Gunmaker Thomas Hewson of London was active c. 1805-1820 and was operating at No. 36 Piccadilly in 1808-1820 per Blackmore in "Gunmakers of London 1350-1850." Per research on English settlers in South Africa, he emigrated from 36 Piccadilly to South Africa in 1820 and worked as a gunmaker and sheep farmer. The pistols feature smoothbore Damascus barrels equipped with dovetailed brass blade front sights and signed "--HEWSON-LONDON--" in gold inlay on top and London proofed on the underside. The casehardened breech plugs have engraved borders, gold bands. and platinum vent liners. The casehardened standing breeches heave notch rear sights and border, classical martial, and foliate engraving. The flat casehardened locks feature rainproof pans, frizzen spring rollers, sliding half-cock safeties, "-HEWSON-" signed at the centers, and border, foliate, and burst engraving. The pistols feature single set triggers with no visible adjustment screws and stylized pineapple trigger plate finials. The ramrod entry pipes, spurred trigger guards, and pommel caps are blued and display foliate, classical martial, and burst pattern engraving. The forend caps and wedge and wrist escutcheons are silver. The latter are engraved with a crest featuring a spread wing eagle over a torse. The same is also engraved on the case lid escutcheon. The interior of the case lid has a Hewson trade label with the 36 Piccadilly address. The case has green baize lining and contains a rod with covered worm, key, Sykes three-way combination flask, 28 bore mold, screwdriver, and a few balls.

Fine with light refinished brown and distinct Damascus twist patterns along the barrel, bright gold and platinum, aged patina on the silver, light original case colors, 70% original blue finish remaining on the furniture, and generally minor age and storage related wear. The stock is very fine and has a small repair by the escutcheon on the right, attractive figure, crisp checkering, and mild scratches mainly by the lock screw. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are also fine with mild age and storage related wear, including some cracks in the case and dents on the flask.

Provenance: Property of a Distinguished Southern Clergyman

Fine with light refinished brown and distinct Damascus twist patterns along the barrel, bright gold and platinum, dark aged patina on the silver, light original case colors, 70% original blue finish remaining on the furniture, and generally minor age and storage related wear. The stock is very fine with attractive figure, crisp checkering, and minor scratches. Mechanically fine.