40027: Scottish All Steel Lobe Butt Flintlock Belt Pist

Scottish All Steel Lobe Butt Flintlock Belt Pistol by Murdoch. Approximately .60 caliber, 7 1/2-inch round barrel two-stage at the breech and flared at the muzzle. Lockplate marked T MURDOCH. Complete gun profusely decorated with elaborate scroll engraving with silver inlay placed throughout. German silver rectangular highlights adorn underside of gun and lobe butt. Oval silver plaques inlaid on top with initials D M. Grips terminating in classic lobe butt. Engraved 4-inch steel belt hook affixed to the left side with detailed mounting bracket. Ball trigger made in two pieces. 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 a lobe-shaped butt by Murdoch can be seen on Plate VII, Fig. 28 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. Condition: Good: Showing age wear, pitting, dents and age patina overall, lightly cleaned. Marred screws. Action good. Great bore HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved