A Superb Percussion Pocket Pistol by W. Mill of London; Numbered 214. With blued sighted octalgonal turn-off barrel signed 'W.MILLS 120 HOLBORN LONDON' along the top flat, breech engraved 'IMPROVED' stamped below with Birmingham Proofs, the number '214' and 'WM', the action profusely engraved with scrolling foliage, cock and trigger guard engraved en-suite, highly figured slab-sided walnut butt cut with bands of chequering to the edges and incorporating a barrel key with beautifully decorated border, originally this would have been one of a pair, silver escutcheon engraved with a Barons Coronet over an 'A'. This pistol is in outstanding condition retaining virtually all of its original finish.  

MILLS

Williams 3 Apprentice to William Parker, 1797. Gunmaker, 59 Judd Street., Brunswick Square., 1821; 120 High Holborn, 1822-43. Factory at 1 King Street. Trade label claimed gunmaker to Queen Victoria. Made guns with superimposed charges on Jacob Mould's Pat.; revolvers of E.H. Colliers patent., Circa1830-5. Died 1837. Business continued by son, William Frederick, under father's name, and as W. Mills & Son. Gunmaker to Ordnance, 1836-9; East India Co., 1836-43. Bankrupt, 1843. 

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