British, 19th Century, Percussion Pistol, Made in London by Harris & Co, Obsolete Calibre

*British, 19th Century, Percussion Pistol, Made in London by Harris & Co, Obsolete Calibre*

Marked on the Lock Plate: H... & Co, (Indistinct but we suspect Harris & Co)
Marked on the top of the barrel: London
Marked on left of the barrel: Crown over GP within an oval (1637 London definitive proof mark) and Crown over V within an oval (London View mark).

This elegant percussion pistol was made in London, likely between 1820-1860. The London Gunmakers Proof Marks indicate it was made post 1637. The percussion cap system was introduced around 1807, replacing the earlier flintlock mechanism, and became widely adopted in the 1830s–1860s. The use of "& Co." suggests late 18th Century as "& Co” wasn’t commonly used in company names until the late 18th century. Measuring approximately 13 inches in overall length, it features two silver oval on the grip. The grip displays fine checkering and remains in excellent condition.

Although not all are fully documented, possible candidates for "H.... & Co" include:
Harris & Co – Though not well-documented, Harris is a known surname in British gunsmithing. Some “Harris” marked pistols and muskets from the 1830s–50s do exist, possibly retailers or second-tier makers.
Hollis & Co. / Hollis & Sheath: Hollis & Sheath were Birmingham gunmakers but had distribution in London. They made percussion pistols and long arms in the 1830s–1860s. Sometimes simply marked “H&S” or “Hollis & Co”.
Lacy & Co. / Lacy & Reynolds: Sometimes stylized with ornate script that could be misread as “LL...”. Operated in London, made percussion firearms c.1820–1840.

The London Gunmakers Company, was established by Royal Charter in 1637. The company was empowered to oversee all gunmakers working in London and the surrounding area within 10 miles and to impose tight rules and regulations, including fines for non-compliance. Particular attention was given to quality control, specifically the proof testing of barrels, which were then to be stamped with the company’s mark, a Crowned GP and V. It is arguable whether the major motivation for the introduction of these arrangements was to protect the public or to safeguard the London gunmakers’ monopoly.

*Condition*
This is a lovely pistol in excellent condition. The wood has a lovely patina. The action works - cocks and dry-fires. There is a small crack below the barrel and the wooden ramrod is chipped but looks original. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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