This is a nice Irish made antique percussion traveling pistol. It is 9” overall length with a 4” octagonal sighted barrel. The action plate is signed `Parkinson Dublin’ (Internet resources reveal John Parkinson first appears in the Dublin trade directory of 1826, where he is listed in error as Parkins (sic). This business traded in Arran Quay from the around 1825 through to 1916. As with so many establishments during this period the expansion of the city of Dublin led to door number changes and we doubt if Parkinson ever moved? John Parkinson Trading Dates: 1823/1824 59 Prussia Street 1825-1833 22 Arran Quay 1834-1844 19 Arran Quay 1845-1916 17 Arran Quay The Company described itself as "Manufacturers of Guns of Every Description on the most approved principles equal to any of the best London work" (see page 76 of English Irish & Scottish Firearms Makers by Carey where a Dublin gunmaker by the name of Parkinson is listed C1860). The top barrel flat is very faintly marked ‘Dublin’ alongside period Irish Registration mark DU-1835 (the Irish Registration Act was passed in 1843 and lasted only a short while, until August 1846. There were 39 districts (34 counties, 4 boroughs and Dublin City) each with its own two letter prefix followed by a number. Dublin’s prefix was DU). The smooth bore has just light staining consistent with age and use. The action tang & trigger guard with finial & Dolphin hammer have tooled foliate decoration. The all original Walnut fish tail stock has finely chequered grip panels. The stock has an inlaid void white metal escutcheon. One side of the stock has a small old stable crack at the stock screw which can be seen in image 3. The price for this pistol worthy of further research regarding the maker includes UK delivery. NB. As an antique percussion pistol no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 22740
£695.00