John Blissett (1808-1872) was the son of Isaac Blissett who was a gun dealer, maker, as well as a jeweler and perfumer. John is listed as an independent gunmaker and jeweler as early as 1832. In 1867, he partnered with his son William and formed the firm John Blissett & Son, but died just five years later. William nonetheless continued on under the partnership's name. Among Blissett's patents are an air-gun walking stick in 1847, revolver loading lever in 1855, and "improvements in the construction of revolving chamber fire-arms" also in 1855. This pepperbox is engraved with intricate scrollwork on the action, hammer, and trigger guard and has engraving accents on the border of the muzzle and on the screws. The right side of the action is inscribed "IMPROVED/REVOLVING PISTOL," and the left side has "JOHN BLISSETT/321 HIGH HOLBORN/LONDON." The address places the date of manufacture between 1836 and 1850. The breech end of the barrel group has 1-5 on the barrels and London proofs on the concave ribs. It has a sliding hammer catch and smooth walnut grips. It comes in a hardwood case with John Blissett label, an English fitted interior with two covered compartments, a bore rod, cleaning jag, two containers for cap, a tiny brass powder flask, brass oiler, and a blued ball mold marked "42."

Very fine as period refurbished. The barrel group and hammer retain nearly all of rich case colors. The proofs on the barrel group proofmarks and markings have been finished over. The trigger guard retains 85% plus of the original blue finish, and the hammer catch retains traces. The nickel action has a lightly aged patina and incredibly crisp engraving. There are some hammer marks on the butt. The grips are fine and have a few slight dings and scratches and a couple of small chips on the edge of the left at the junction with the action. The action functions fine. The case is very good and has a crack in the lid as well as varnish loss due to chemical spill. The accessories are all very good.