Brass pistol made around 1780

This brass pistol was made by Thomas Murdoch around 1780. Murdoch was a Doune-trained gunsmith who settled in Leith.

The pistol has a lock mechanism that works like the earlier snaphance locks. The flint strikes a spark from the steel above the powder pan. The ignition of the powder in the pan leads to the firing of the main charge in the barrel.

A demand from Highlanders for pistols was met in the 17th and early 18th centuries by the town of Doune. After the Jacobite Rising of 1745, the market for Doune pistols declined and Doune-trained gunsmiths dispersed to other towns.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.

Online ID:	000-100-000-788-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland H.LH 18
Date:	Around 1780 c. 1780
Material:	Brass; steel works. Inscription: T. MURDOCH
Dimensions:	315 mm L x 135 mm
What:	Pistol, flintlock
Subject:	Firearms (NMAS Classification)
Who:	Thomas Murdoch (Maker)
Where:
Event:
Description:	Lobe butt flintlock pistol of brass, decorated with a type of stiff leaf motif, inscribed T. Murdoch, c. 1780
References:
Translations:
Related Records:

< 1 of 1 > Back