Beschreibung:

A RARE 8MM. FRENCH GIFFARD 1873 PATENT BREECH-LOADING GAS GUN FOR BALL OR SHOT No. 9000, circa 1885 With blued round sighted barrel stamped 'Manufacture Française D'Armes Et Cycles De Saint-Etienne', blued frame engraved with vine leaves and sprays of foliage, cylindrical breech-block with knurled knob and pressure regulator with serial number matching the barrel, central hammer, engraved trigger-guard and straps, adjustable trigger, walnut butt (minor defects), chequered grip, and gutta-percha butt-plate (partly replaced), the gas cylinder numbered 43712 (the metal with some original finish, partly turning to brown, and with scattered minor surface pitting) 24½in. (62.2cm.) barrel