An Incredibly Rare Pair of Flintlock Wender Pistols by Wilson of London. With tapering octagonal to round barrels, signed ‘Minories London’ along the top flat and stamped with London proofs at the breech, released by a baluster catch incorporated in the trigger guards, long slender tangs decorated with foliage, both with two screws, flat bevelled back-action locks, decorated with scrolling foliate and signed ‘WILSON’ on a scroll, the forward sections of the lock each engraved en suite, figured walnut butts inlaid with silver wire, one in the shape of a trophy, the other scrolling foliage, an incredibly rare pair of pistols. 

WILSON

Richard born 1703. Apprenticed to uncle, Thomas Green, 1718; free of Gunmakers Co., 1725. Proof piece and mark, 1730. Elected Assistant, 1734; Master, 1741. Gunmaker, at the Fowler, Minories, took over business of Agnes Green, 1730. Contractor to Ordnance, from 1746; East India Co., 1733-6; Hudson’s Bay Co., 1730-56; Royal African Co., 1739. With son, William, became Richard & William Wilson & Co., 1757-9; Richard Wilson & Co., 1759-66. Died 1766.

William Son of Richard born 1732. Apprenticed to father, 1747; free of Gunmakers Co., 1754. Proof pieces, 1756. Elected Assistant, 1756; Master, 1760, 1769, 1772, 1774. Took Livery, 1778. Became partner with father, 1756. After fathers death in 1766, used same mark, traded as William Wilson & Co., 154 Minories, 1767-93; then as William Wilson & Son, 1794 until his death in 1808. Contractor to Ordnance, East India Co., Hudson Bay Co. and America. Succeeded by William.  

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

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