This is a very pretty percussion pistol made by a well-known gun maker and dating about 1835-1840. The pistol is stocked to the muzzle and fitted with a swivel ramrod, and a belt hook on the left. The wood is very good, with a few light handling marks, a little roughness around the left side screw and wedge, but no cracks or chips, and the round grip is finely checkered. The edges are very good and the fit to the metal is tight. The barrel is secured with a single wedge at front. The ramrod is retained by the swivel and a rear entry pipe. The lock is engraved with floral scrolls behind the hammer and along the midline forward with the maker’s name “W. PARKER” in small letters at the upper forward end. The hammer, like the plate, has border lines and floral motifs and is checked on the upper side, on both spur and arch, emphasizing its dolphin profile. The bolster has a silver plug. Lock and hammer have a pleasing thin, mottled blue.

The octagonal barrel has floral-scroll engraved panels at the breech next to the nipple, and on the breechplug tang, the two panels set off by narrow bands. The breechplug screw is engraved, as is the hammer screw. The barrel is finely engraved “Wm. PARKER HOLBORN LONDON.” The metal is smooth, with no pitting, and shows some thin blue, more at the breech, with the forward portions showing more gray and caramel, with just hints of what might have been a faux-damascus patterning originally. The front sight is in place. The mechanics are good. The belt hook shows some blue. The only roughness to the wood is on the left side, at the wedge and the upper lockscrew. This might be from actual wear on a waistband, though that around the wedge is more likely from getting it out to remove the barrel or tapping it back into place.

William Parker (ca. 1773-1841) worked at 233 High Holborn and 10 Chambers Street from about 1793 to his death at age 68 in 1841. In addition to civilian arms, he produced arms for the British military, police, and for some for some foreign governments, doing rough stocking, setting up, and supplying complete arms that included muskets, rifles, blunderbusses, carbines, and pistols. He had royal warrants and was gunmaker to the Duke of Kent, Prince Edward, and William IV. The firm was subsequently Parker, Field & Co., until about 1850, and then Parker, Field & Sons to about 1886.

This is a very nicely made single shot percussion pistol as would be carried by a gentleman while traveling or walking out. The swivel arrangement makes sure the ramrod won’t get lost if the owner has to reload in an unsteady coach. The belt hook enables him to carry it on his person if he chooses. The caliber, .54, lets him make a persuasive argument against interference.  [sr] [ph:m]

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