Thanks again to Corrado and to Jasper. Now that I know that there was a gunmaker named Mazelier (which I did not know before) I can see that name in the engraved signature. Even so Jasper's list shows that the name Mardier did exist, though not necessarily in the gunmaking trade.
I still think that the escutcheon depicts a family crest/arms. The displayed hand is clearly not enough by itself to identify the owner so the surmounting crown and supporting eagles (?) have to be taken into consideration.
Thanks to everyone for their comments.
Neil
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