A Superb Flintlock Musketoon by R. Wilson of London.
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36” overall, 20” three stage barrel of about 16 bore, with bell shaped muzzle, engraved with ‘LONDON’ and stamped with London proofs and Wilson’s barrel smith mark, foliate engraved tang incorporating shallow sighting groove, signed border engraved lock, fitted with a sliding safety catch. Full stocked in walnut with raised foliate apron around the tang and lock, beautifully cast and chased brass mounts comprising side plate depicting a hunter and his dogs, vacant escutcheon, foliate engraved butt plate with hidden compartment opened by a button for shot, foliate engraved trigger guard with acanthus leaf finial and foliate engraved ramrod pipes, with brass tipped ramrod with worm.
Circa 1750,
Very fine and unusual gun in very crisp condition.
Richard Wilson born 1703. Apprenticed to his uncle Thomas Green, 1718; free of Gunmakers Co., 1725. Proof piece and mark, 1730. Elected Assistant, 1734; Master, 1741. Gunmaker, at the Fowler, Minories, took over business of Agnes Green, 1730. Contractor to Ordnance, from 1746; East India Co., 1733-6; Hudson’s Bay Co., 1730-56; Royal African Co., 1739. With son William became Richard & William Wilson & Co., 1757-9; Richard Wilson & Co., 1759-66. Died 1766.