An Extremely Rare Pair of Scottish 16 Bore Flintlock Holster Pistols in The English Manner by John Someruaill , Cannongate, 18 ½” overall, 11 ½ barrels each signed ‘John Somermuaill Canongate’ along the tapering sighting flat at the breech, engraved tangs, border engraved rounded locks signed John Someruaill under the pans, each engraved with scrollwork involving a differing human face above the signature & terminating in a grotesque head on the tail, rounded cocks engraved with foliage. Moulded figured full stocks, brass mounts comprising scrolled side plates cast, pierced & chased with foliage, spurred pommels each with grotesque mask cap, trigger guards with foliate finials, turned baluster ramrod pipes, wooden rammers.
Circa 1700-10
Condition very good for age, metal parts patinated, original engraving (not refreshed), two ram rod pipes replaced, replacement ramrods, full stocks with repairs to ‘museum standard’ (ie visible): on one pistol the cracked wrist repaired, the other with the fore end rebuilt. Both locks slightly defective, one only holds on half cock the other only on full cock.
Two John Somervilles (Someruaill), father and son, are recorded working in Cannongate, Edinburgh. The former between 1662 until the year of his death in May 1722, the latter between 1705-1707. See Charles E. Whitelaw, ‘Scottish Arms Makers’, 1977, p. 208.
By repute to have belonged to James Graham, 1st Duke of Montrose,
These pistols appear to be the only examples of their type so far recorded. For a related flintlock gun believed to be the only surviving Scottish long gun made between 1700 and 1745, see Christie's London, ‘Fine Antique Arms and Armour and Books From the R.T. Gwynn Collection, 24 April 2001’, lot 41.