Clue: Bow merchant identified by three coppers, the last retired (5)
Answer: CUPID
Explanation: Definition: Bow merchant
'Three coppers': CU (chemical symbol) plus~~ PI (Private Investigator? – very loose) plus D (penny, in the pre-decimal – 'retired' – ~~~~Sterling)~~* P (penny or pence) plus ID, a reversal ('retired') of DI (Detective Inspector)*, with a cryptic definition.* That's a great deal better, as pointed out by all and sundry – Trovatore got in first.