British Brass-Frame Flintlock Turn-Off Pistol by William Parker of London

NSN, .48 Caliber, 1 1/2" barrel with a very good, mildly freckled bore.  This is an attractive and well-made pistol that has a thickly walled steel barrel with geometric leaf engraving at the muzzle, and an overall mottled gray and plum-brown patina that carries over onto the iron frizzen, centrally-hung hammer, folding trigger, and functional sliding safety catch.  Some tool marks are present at the muzzle as well, indicative of the barrel spanner being missing for quite a long time.  The brass frame has deep London proofs on the underside, with an overall bright yellow-ochre patina, and engraving on the sides and underside of the box frame.  The left side has the maker’s name and address in an oval: "W. PARKER / HOLBORN"; while the right side has, "LONDON".  The bag-shaped, uncheckered walnut grip has a blank octagonal escutcheon on the back, with scattered small handling marks and small surface blemishes throughout.  William Parker (1794 – 1841) operated at 233 High Holborn St., London, for his entire career.  He was listed as the gun-maker to HRH the Duke of Kent in 1801, and after his death, the business continued as Parker, Field & Sons.  This example of his work is quite handsome, and is in very good plus condition overall.  Antique