Thomas Banister is listed by Blackmore as apprenticed to Robert Silke and Robert Brooke and became free of the Gunmakers Co. in 1676, submitted his proof piece in 1678, and as elected assistant in 1697. He was an ordnance contractor 1680-1707 and a Hudson's Bay Co. contractor in 1684-1701. In 1724, he was given a pension as he was ill and destitute. The pistols feature cannon shaped multi-stage barrels with bands of engraving, "T/BANISTER" signed on top of the engraved breech sections, "T. BANISTER" signed along the lower edges of the scroll engraved locks, iron serpent sideplates, a bust engraved on the trigger guards, foliate engraving on the thin caps, and highly figured rootwood stocks.

Very good with gray and brown patina, mostly distinct engraving and markings, oxidation, and mild wear. The stock has stunning figure, some cracks, and spots of filler. The lock has been repaired but needs adjustments.

See "A."

Very good with gray and brown patina, mild oxidation/pitting, mostly distinct markings and engraving, and mild overall wear. The stock has very attractive figure, some splicing and filler, and small chips. Mechanically fine.