Description:A muzzle-loading, flintlock holster pistol by James Harding (1750-1815). Harding signed his guns J. Harding on the lockplate, and J. Harding, Boro. (Borough of London) on the top of the barrel. The signature became James Harding & Son from 1815 to 1837.
This pistol has the first style of holster, and so dates from before 1815. The .65 calibre barrel is approximately nine inches long and bears a London proof mark. The lock is fitted with a safety catch and roller frizzen spring. The stock is made of walnut. It has brass furniture, including two ramrod pipes, but no buttplate. The gun has its original ramrod.
This is a coach or holster pistol of good but plain quality, possibly intended for a civilian coachman, 1750-1815.