40026: Scottish All Steel Ram's Horn Flintlock Belt Pis

Scottish All Steel Ram's Horn Flintlock Belt Pistol by Murdoch. Approximately .54 caliber, 7-inch round barrel that is fluted at the breech and flared at the muzzle. Lockplate marked T MURDOCH. Complete gun profusely decorated with elaborate scroll engraving. German silver rectangular highlights adorn underside of gun and silver inlay on wrist area. Oval silver plaques inlaid on either side of the grip. Flat side grips terminating in classic ram's horn butt with screw out ball vent pick, ball trigger made in two pieces. Engraved 3 1/2-inch steel belt hook affixed to the left side with elaborately pierced mounting bracket. Steel ramrod present. Note: According to research, Thomas Murdoch is recorded as active "Gunsmith in Leith" in 1774, 1780, 1782 and finally in 1790. It seems he was succeeded in the family business by his son William first recorded in 1793. Similar example of this style of pistol can be seen on Plate VII, Fig. 25 of European Hand Firearms of the 16th, 17th & 18th Centuries by Herbert J. Jackson with a Treatise on Scottish Hand Firearms by Charles E. Whitelaw. See (Tom Murdoch 1750-75, Page 121 Scottish Pistols) Condition: Good: Showing moderate wear, pitting, dents and age patina overall. Marred screws. Action good. Dark bore. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved