A RARE NORTH GERMAN BUTT RESERVOIR AIRGUN BY HAUSCHKA, CIRCA 1770 with two-stage barrel formed with an octagonal breech (fore-sight removed), border-engraved iron action (light pitting), signed on the top, decorated with a trophy-of-arms, a stag vignette in a rococo frame on the left and with trigger-cocking lever, and external mainspring on the right, and leather-covered iron butt, 46.5 cm barrel Johann Sebastian Hauschka (1695-1775) is recorded as a gunmaker, engraver, mother-of-pearl and ivory carver from Schamlkalden, Saxony. He became court gunmaker to August Wilhem, Duke of Brunswick in 1721 and master in 1724. In 1733 he received an Imperial commission from Empress Maria Theresa for a presentation rifle to the Prince of Salm.

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