Description
An early 19th century silver mounted flintlock horse pistol by H W Mortimer ( Harvey Walklate Mortimer ). Mortimer started his gun making business in 1775 at 6 Drury lane, London, a year later moving to Great Queens street in Lincoln’s inn fields and finally on to 89 Fleet street, London for the duration of his career. In 1783 he became gun maker to the king and received his Royal appointment from king George 3rd that year. In 1791 he was joined by his son H W Mortimer and the company then traded under the name of H W Mortimer & Son and not Walklate. In 1811 Mortimer senior retired due to ill health and the business was carried forward by his son and was gun maker to king George in 1805, retiring in 1816. This silver mounted pistol originally made for the eastern market but when purchased spent its life in Britain. fifteen inches overall with a nine inch, three stage, octagonal to round.65 bore barrel. The barrel signed London. The walnut full stock inlayed with silver foliated scrolls, crescents, trophy of arms, star bursts and a martial escutcheon. The mounts and butt cap of hallmarked silver ( I.B )The lock with semi rainproof pan and roller frizzen, signed Walklate. The pistol shows ware and has some losses to the silver wire inlay but around 80% still remains. The action is strong and very crisp.
