Cutler and gunmaker John Prosser operated at 9 Charing Cross, London, from 1796 to 1853 and then worked at 37 Charing Cross from 1854 to 1860. This pistol dates to the earlier part of his career c. 1800. Each lock is signed "PROSSER" and has a sliding safety, frizzen spring roller, and semi-waterproof pan. The browned Damascus barrels are smoothbore, and each have a gold inlaid band at the breech and a gold vent liner. The concave barrel rib has a blade front sight and is signed "-CHARING-CROSS-LONDON." Small London proof and view marks are stamped on the underside of each the barrel. The iron mounts has floral and sunburst engraving with a trophy of arms on the bow of the spurred trigger guard. The silver oval wrist escutcheon is engraved "WDF" in fancy script. The figured walnut half-stock has a flattened, checkered butt which is characteristic of pistols by Prosser. Provenance: The Norman R. Blank Collection

Very good with period refinished brown and distinct Damascus twist patterns along the barrel with bright gold bands and vent liners, aged patina on the silver escutcheons, gray and brown patina on the locks and mounts, mild pitting, detached barrel loop, working replacement safety catches (one with damaged tail), and age related marks and scratches throughout. The re-oiled wood is also very good with crisp checkering, small dings and scratches, and minor loss to the edge by the trigger guard tang on the left. Mechanically fine.