A Fine Pair of Flintlock Over and Under Tap Action Pistols by W. Parker, London. With re-blued turn-off barrels numbered from '1' to '4' and each engraved with a band of foliage around the muzzle and breech, border engraved actions numbered to correspond, signed within ovals against a martial trophy over both sides, and decorated with a starburst in front of the tap, engraved re-blued thumb-piece safety-catches also locking the steels, folding triggers (one with loss of blueing), figured flat-sided butts, and vacant silver escutcheons, London proof marks.

Provenance

Christie's London, Antique Arms And Armour, 30 April 1986, lot 135

Bonham’s London, Antique Arms and Armour..., 30 November 2006, lot 387

Parker, William

Gunmaker, worked at 233 High Holborn, 1793-1841; 10 Chamber Street 1839 - 41. Gunmaker to the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward and William IV. He held contracts to ordnance, East India Company and The Hudson's Bay Company. Supplied arms to the London Police from 1803 and Metropolitan Police from 1829. Died aged 68 in 1841. Succeeded by Park Field and Sons. 

Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London 1350-1850. George Shumway Publishers, USA.

Dimensions:

Bore: 54-Bore

Barrel Length: 2 Inches (5.08 cm)

Overall Length: 6.5 Inches (16.51 cm)