John Waters is listed on page 56 of "English Gunmakers: The Birmingham and Provincial Gun Trade in the 18th and 19th Century" by Bailey and Nie as active 1766-1788 and "Granted British Patent No. 1284 of 9 Mar. 1781 for attaching bayonets to pistols; is generally credited with the invention of the 'spring bayonet.'" The pistol has "Patent/ No 71" on the left side of the action indicating this is the 71st gun he produced with his spring bayonet, "Waters & Co." on the right side, cross scepter proofs on the bottom of the barrel, sliding half-cock safety, a second sliding trigger that releases the bayonet which has a drum shaped attachment mechanism rather than the more simplified spring mechanisms used on later "snap bayonet" guns, and a walnut grip with silver escutcheon and grotesque mask cap. The cap has the Birmingham hallmarks: anchor, lion passant guardant, date code "H" for 1780, and "CF" for Birmingham silversmith Charles Freeth. The muzzle flares to 1 inch, but the bore is smaller and estimated above.

Good overall with pleasant aged patinas on the silver and brass, mottled gray and brown patina and mild pitting on the iron, light scratches and dings on the grip, and legible markings. The spring for the bayonet is weak but functional, and the action is mechanically good.