A 28-Bore Percussion Duelling Pistol by Beckwith, London. Converted from flintlock, with browned octagonal barrel, signed, ‘Beckwith London’ in script along the top flat, case hardened breech with double gold-line decoration, profusely engraved barrel tang, stepped lock with sliding safety catch, retaining tracers of original colour, set-trigger, half-stocked in walnut with slab sided grip and bands of chequering, blued, engraved spurred trigger-guard, decorated with stands of arms on the bow and stylised pineapple finial, steel ramrod pipes and original brass tipped ramrod with worm.
BECKWITH
William Andrew. Apprenticed to Wattell Clark, 1785; free of Gunmakers Co., 1801. Elected Assistant (and Livery) 1805; Master, 1808, 1814, 1825, 1840. Died 1841. Gunmaker, 58 Skinner St., Snow Hill, 1802-41. 125 Strand, 1818-2. Contractor to Ordnance, 1838; East India Co., 1823-41. Business continued at 58 Skinner St., by Widow Elizabeth 1841-68. Contractor to East India Co., as Elizabeth Beckwith & Son, 1842-53.
Howard L. Blackmore (1986) Gunmakers Of London, 1350-1850. George Shumway Publisher. USA.
Dimensions:
Bore: 28 Bore
Barrel Length: 9 Inches (23 cm)
Overall Length: 14 Inches (35.5 cm)