A Fine 120 Bore Flintlock Tap Action Pistol by W. Bond. With round turn-off barrels, decorated with geometric bands towards the muzzles, simple line engraving towards the breech, struck with London proofs, border engraved box-lock action, signed within an oval to the left, profusely engraved with foliage and ‘LONDON’ to the right, fitted with sliding safety catch that also locks the steel, swelling chequered walnut butt with engraved silver butt cap. A lovely pistol.

Bond, William [1768-1776]
William Bond was the founder of a family of gunsmiths in London and was active in gunsmithing until 1776. From 1776 to 1800 Philip Bond had a shop at 45 Cornhill, London. Made brass barrel flintlock pocket pistols with underspring bayonet, and flintlock blunderbusses with spring bayonet. Edward Bond at 45 Cornhill, London, was active from 1800 - 1830. Made flintlock holster pistols with swivel ramrod and double barrel flintlock carbines with top-spring bayonets. William Bond was located at 59 Lombard Street, London, from 1830 to 1850. Made cased percussion travelling pistols of fine workmanship. Edward William Bond (probably son of William) was active 1850 to 1861. Made cased percussion pepperboxes. Edward Bond was active 1861 to 1870 and Edward William Bond (probably junior) from 1870 to 1879.

A. Merwyn Carey (1954) English, Irish and Scottish Firearms Makers, Acro Publishing Company, New York.

BOND William
Son of Edward, apprentice to Richard Williams, 1786; free of Gunmakers Co. By patrimony, 1799. Livery, 1819. Elected Assistant, 1827; Master, 1829. Gunmaker & Sword Cutler, 59 Lombard St., 1803-36. Gunmaker to Grocers Co., 1803; Ordnance, 1835. Died 1836. Business continued by widow, Elizabeth, until 1845.

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

Dimensions:
Bore: 120 Bore
Barrel Length: 1.5 Inches (3.81 cm)
Overall Length: 5 Inches (12.70 cm)