A FINE PAIR OF SILVER MOUNTED EARLY 19TH CENTURY FLINTLOCK PISTOLS ‡
BY JOHN PRATT OF EDINBURGH, CIRCA 1820
Auction: Day 2: Thursday 21 August - Lots 297 - end
Description
signed to lock, 'J. PRATT', the lobe butt pistols with silver stocks profusely chased with rococo scrolls, foliate and flower head details, with engraved steel lock, four-stage engraved barrel with flared muzzle, the reverse with engraved reeded belt hook, with acorn silver trigger (2)
Dimensions
16cm long (barrel), 26.5cm long (overall)
Provenance
The Scottish Sale Part II, Bonhams Edinburgh, 30th August 2012, lot 460
The John Kirk Collection
Footnote
Heraldry:
The Crests of Davidson and Mackay
Davidson
A stag's head erased proper
Motto: Sapienter Et Sincere [Wisely, if sincerely]
Mackay
A dexter cubit arm erect holding in the hand a dagger in pale all proper hilt and pommel or
Motto: Manu Forti [With a strong hand]
Note:
The engraving of the crests on this pair of pistols may well reflect the ancient alliance of both the Davidson and Mackay families. It is believed that they formed a close bond as early as the early 13th century, the Davidsons being the senior clan/family of two, whilst the Mackays are often stated as being sept of the Clan MacDhai, or Davidson.
Presently, it is not known whether the engraving of both crests allude to that ancient connection, a remembrance or, perhaps, a more contemporaneous event such as a marriage between the two families. Certainly, the undoubted skill of both the gun and silversmith who made this pair of pistols is second to none which reflects the taste, wealth and status of their original owner.
Note: Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament