A Flintlock Officers Pistol by H. Nock, London. With browned sighted barrel, engraved ‘H. NOCK LONDON’ along the top flat, and fitted with a single platinum line and platinum touch-hole, profusely engraved tang, fitted with rear-sight, stepped bevelled lock, signed ‘H. NOCK’ and fitted with a sliding safety catch, full-stocked in walnut (crack running underneath) and cut with chequering at the grip, vacant rectangular escutcheon, steel trigger guard decorated with a shield surrounded by foliage on the bow and pineapple finial, turned ramrod pipe and captive ramrod. 

NOCK Henry

New pattern lock rejected by Ordnance in 1770. Gunlock smith. Made set of gauges for Gunmakers Company Proof House, 1781. Free of Gunmakers Co., by redemption 1784. Took Livery, 1795. Elected Assistant, 1798; Master 1802. Appointed Gunsmith-in-Ordinary to George III, 1789. In celebration of King's health recovery, displayed at Ludgate Hill 'an Imperial Crown, beautifully ornamented and very rich illumination of coloured lamps' (St. James's Chronicle, 25 April 1789). Made 7-barrelled rifled and pistol for Prince of Wales, 1790-2 (Royal Collection at Windsor Nos 154, 203). Contractor to Ordnance, 1771-1804; East India Co. (and Royal East India Volunteer Regt.) made 7 barrel guns, 1780; screwless lock 1786; wall piece, 1788; Duke of Richmond's Musket, 1792; Royal Horse Artillery Pistol, 1793...succeeded by James Wilkinson. 

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

Dimensions:

Bore: 15 Bore

Barrel Length: 8 Inches (20.32 cm)

Overall Length: 13 Inches (33.02 cm)