A Fine Scottish Flintlock Dress Pistol by John Murdoch. 12 ¾” overall, 8” 3 stage barrel with canon barrel muzzle, rings at either end, & silver folate inlay, engraved ‘London’ on the top flat, London Proofs, standing rear sight. Bevelled flat horizontal sear lock, florally engraved on the tail, signed ‘J. Murdoch’ ’ swan necked cock. Brass stock with rams horn butt engraved with swags of foliage & a fine trophy of arms on the underside, silver oval escutcheon. Ram’s horn butt with pricker screwed between horns, original iron ramrods with turned decoration, spring belt hook & ball trigger
Circa 1800-20.
A high quality well made pistol in good condition.
Probably made by John Murdoch of Doune, or possibly his son John who was employed at the Small Gun Office, Tower of London from 1781 -1822 when he retired on a pension.