William Smith, father of Samuel and Charles Smith who would go on to produce some of the finest English percussion firearms, was an extremely capable and highly regarded maker in his own right with the present pistols dating to circa 1822 and displaying his elegantly swept rainproof priming pans. Browned octagonal Damascus barrel with silver bead front sight, signed “W. SMITH. PRINCES STREET. LONDON” and with recessed casehardened patent breech incorporating a notch rear sight and with four platinum inlaid bands and platinum lined touch hole. Foliate engraved standing breech and flat detented lock retained by a single side-nail, signed “WILLIAM SMITH/PRINCES STR.T LONDON” and with safety bolt, swept priming pan and roller frizzen. The lock plate and frizzen respectively engraved “PATENT/2667” and “PATENT/2667/SELF PRIMER” in reference to his British patent No. 3588 of July 28, 1812. Iron furniture engraved en suite. Well-figured walnut half length stock with checkered butt, blank rectangular silver initial escutcheon at the wrist, silver barrel key escutcheons and silver forearm cap. Wooden ramrod with horn tip and brass powder measure. London proof marks and some internal numbering “1”. In original fitted mahogany case lined in dark blue baize, the lid with W. Smith trade label. With some accessories including brass mounted red leather wrapped powder flask, glass oiler, iron bullet mold and cleaning rod. The case containing a William Keith Neal Collection inventory tag numbered "C75."

Fine. The barrel retain 90% of the rebrowned finish and has a softened signature. The remaining iron parts are bright with some discoloration and light surface corrosion marking. The engraving is crisp and clear throughout. The stock has sharp checkering and numerous scattered age related storage and handling marks and bruises. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are fine with some wear and age staining to the lining.

See "A." The pistol with some internal numbering “2”, the lock plate and frizzen respectively engraved “PATENT/2668” and “PATENT/2668/SELF PRIMER.” Ramrod with worm. Provenance: The Arthur Rosling Collection; The W. Keith Neal Collection; Property of a Gentleman

Fine. 90% of the rebrowned finish remains on the barerl. The signature is softened. The balance of the iron parts are bright with some discoloration and light surface corrosion marking. The engraving is distinct throughout. The sttock has sharp checkering and several scattered handling and storage dings and scratches. Mechanically excellent