Magnificent Silver Mounted Gold Decorated English Flintlock Holster Pistol Made For Presentation By Richards (William 1798-1802)

12 inch octagonal to 16 side, to round barrel separated by two gold bands, .65 caliber. The bright blued barrel decorated throughout its length with gold Damascening depicting trophies of arms flags, and leafy tendrils. The breech inlaid with engraved gold band and tang entirely encased in gold. “LONDON” marked in a gold reserve. Deeply sunken British proofs. Brought blued bolted front action lock with push on safety with gold sawtooth border. Swan neck hammer inlaid with gold ensuite with the lock. Bright blued top jaw, blued frizzen spring, engraved frizzen, gold lined sophisticated rainproof pan and gold lined touch-hole.

Silver mounts of the highest quality fully hallmarked on triggerguard and spurred buttcap. The sideplate of silver cast and chased in high relief with trophy of arms, fasces, and flags. Triggerguard with trophy of arms. Spurred buttcap cast and chased in high relief with trophy of arms and cornucopia. All the mounts are works of the silversmith’s art.

The dark walnut fullstock profusely decorated throughout with flowers, scrolls, tendrils and large silver thumb piece. The stock inlaid at wrist with a large silver stand of arms. The pistol retains its original ivory tipped ramrod with brass worm.

Condition is excellent. Barrel has nearly 98% bright blue with all elaborate gold decoration intact. The lock with 98% bright blue and perfect gold border. Silver mounts rate excellent throughout. Stock inlay is nearly 100% with little wear.

This is a truly magnificent pistol. Action is excellent and bore is good. 18 and 1/2 inches overall. Please do not compare this museum quality work of art with the commonly encountered silver mounted English flintlock pistol made for the Ottoman market. This is a pistol is on entirely different level of quality.