Pistol, duelling pistol

This flintlock duelling pistol was made by William Parker, who had a shop at 233 High Holborn. His workshop and stores were located on Chamber Street near the Tower of London. Most London gunmakers with corporate clients had premises in this area. Parker had a contract to produce weapons for the Board of Ordnance which was based in the Tower. As a government contractor Parker was also entitled to have guns proofed (test-fired) for private clients at the Tower. This pistol was manufactured for private sale.

During his highly successful career he made guns for members of the Royal Family, including William IV. He also had major corporate clients such as the East India Company and the Hudson Bay Company. Between 1807 and 1812 Parker was licensed by the Privy Council to export firearms abroad. He made high quality guns for clients in Constantinople, Smyrna, Malta, Bombay and Calcutta. Parker later supplied guns to the Metropolitan Police after it was founded in 1829.