Guns International #: 102644518
Seller's Inventory #: 233750

Category - Antique Rifles - 1500-1850 - Military Rifles - German

Category
Antique Rifles - 1500-1850
Military Rifles - German

Guns International #: 102644518
Seller's Inventory #: 233750

Category - Antique Rifles - 1500-1850 - Military Rifles - German

Category
Antique Rifles - 1500-1850
Military Rifles - German

DESIRABLE Engraved GIRARDONI System Repeating AIR RIFLE STOCK RESERVOIR .42 LEWIS & CLARK Corps of Discovery Expedition History

Description:
DESIRABLE Engraved GIRARDONI System Repeating AIR RIFLE STOCK RESERVOIR .42

LEWIS & CLARK Corps of Discovery Expedition History

Here we present a Highly Desirable Engraved Girardoni System Repeating Air Rifle, made circa the late 1700s to early 1800s in mainland Europe. The Girandoni air rifle is an air gun designed by Italian inventor Bartolomeo Girandoni circa 1779. The weapon was also known as the Windbüchse, or “wind rifle” in German. This was easily the most famous early air rifle largely thanks to the fact that for many years it has been associated with Lewis & Clark and their famous Corps of Discovery Expedition. It is widely believed that they used this rifle in the demonstrations that they performed for nearly every Native American tribe they encountered on the expedition. They believed it was “great medicine”.

The Girardoni air rifle was a martial weapon, in service with the Austrian army from 1780 to around 1815. Many references to the Girardoni air rifles mention lethal combat ranges of 125 to 150 yards and some extend that range considerably. The advantages of a high rate of fire, no smoke from propellants, and low muzzle report granted it acceptance. While the detachable air reservoir was capable of around 30 shots, it took nearly 1,500 strokes of a hand pump to fill those reservoirs. Later, a wagon-mounted pump was provided. It did have problems and was eventually removed from service for several reasons decades after introduction. There was also a version sold to civilians after it was removed from military service.

There is an illegible maker’s name on top of the barrel, with “JC” inscribed on the left lock and “IN WIEN” (Vienna, Austria) on the right lock. It features an octagon barrel with fine groove rifling and a reservoir. Formerly of the Beeman collection.

The overall condition is fair. The piece is not functional, though it is a great representative of the type. The brass frame is cast and engraved and some gold finish remains. The barrel has a makers mark on top. The bore is in good condition with strong rifling, key action parts are missing. A great opportunity to own a true rarity!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 25-3/4 inches.

Caliber: .42

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$4500

#233750
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes

DESIRABLE Engraved GIRARDONI System Repeating AIR RIFLE STOCK RESERVOIR .42 LEWIS & CLARK Corps of Discovery Expedition History

Description:
DESIRABLE Engraved GIRARDONI System Repeating AIR RIFLE STOCK RESERVOIR .42

LEWIS & CLARK Corps of Discovery Expedition History

Here we present a Highly Desirable Engraved Girardoni System Repeating Air Rifle, made circa the late 1700s to early 1800s in mainland Europe. The Girandoni air rifle is an air gun designed by Italian inventor Bartolomeo Girandoni circa 1779. The weapon was also known as the Windbüchse, or “wind rifle” in German. This was easily the most famous early air rifle largely thanks to the fact that for many years it has been associated with Lewis & Clark and their famous Corps of Discovery Expedition. It is widely believed that they used this rifle in the demonstrations that they performed for nearly every Native American tribe they encountered on the expedition. They believed it was “great medicine”.

The Girardoni air rifle was a martial weapon, in service with the Austrian army from 1780 to around 1815. Many references to the Girardoni air rifles mention lethal combat ranges of 125 to 150 yards and some extend that range considerably. The advantages of a high rate of fire, no smoke from propellants, and low muzzle report granted it acceptance. While the detachable air reservoir was capable of around 30 shots, it took nearly 1,500 strokes of a hand pump to fill those reservoirs. Later, a wagon-mounted pump was provided. It did have problems and was eventually removed from service for several reasons decades after introduction. There was also a version sold to civilians after it was removed from military service.

There is an illegible maker’s name on top of the barrel, with “JC” inscribed on the left lock and “IN WIEN” (Vienna, Austria) on the right lock. It features an octagon barrel with fine groove rifling and a reservoir. Formerly of the Beeman collection.

The overall condition is fair. The piece is not functional, though it is a great representative of the type. The brass frame is cast and engraved and some gold finish remains. The barrel has a makers mark on top. The bore is in good condition with strong rifling, key action parts are missing. A great opportunity to own a true rarity!

Own the original! This is a legitimate antique and not a reproduction.

Barrel is 25-3/4 inches.

Caliber: .42

Overall condition as seen in photos.

Very Fast. Very Safe. FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE. Delivered directly to your door by express mail!

Guaranteed AUTHENTIC & Includes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY.

ancestryguns

$4500

#233750
 

SOLD

Antique: Yes