Brothers David and Joseph Lurch were listed as gallery gun makers in New York as early as 1863. "JOS. LURCH, N.Y." marked on the top flat at the breech. Air guns of this style were used primarily for indoor target shooting. This gallery air gun has a swivel breech, octagon barrel chambered in approximately .30 caliber/7.5 mm with a smooth bore, dovetail mounted beaded blade front sight and notch rear sight, and is mounted with a walnut forend and buttstock with a checkered wrist. It functions through the use of hand crank (not included) that is inserted in the right side for cocking in order to fill the cylinder reservoir, and upon pulling the trigger the spring loaded piston releases. Circular brass collection tag marked "R.D. BEEMAN/PRIVATE/COLLECTION/792" hanging from the trigger guard. Provenance: The Dr. Robert D. Beeman Collection

Very good, retains traces of original blue finish and 50% original nickel finish with smooth brown patina on the balance. The wood is good with scattered scratches, a few small chips, a crack visible on the left of the wrist, a reattached section at the toe, and clear checkering. Mechanically untested.