John Dust was a gunmaker in London c. 1761- 1783 and produced a limited number of these distinctive brass frame tap-action pistols. Using a combination of rotating pans and a sliding pan cover for the left barrels controlled on the left side of the frame, this pistol is designed to allow a shooter to fire four separate shots without reloading, an incredible feat in an era in which most firearms were single shot and firing multiple shot either meant carrying additional weapons or reloading. A tap-action pistol could potentially help a man fend off multiple-attackers or make up for missed or non-fight ending shots. The barrels are numbered 0-3. The frame has London proof and view marks by each barrel, "J-DUST" on the left side near the bottom, martial themed engraving, and "LONDON" on the right side. It has a sliding safety, burst engraving on the top jaw as well as the sliding pan cover and pan "wheel," border engraving on the frizzen, and checkering along the back of the stock.

Fine with gray and brown patina on the iron, aged patina on the brass frame, mostly crisp markings and engraving, mild oxidation, and general mild wear. The grip has some cracks on the right, crisp checkering, a few dings, and minor handling wear. Mechanically fine. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.