British Queen Anne Style Turn-Off Pistol by James Willmore of London

NSN, .47 Caliber, 2" cannon-style barrel with a good, lightly pitted bore.  This is an elegant pistol that has a mottled blue-black patina mixing with bright pewter gray throughout.  There are some some areas of plum-brown freckling within the pan and around the touch-hole as well.  The maker’s name is engraved on the right underside of the frame in block capitals, "WILLMORE," with a faint "(LON)DON" on the top.  The rounded walnut grip has an ornate escutcheon with engraved armorial crest of a seated griffon, and a teardrop-shaped cap with flower urn, bird, and geometric decorative motifs.  The action is tight and fully functional, as is the sliding safety catch.  James Willmore was a London maker located in Leicester Fields ca. 1740 and was listed as "Gunmaker in Ordinary to King George II."  This is a very well made and handsome pistol, and is in very good-fine condition overall.  Antique