hofman), Suerin. An example can be seen in Arne Hoffs publication 'Airguns and Other Pneumatic Arms' (Plate 66) and detailed on page 58 of the same volume. Johann Christopher Hoffman seems to have been making these for a few years only from around 1760. He is also credited with airguns of an even earlier style with mock flintlock mechanisms and air reservoirs concealed within the butt itself
* Please note this item is subject to 5% VAT on the hammer price (UK Buyers only).
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Estimate £1,500-2,500
Pre-1939