A Large 22-Bore Flintlock Box-Lock Pistol by Richards, Mid 18th Century. With turn-off cannon barrels numbered ‘1’ at the breech, the breech engraved with dog-toothing, border engraved raised ovoidal pan, border engraved rounded action signed beneath a foliate spray and a cannon on ones side and a spray of foliage on the other, sliding trigger guard safety engraved on the bow with a engraved oval, swelling figured rounded butt inlaid with silver wire scrollwork, and highly unusual butt cap with a rampant lion emerging from the ramparts of a castle decorated with scrolling foliage at its borders. London proof marks and barrel smiths mark. 

Richards, Thomas [1750-1780]

Shop in London. Made cannon barrel box-lock flintlock pocket pistols and under Government contract made flintlock holster pistols. 

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

Dimensions:

Bore: 22-Bore

Barrel Length: 5.5 inches (14 cm)

Overall Length: 11.5 Inches (29.21 cm)