A PAIR OF SCOTTISH LATE 17TH CENTURY DOG LOCK FLINTLOCK PISTOLS
Auction: Day 2: Thursday 21 August - Lots 297 - end
Description
the long slightly flared barrels with an all metal stock, with flared grips terminating in tightly curled ramshorn butt with pricker between, with simple pierced ball pricker, the unsigned locks with flintlock hammer and dog lock, the round fence with engraved dates 1649 and 1671 within flowerhead detail, with simple belt hoop to reverse and each with steel ramrod with turned and shaped terminals (2)
Dimensions
31cm (barrel), 46cm (overall)
Provenance
Earlshall Collection
Footnote
Although engraved with different dates to the fence, this pair of pistols is considered to be the earliest known of the ramshorn butt form. The differing dates likely show the date either the second pistol was added or replaced to the pair or more likely the date of conversion from snaphaunce to flint-lock. In either instance, they remain an important survival and illustration of where this iconic style began.
Note: Sold as an exempt item under Section 58 (2) of the 1968 Firearms Act, to be held as a curiosity or ornament