A MID-18TH CENTURY SCOTTISH STEEL BELT PISTOL
JOHN MURDOCH OF DOUNE
Auction: Day 2: Thursday 21 August - Lots 297 - end
Description
the all steel construction with three stage barrel with octagonal flared muzzle and overall engraved decoration, the all steel stock engraved with scrolling panels and silver inlay, the butt inlaid with twin oval silver cartouches engraved with crest of a boar's head and motto ‘PARATUS SUM’ above, the opposing cartouche with initials MC, the lock plate signed I MURDOCH and with engraved S-scroll hammer, with steel ramrod and silver compressed ball trigger and pricker
Dimensions
13cm (barrel), 25.5cm (overall)
Footnote
John Murdoch was probably the last pistol maker in Doune. Carrying on the trade to the highest quality, his work shows the expertise passed from Master to Apprentice since the mid 17th century. It is noted that he is still working in 1798 and it is recorded in the Statistical Account “The trade is now carried on by John Murdoch also famous for his ingenuity in the craft who has likewise furnished pistols to the first nobility of Europe. These pistols were sold from 4 to 24 guineas a pair.... when Mr Murdoch gives over business, the trade will in all probability, become extinct”
Note: Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament