Retailed by the famous York gunmaker Thomas Horsley, this fine pepperbox revolver dates to the mid-19th century. With casehardened fluted barrel block engraved with a band of stylized foliage at each muzzle. Casehardened bar hammer action finely engraved with scrollwork and signed “HORSLEY YORK” on the left side and “IMPROVED REVOLVING PISTOL” on the right. Blued trigger and border and scroll engraved trigger guard. Figured walnut butt with fine multipoint checkering covering nearly all its surface, inset with a blank silver oval initial escutcheon and with scroll engraved casehardened butt cap with hinged trap cover, the last engraved with a flowerhead. Birmingham proof marks. In a fitted mahogany case lined in red velvet with accessories including iron pincer type bullet mold with stem extending to a ramrod, a brass mounted cleaning rod with worm, powder flask and turnscrew.

Very fine. The barrel block and action each with crisp engraving and retaining 90% original casehardened finish. Trigger and trigger guard each retaining traces of original blued finish, the remainder a mottled discolored patina, engraving crisp. Butt with well-defined crisp checkering. Mechanically needs work. Case is generally good with some wear and fading to the lining and a repaired lid. The accessories are generally good. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.