A Harding Pistol of Mail Coach Inspectors Type.
An untouched flintlock overcoat pistol with belt hook by J. Harding of Mail Coach pattern, either for Inspectors of Mail Coaches or Post Boys. With octagonal barrel stamped ‘BOROUGH LONDON’ along the top flat, decorated with a band of geometric design toward the breech, border engraved tang and screw, stepped bevelled lock, fitted with a sliding safety catch and signed ‘HARDING’, full-stocked in walnut with brass furniture including trigger guard decorated with a shield on the bow and pineapple finial, brass ramrod pipes and brass tipped ramrod. With steel belt hook fitted to the side. An interesting pistol.
There are various references to pistols by Harding of this size and style. See, "Those Entrusted with Arms” by Frederick Wilkinson, Appendix 4 pages 257-258. The ark of a crown above a broad arrow often appears on barrels and locks of this pattern. However, as Wilkinson states, this, "special mark is found on many, but not all, of Hardings coaching weapons”.
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