British Brass Frame Tap-Action Flintlock Pistol by Taylor of Beverley

NSN, .41 Caliber, 1 1/2" barrels with fine, lightly freckled bores.  This is an attractive and well-made pistol that has a tap-action pan allowing for sequential or volley firing of the top and bottom barrels.  The barrels both have a dull gray patina with some darker freckling scattered about, heaviest towards the muzzles.  The centrally-hung hammer, frizzen, and tap switch have a slightly darker gray patina, while the trigger guard closely matches the barrels.  The brass frame has overall dull yellow-ochre patina, and engraving on the sides of the box frame.  The left side has the maker’s name an oval: "TAYLOR"; while the right side has, "BEVERLEY" (Beverley is a market town in Yorkshire).  The bag-shaped, uncheckered walnut grip is fairly loose, and has a blank oval escutcheon on the back, with scattered small handling marks and small surface blemishes throughout.  The action itself is firm and fully functional, as is the sliding safety.  William Taylor was a gunmaker in Beverley, Yorkshire who operated 1821 - 1842.  The business was continued by his daughter Elizabeth, who kept the firm going until 1857.  This is a very nice little tap-action from a provincial maker, and is in good plus condition overall.  Antique