A Fine D.B. Flintlock Sporting Gun by William Smith, Princes Street, London, Gunmaker to the Prin

A Fine D.B. Flintlock Sporting Gun by William Smith, Princes Street, London, Gunmaker to the Prince Regent and the Emperor of Russia, early 19th century, browned twist barrels 71.5cm, signed on the rib and with silver fore-sight, case-hardened patent recessed breeches each with two gold lines and gold-lined touch-holes, engraved tang, signed engraved bevelled locks each with stepped tail and “Patent 1317Õ to the rear of the rainproof pan, rollers, signed patent steels numbered “1317Õ, finely figured walnut half-stock, with engraved silver mount to fore-end, chequered grip, engraved iron mounts, trigger-plate with pineapple finial, silver escutcheon, original brass-mounted ramrod, with much original finish throughout, 114cm overall. William Smith - Gunlock smith, 10 Market Row, St. James Market, Westminster, 1792 (IR, Sun Ins. No. 595878): St. Pancras, 1800 (IR). Gunmaker, 34 Tottenham Court Road, 1801-1805; 2 New lisle St., 1805-16; 59 Princes St., Leicester Sq., 1817-19; 64 Princes St., 1820-23. Granted Eng. Pat. No. 3588 (Improved Gun lock), 1812. Apptd. Gunmaker-in-Ordinary to Prince Regent, 1817; George IV, 1820 (LC 3/68-9); to Emperor of Russia (trade label). died 1823 (age 56), buried St. Annes, Soho, succeeded by Samuel Smith. (Gunmakers of London Supplement, 1350-1850).