This exquisite pistol has an ornate gold inlaid monogram over a golden banner inscribed "EL MARQUES DE CASA CAGIGAL" on the breech end of the barrel. The barrel also has the following all in gold inlay: bands (muzzle and breech plug), floral motifs, "- - -CLARK- - -" (upper left), "- - -HOLBORN- - -" (top), "- - -LONDON - - -" (upper right), and starburst pattern around the hinge of the 9 inch snap bayonet. The vent also has a gold liner. The lock has floral and martial motifs in gold inlay, "CLARK" inscribed in a golden banner, gold lined flash pan, and border engraving. The lock screws have gold burst patterns. The wedge escutcheons, trigger guard, side plate, thumb plate, and pommel cap are all silver. Aside from the wedge escutcheons, they are all have raised relief martial designs. The maker's marks indicate the pistol was crafted by Wattell Clark (free of the Gunmakers Co. in 1785 and active until 1815). The thumb plate and rear trigger guard tang have two silver hallmarks. One is "MB" for Moses Brent active 1775-1817 in London, and the other is the lion passant used on sterling silver. A close-up photograph of the same trigger guard finial design by Moses Brent on a pair of John Manton pistols is shown on page 68 of "Georgian Flintlock Pistols" by Norman Dixon and are identified as dating to 1789 when Brent was situated at Well Yard, Little Britain, London. The inscription indicates it was owned by Fernando Cagigal de la Vega y Martínez Niño de San Miguel y Pacheco, 4th Marquess of Casa Cagigal (1756-1824) of Spain. Cagigal served as captain general of the Spanish Canary Islands in 1803-1809 and fought in the War of Independence (Peninsular War) as a field marshall in the royalist infantry. The British invaded Spain in support of the Spanish monarchy after Napoleon turned on Spain after jointly invading Portugal. The alliance of the British with the Spanish monarchy at this time would be a logical time for this pistol to have been presented to or purchased by the Marques who was among the officers who had introduced Napoleonic tactics to the Spanish military. Spain had previously primarily been Great Britain's enemy. In fact, part of Cagigal's duty on the Canary Island would have been to protect it from the British who had previously attempted to capture the Canary Islands in 1797. He reached the rank of lieutenant-general and was pushed into early retirement by King Ferdinand VII due to fear of potential liberal leanings despite reportedly being among the most loyal officers and being awarded the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of San Hermenegildo. Ferdinand's fear was not entirely misplaced given many Spanish officers had sided with rebels during the war or jumped sides when advantageous. Cagigal thereafter turned primarily to his writing and was a noteworthy poet and playwright.

Exceptionally fine with nearly all of the original gold inlay, attractive aged patina on the silver furniture, mostly even brown blend of original brown finish and patina on the barrel, subtle and attractive Damascus patterns, traces of original case colors and mottled gray and brown patina on the lock, and distinct markings and patterns throughout. The horn entry pipe/cap is loose, but the stock is otherwise very fine. The minor dings and nicks throughout the wood and metal suggest this pistol was actually used by Cagigal. The snap bayonet mechanism and the lock function flawlessly. This is an exceptional pistol connected to a very colorful military officer during a time of great turmoil in Europe and likely during a rare alliance between historic rivals Spain and England.