Pistol, holster pistol

This flintlock holster pistol was made by John Fowell, a gunmaker based at St Giles-in-the-Fields. Fowell became a freeman of the London Gunmakers' Company in 1687. In this period London gunmakers faced competition from foreign imports and the emerging Birmingham gun industry. Under the Gunmakers' Charter of 1638 the Company had the legal right to view and prove the quality of all handguns made, imported or sold in London or within ten miles of the city. The Company could search property and seize guns without proof marks.

This pistol is stamped with the proof and view marks of the Gunmakers' Company on the steel barrel. The stock is made of walnut, a wood commonly used in fine quality pistols of the time. The steel mounts, lock plate and trigger guard are decorated with a foliate design as is the silver butt cap.