This is a very rare “Air Gun” popular for a short time following the Civil War. Norm Fladerman claims these were used mostly for indoor gallery target shooting. This specimen is classified as a “St. Louis” type. The characteristics of that type are: a trigger guard that pulls down and back to pump, the barrel tips to load, and the forend is brass. However, many of this type were not actually manufactured in St. Louis; many being made in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. This one was made by William Stein of Camden, NJ.  Stein was a gun maker located at 309 Federal Street in Camden, New Jersey during the years 1868-1875.

This air gun is in untouched original condition. Octagonal barrel is 22 ¼” long with moderate surface pitting and rust. Both sights are original and in place; brass blade sight on muzzle and iron notch sight at breech. Barrel tips down upon releasing a swivel latch on the bottom. The bore is clean. It is smoothbore and approximately .30 caliber.  The brass forend, air chamber, and butt plate all have a beautiful dark patina. Trigger guard/pump handle operates by a spring latch at the front end of the guard in front of the trigger. The pump handle operates freely. Wood shoulder stock is nicely shaped featuring a cheek rest on the left side. Wood exhibits moderate scratching to the finish but there are no cracks, gouges, or chips. Two strong maker’s stamps are visible. “W. STEIN / CAMDEN.N.J” appears on the top surface of the barrel and brass air chamber. An interesting detail is that the screws attaching the air chamber to the frame are numbered; the numbers on the screw heads matching numbers stamped on the brass casing.

Because of the scarcity of these, it is hard to determine the short comings of this item. As far as can be determined, there was a leather washer sealing the breech, which is missing. Also the “push rod” that would compress the air in the brass chamber has come detached from the trigger guard/pump handle. Otherwise this is a complete and original piece with a wonderful patina overall.

A rare opportunity for an early, New Jersey-made air rifle.   [jet]

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