With brass two-stage barrel with belled elliptical muzzle fitted above with a sprung bayonet and engraved ‘LONDON’ on the top flat, struck with London proofs and barrel smiths mark ‘RM’ engraved brass tang, rounded lock signed ‘Richards London’ full stocked in walnut with raised mouldings around the lock and barrel tang (crack underneath the lock) brass furniture including long-eared butt cap decorated with scrolling foliage and with stand of arms design on the pommel, engraved trigger guard with acanthus leaf finial, turned ram-rod pipe, retaining original steel ramrod with worm. An incredibly scarce pistol in lovely unmolested condition. 

RICHARDS 

John From Birmingham (?) free of Gunmakers Co., by redemption, 1781. Gunmaker, 114 Strand (corner of the Savoy Steps), 1775-7; 25 Strand, 1778-80; 4 Ball Alley, Lombard Street, 1781-3; 54 Strand (near the Adelphi) 1782-1808, 55 Strand, 1809-21. Died 1821. 

Or possibly

Thomas Gunmaker, Birmingham, 1747-84. Registered silversmiths mark at Birmingham, 1773-4. Died 1779. Marked guns ‘LONDON’. 

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

Dimensions:

Bore: N/A

Barrel Length: 6.5 Inches (17 cm)

Overall Length: 13 Inches (33 cm)