A CASED 54 & 180-BORE COMBINATION CRANKED-STOCK AIR-CANE SIGNED G.E. LEWIS, BIRMINGHAM, no visible serial number, circa 1880, with 18 1/2in. barrel-section with diminutive open-sights and concealed key-cocked trigger (key absent), the internal brass rifled barrel insert detaching, the brass muzzle-cap with integral mahogany ramrod, 17 3/4in. cranked air-reservoir signed on the valve-face 'G.E. LEWIS, BIRMINGHAM', the whole retaining much painted and lacquered wood-grain effect finish and together with the majority of its period oak storage-case, compartmented and relined with green baize and including a pump and valve removal key, the top of lid absent (brass circular escutcheon retained. Pre-1939

Composed of several subsidiaries, the Drouot Group is a major player in the art market. Hôtel Drouot, located in the heart of Paris, has been the world's largest public auction center since 1852. 15 salerooms are available to more than 70 auction houses. The emulation generated by an annual offer of 230,000 artworks from 21 major specialities - from Antiquity to street art - attracts some 3,000 visitors every day. The Group's digital platform, Drouot.com, offers digital sales - Live auctions (live broadcasting and participation in auctions), Online-only auctions (dematerialised auctions) and Buy Now sales (sales of lots at fixed prices). Nearly 2 million items are offered annually by 600 auction houses. Auction news is reported every week in La Gazette Drouot, the leading weekly magazine for the art market and culture published by Auctionspress.