This is a classic "Queen Anne" style pistol with turn-off cannon barrel, silver furniture including the iconic grotesque mask cap, and integral breech and lock with the frizzen spring folded between the cock and flash pan. As is generally the case with "Queen Anne" pistols, it was manufactured during the Georgian era. It is marked "LONDON" on top, "JOHN HARMAN" on the lower right, London private proof and view marks flanking Harman's maker mark on the bottom, and "JH" and an unclear hallmark on the butt. There is nice shell carving at the upper tang, well-sculpted flats, and attractive engraving accents. Harman completed his apprenticeship in 1714 and was already a gunmaker to the Prince of Wales by 1729 and also manufactured guns for the Duke of Cornwall. Guns by Harman are still on display in the British royal collections. He was active until around 1760. The silver mounts are nearly identical to most of those on the pair by Hutchinson in lot 2256. Note the mask elements on the front of the left side plate and the top of the thumb plate.

Very good with mostly even gray patina, some light spotting, some minor marks from using a barrel wrench, attractive aged patina on the silver, few dents and scratches in the stock, and overall crisp markings and designs. Mechanically excellent.