John Walker was apprenticed to Joseph Shorey in 1717 and became free of Gunmakers Co. by redemption after Shorey's death and had his proof approved in 1722. He was elected as an assistant in 1740 and master in 1744. He was a gunmaker for the British East India Company in 1736-1747, and died in 1748. His shop is noted at the Cross Guns & Sun on Lombard Street. Thomas Gibson took control of the shop after Walker's death. The pistol's smoothbore barrel has a gradual flare out to over 1 inch at the muzzle and is closer to 20 bore at the breech. It is marked with London proof and view marks flanking Walker's "*/IW" maker's mark on the left, "WALKER LONDON" on top, and a band of engraving at the breech and has a gold vent liner. The lock has border engraving and is signed "WALKER." The furniture is brass and has floral and martial patterns. The side plate has two severed heads and a scimitar. The wrist escutcheon has a palm tree, picket fence, and torse. The pommel stud has a grotesque mask. Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr

Very good with mottled gray and brown patina, some mild pitting concentrated at the muzzle and vent, attractively aged patina on the brass furniture, and mild overall wear. The stock is also very good and has some small chips, crisp carving and flats, attractive figure/grain, and mild overall wear. Mechanically excellent.