Manufactured in circa 1835-40 by Henry Tatham (1804-1860), son of Henry Tatham who had worked in partnership with Joseph Egg. Tatham is first recorded at 24 Pall Mall, an address alluded to on the bottom of the trade label in the lid of the case, between 1825 and 1834. He took over his father’s premises at 37 Charing Cross in 1834 and remained there until his death in 1860, sharing the premises with John Prosser from 1857. With barrel block of elongated octagonal form with acid etched damascus pattern to the flats, the top flat with silver colored blade front sight, signed “Tatham London”, inlaid with two gold lines and with scroll engraved tang incorporating the notch rear sight. Casehardened engraved side locks each signed “Tatham” and with blued safety catch and blued exposed mainspring linked to the base of the hammer. Blued triggers and scroll engraved trigger guard. Figured walnut butt with fine multi-point checkering, and border engraved silver butt cap with blued screw fit ramrod with worm covered by a removable brass cap. Birmingham proof marks. In original mahogany fitted case lined in green velvet, the lid with printed blue ink Henry Tatham trade label declaring “Gun & Pistol Maker to the Royal Family”. With some accessories, including a very fine brass mounted copper three way pistol flask, a white metal cleaning/loading rod and an iron pincer type bullet mold.

Fine. The etched “damascus” pattern is clear throughout as is the barrel signature. The barrel block has a plum colored patina. The locks retain 85% faded original casehardened finish with 50% original bluing remaining on the mainsprings. The triggers each retain 50% original blued finish, the trigger guard is a dark patina. The butt has crisp checkering and minor storage and handling blemishes. The right spring has a fracture, but otherwise, it is mechanically fine. The case is in very good condition with some external storage and handling marks, one corner scuffed. The lining is age stained from the pistol, some storage wear, one partition is loose. Powder flask is in exceptionally crisp condition. Some wear and age staining to the label. Provenance: The Malcolm King Collection.