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Old 7th October 2010, 03:55 PM   #6
Matchlock
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking
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Hi RDGAC,

The one signed Baily can be closely dated to the last decade of the 18th c.; according to my records, only two London gunmakers are in close selection:

- Isaac (most probably), Whitechapel Rd., 1783-91
- James, Mansell St 1804, 1790-1810

The Richards pistol is of earlier date, 1760's, and seems to have been made for hunting (saddle pistol). The fore end cap is missing (originally probably of horn).

There are many Richards listed in the most comprehensive reference work on Gunmakers: Eugen Heer, Der neue Stockel, 3 vols., Schwäbisch Hall, Germany, 1979; vol. 2., pp. 1039f. The two in the inner circle are

- John, London, 1760-1821
- Thomas, Birmingham, 1747-1779+, who is also recorded for his silver
mounts

Please look for silver hallmarks and proof marks.

Best,
Michael

Last edited by Matchlock; 7th October 2010 at 04:47 PM.
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