Thomas Thorp is recorded in the Dublin trade directory as active in Darby square circa 1768; Stockel lists a Thorp in Dublin, Ireland circa 1758-1773; both undoubtedly the same and the maker of this pistol. Barrel with 2 stages separated by a wedding band, first stage with sighting flat, marked "THORPE DARBY'S (indistinct), with offset crown proofs, lightly pressed and indistinct. Diminutive blade front sight, notch rear sight on tang. Ramrod, probably a replacement, with darkwood tip, retained by a single ferrule with raised edges and feeding into a reinforced mouth. Slightly convex lock with bridled pan cover, swan neck cock with raised edges, and signed 'THORPE" in a floral banner with spray of florals and a chip cut shell. Pierced sideplate with flowing silver tendrils, accented florals and a central raised oval for a vignette, retained by double lock bolts. Relief shell engraving around tang. Silver thumbpiece with a lion passant holding a tilting spear, very similar to the crest of the Mahon family (the Mahon crest also featured a sable, which may have been omitted due to space; pistol is in correct configuration to be contemporary to the family), an Irish family who entered the peerage in 1800, and had distinct military roots; see "Armorial Families: A Directory of Gentlemen of Coat-Armour" by Fox-Davies. The Mahon family was in Roscommon, and tightly connected with Irish politics; notably, Maurice was 1st Baron Hartland while Thomas fought at the Battle of Carlow in 1798. Silver trigger guard with a shell motif finial, and a shell surrounded by floral sprays on guard. Silver buttcap with stirrups with fine wrigglework bands, and further shell and floral motifs. CONDITION: Overall very good. Barrel a dark grey patina throughout with some softness to the sighting rib legends and proofs. Lock is good, an even bluish coloration with some freckling, mostly towards rear. Silver is bright and free of tarnish, with finely detailed engraving. Stock is excellent with the normal handling marks throughout and some minor chips and scrapes around barrel pins and a few spots of crazing. Mechanically fine, bore is very good. EMW Barrel Length: 11"Caliber/Bore: .69 SmoothboreFFL Status: AntiqueManufacturer: ThorpeModel: Silver Mounted Flintlock PistolSerial Number: NSN