Late 18th Century Full Stocked English Offers Pistol Of 0.64" Calibre Signed H W Mortimer
A relatively undecorated but handsome full stocked pistol with its round 23cm steel barrel engraved "H W Mortimer London Gunmaker To His Majesty" with fine engraving to the barrel tang.
The plain stepped and bevelled lock is also signed "H W Mortimer" with a small sunburst design above it and his address "89 Fleet Street" just behind the hammer (which is also florally engraved) and just below the safety catch.
The horn tipped wooden ramrod has a worm unloading tool attached and this fits snugly into the brass ramrod pipes, which makes me feel that this is original.
The brass trigger guard carries a finely engraved Stand Of Arms and continues the sunburst design as does the military style brass sideplate.
There is a brass oval escutcheon at the shoulder of the butt which interestingly carries a name rather than crest or initials, "A. Sleed".
The stock is of high quality walnut and is smoothly polished. It is also in great condition with only a few bruises evident.
The mainspring is strong and the action is crisp in both half and full position with the sliding safety catch operating as it should.
Harvey Walklate Mortimer was the eldest of 3 brothers (the others being Thomas and Jackson) and son to Samuel Mortimer. He was born in 1753, retired from Gunmaking in 1811 and passed away in 1819.
He was a well known and highly regarded Gunmaker, being a Contemporary of Robert Wogdon and in 1783 he was appointed as Gunmaker to King George III and operated from 89 Fleet Street in London.
Being 0.64" calibre which is a common calibre used by the Cavalry and having the military type sideplate, are the reasons that I have titled this piece as an Officers Pistol. Maybe A. Sleed was a Cavalry Officer?
A fine quality pistol by one of the famous London Gunmakers.
Barrel length 23cm, Overall length 35cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
