A RARE IRISH RIFLED AIR-CANE in two sections, the sighted lower section forming the barrel and with button trigger, the muzzle with screw-on brass cap incorporating a wooden ramrod, the upper section forming the reservoir, pierced for a tassel and with screw-on silver cap signed around the bottom edge, and engraved with owner's initial M, a Earl's coronet above, painted overall in imitation of bamboo (minor damage); together with its original screw-on figured walnut skeleton butt with chequered pistol grip, and signed iron mount engraved with foliage, signed Rigby. Fecit. Dublin, circa 1843

Details
A RARE IRISH RIFLED AIR-CANE in two sections, the sighted lower section forming the barrel and with button trigger, the muzzle with screw-on brass cap incorporating a wooden ramrod, the upper section forming the reservoir, pierced for a tassel and with screw-on silver cap signed around the bottom edge, and engraved with owner's initial M, a Earl's coronet above, painted overall in imitation of bamboo (minor damage); together with its original screw-on figured walnut skeleton butt with chequered pistol grip, and signed iron mount engraved with foliage, signed Rigby. Fecit. Dublin, circa 1843
21¼in barrel (2)

Lot Essay

This appears to be one of only five similar weapons made by Rigby and is very likely to be the 'Air cane to load behind with shoulder stock' listed in the business ledgers of the company. See D.H.L. Back, Great Irish Gunmakers: Messrs Rigby 1760-1869, p. 99

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