Rifle, owned by the Lairds of Grant

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This breech-loading rifle was made by William Smith of Duthel in Inverness-shire in 1684. It is part of a collection of weapons from the family armoury of the Lairds of Grant, later Earls of Seafield, who were based in Speyside.

The rifle bears the date, 1684, and the maker's initials 'GS' (G stands for Guilemus - William in Latin). It has a snaphance lock mechanism which uses a flint to spark the gunpowder. The stock - the part held against the shoulder - is carved and fluted.

In 1675, gunsmith William Smith was granted a lease on land in return for acting as the Grant clan's armourer.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-000-885-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.LNA 30
• Date: 1684
  1686
  
• Material: Inscription: On lock plate: G.S. / on fence: 1686
  Rifle, snaphance, breech loading
  
• Dimensions: 1410 mm L x 81 mm W x 170 mm D
  
• What: Rifle, snaphance, breech loading
  
• Subject: Arms and armour, Seafield Collection (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who: Seafield Collection
  
• Where:
• Event:
• Description: Breech loading snaphaunce rifle, with a carved full stock, fluted butt and a lock plate signed G.S., fence dated 1686
  
• References:
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