A Very Fine Octagonal Action Cannon Barrel Flintlock Holster Pistol by Parr. 12” overall, 5 ¼” turn off 25 bore cannon barrel, with reinforcing ring at muzzles with London proofs & foreigners mark. Octagonal centre action box lock with florally engraved side panels signed ‘I. Parr’ in a ribbon. Engraved throat hole cock with facetted top & bottom jaws, raised rectangular pan with facetted frizzen, rectangular sliding safety trigger guard. Octagonal walnut butt conforming to the action, lavishly inlayed with silver wire, silver floral butt cap (hallmark indistinct) all screws with engraved heads.
Circa 1765.
In good condition, all silver wire present, minor old closed split in the butt.
A virtuoso piece of gun making of the highest quality & a possibly unique design. As the barrel & action are not numbered probably not one of a pair.
John Parr, Liverpool 1765-1800.