A Pair of 50 Bore Flintlock Tap-Action Pistols by H.W. Mortimer, Gun Maker to His Majesty, circa 1785-90. With brass turn-off barrels numbered, 1, 2, 3 and 4, the breeched numbered correspondingly, brass box-lock actions finely engraved with trophies of arms and rococo foliage, signed on a pair of scrolls on the left and inscribed 'Gunmaker to his Majesty' on the right, and tap-levers on the left, fitted with sliding thumb-piece safety-catches also locking the steels and folding triggers, and flat sided walnut butts. 

MORTIMER

Harvey Walklate

Son of Harvey Walklate, apprenticed to father, 1791; free of Farriers Co., 1799. Gunmaker in partnership with father and uncle as H.W. Mortimer, Son & T. Mortimer, 1800-1807; with father as H.W. Mortimer & Son, 1808-14; own business as gunmaker, 89 Fleet Street., 1814-22; 4 East Street., Hoxton, 1823-4. 

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

Provenance:

Vince Caponi, New York, 1990 and Holt's London, 14th December 2006, lot 456.

Dimensions:

Bore: 50-Bore

Barrel Length: 2.5 Inches (6.35 cm)

Overall Length: 7 Inches (17.78 cm)