A Flintlock Mail Coach Pistol by J. Harding, No. 158. With brass barrel signed in full and numbered along the top flat towards the breech, J HARDING BOROUGH LONDON 158, stamped with Hardings proofs and London proofs and engraved FOR HIS MAJESTYS MAIL COACHES around the muzzle, plain steel tang, signed flat bevelled lock fitted with sliding safety catch, dated 1800 on the tail and stamped with Hardings proof, figured walnut full-stock (spliced rapid to fore-end) with rounded butt, brass mounts  of regulation type, with scrolling side-plate, butt cap and trigger guard, brass ramrod pipes with brass tipped ramrod. 

J. HARDING

James Harding, Gunmaker 4 Blackman St. Borough 1810, 38 Blackman Street 1811-24; 99 Blackman Street 1825-7; 82 Blackman Street, 1828-33. Gunmaker to General Post Office (brass barrelled mail coach pistols and blunderbusses); Union St. Police Office, Southwark, form 1816.  

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

Dimensions:

Bore:

Barrel Length: 9 Inches (22.86 cm)

Overall Length: 14.5 Inches (36.83 cm)