#36 • A Very Rare Ball Reservoir English Air Pistol By William Wilson

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $1,000.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

.370 bore diameter, 8" octagonal to round tapered barrel, NSN (ca. 1780). An exceptionally rare late 18th-century English Ball Reservoir Air Pistol crafted by the celebrated gunsmith William Wilson of London. While "wind guns" were occasionally commissioned as sporting long arms, true air pistols from this era are very rare in antique firearms collecting. They are very rarely seen outside of museum collections. Constructed of steel with English walnut stock. Stock with silver inlay wire behind the tang.  Lockplate marked "Wilson". The metal was cleaned many years ago.  It is very sharp and crisp overall. An extremely rare pistol in very good condition.