A MID-18TH CENTURY SCOTTISH FLINTLOCK ALL METAL SCROLL BUTT BELT PISTOL ‡
BY ALEXANDER CAMPBELL OF DOUNE
Auction: Day 2: Thursday 21 August - Lots 297 - end
Description
signed to lock plate, ‘ALEX R, CAMPBELL’ the all-metal stock with foliate scrolls within chevroned border, with interlace and hearts, the cock of early disc form engraved and pierced, the three-stage barrel with reeded breech and divided sections with a flared hexagonal muzzle, ball trigger with matching ball pricker between the scrolls of the butt, pierced and engraved belt hook, narrow turned ramrod pipe and steel ramrod
Dimensions
19cm long (barrel), 29cm long (overall length)
Provenance
Christie’s London 9th June 1982
The John Kirk Collection
Footnote
Alexander Campbell was the second generation of Campbells making pistols in Doune. He was the son of John Campbell I and father to John Campbell II who would be the third and final family member to follow in the trade.
His training is unrecorded but it is safe to presume he was apprentice to his father. Indeed the working style of his father’s later pistols shows close comparison to the engraved and inlaid designs Alexander would continue to use and improve upon. Both makers at their peak epitomise the quality of design and manufacture that Doune is famous for. A particularly fine pistol held in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum is illustrated in The Scottish Pistol, its History, Manufacture and Design by Martin Kelvin, figure 24, page 97. This example bears very close resemblance to one by Alexander's father.
Alexander married Margaret Campbell of Barbreck. He died in 1790 and his grave, along with his father's and other family members, can still be seen in Kilmadock Churchyard, Doune.
Note: Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament