Pistol, flintlock pistol

This flintlock pistol was manufactured by John Knubley, a gunmaker from Otley, Yorkshire, who set up a business in London in the 1780s. Knubley catered for both wealthy West End clients and the armed forces. He made guns for the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Clarence and Prince Edward, but was also an arms contractor to the Board of Ordnance at the Tower of London. This pistol was proofed (test-fired with an overweight charge) at the Tower for a private sector client. The Tower offered a private proofing service to the London gun trade from the mid 18th century until around 1804.