965

RARE HIGH CONDITION 1870's GIFFARD PNEUMATIC RIFLE

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
RARE HIGH CONDITION 1870's GIFFARD PNEUMATIC RIFLE
This rifle is so scarce that even many veteran air rifle collectors have never seen one. This rifle is featured in a five page article in the March 2008 Airgun Hobby Magazine (included with gun) in which Larry Hannusch goes into very detailed history and evaluation of this rifle, far better than I can in this brief write up. A few short facts; Giffard patented this rifle in the US in 1864. It is a pump action, smooth bore with walnut stocks and blue finish. The stock and trigger guard resemble a Flobert. The number "100" is found stamped into the metal three times along with "CB". It has a top hammer and a top load rotating tap with winged lever. The author compares the profile of this over under design to a fine European 20 bore. Gun is not marked with the Gifford name which is common according to the article. He believes these were manufactured in Belgium circa 1870's but it has a far more streamlined modern look than most air rifles of that period. The condition is extraordinary retaining at least 90% bright finish and the stocks are excellent albeit the toe is bit shy to plate. The gun is in working order but the pump seal needs replacing to actually work properly. Hannusch states that "over the years, I've had the opportunity to examine a handful of these early pneumatic Giffards" Having catalogued hundreds of older pneumatic rifles, this is the first of this type this writer has ever seen or heard of and would guess that it would be harder yet to find one in this condition. ANTIQUE