A BRIEF Intro to the " All Steel Highland Scots Pistol"

[puffer]

I have not seen one of those before, a question, was the scrolling on the butt just for decoration or was it for a functional reason, knowing the ammount of work that went into making somthing like that, I cant imagine that it started without some seed of a reason?

It appears that the etching,inlays etc. IMHO, the reason for the "decoration, is for the same reason we see it on the hilts & blades of the Basket hilt Swords or the blades of the dirks. Primarily for decoration.On the pistols I have handled, the 'decorations" do not substantially improve the grip.

Here is a discussion I was involved in on an engraving forum resently.. We discussed this to some extent.( we covered not only the decoration, but the "cultural background.) NOTE - this site hosts some of the finest engravers out there. I AM NOT an engraver. I was asked to participate to assist in providing the examples, historical & cultural backgroung Talk about a "LEARNING EXPERIENSE"

There quite a few GREAT pcs of Scots pistol, including wheel locks,matchlocks & of course flint locks.
http://www.engravingforum.com/showth...t=1391&page=15

PUFFER

[puffer]

Here are some earlier (1600's) types, with snaphaunce locks, mixing brass and steel, and with differing butt styles:







Notice that a 'brace' of Scottish pistols has the locks on opposite sides of the guns: left side for the left hand pistol, and vice versa.

Here's an early (1670) all-steel flintlock 'dag.' A lateral sear catches the back of the hammer on this one:



These images are from Culloden: The Swords and the Sorrows, the Nat'l Trust for Scotland, 1996.

GREAT examples.

As to "a BRACE' of pistols, I would like to add an observation.
1. I used the term "brace" to refer to a PAIR",( common def. ????)
most commonly a "Matched Pair" Several of my ref.s seem to use the terms interchangably.
Please advise of your thoughts.
2. If my usage of "brace" can be accepted, then "Notice that a 'brace' of Scottish pistols has the locks on opposite sides of the guns: left side for the left hand pistol, and vice versa." should be ( RESPECTIVELY IMHO) be prefaced with OFTEN.
Kelvin, etal, gives several examples of "matched pairs ( Brace" ???) being made in both "the same hand" In fact this seems (IMHO) to be more normal.

See "the Scottish Pistol ..." by Kelvin

Also see my next post (carry pics.)

PLEASE CONTINUE with your GREAT insights. You have contributed much to my knowledge. LEARNING & SHARING is WHERE IT IS AT (IMHO)

Puffer

[Sionnachdubh]

I am inn love with the typical Doune and Murdoch style pistols. The idea of having a pistol that can be used as a small mace also appeals to me greatly

[puffer]

I am inn love with the typical Doune and Murdoch style pistols. The idea of having a pistol that can be used as a small mace also appeals to me greatly

WELCOME to the HSP FAN CLUB.

As to the HSP being used as "small mace" you might concider this
i. Pistol size =
a. BBL appox. 8"
b. Weight = appox. 24 oz. ( although the pistol is All Steel, the stock & Butt, is made of "sheet metal & hollow.)

I am not saying that clouting a foe along side the head, would not get his attention, but if he was a "hard headed Highlander", I would prefer something more "substantual", like the hilt of one of my Basket Hilts,



Puffer

[Woot22]

Outstanding, very interesting thread you all have going here. After seeing these images I want one or three. Afraid I do not have the cash to be finding another interest though. If anyone is interested in some antique Scottish weapons I found a link awhile back that had some cool but very very expensive items for sale.

http://www.scottishsword.com/TheSwords.htm

[Streetcar]

Those are absolutly fantastic.

Any insight as to when and why such artistic touches fell out of "fashion" for weapons?

[puffer]

Outstanding, very interesting thread you all have going here. After seeing these images I want one or three. Afraid I do not have the cash to be finding another interest though. If anyone is interested in some antique Scottish weapons I found a link awhile back that had some cool but very very expensive items for sale.

http://www.scottishsword.com/TheSwords.htm

NOT FAIR The Baskethilts, in the antique section, DEMANDS I WIN THE LOTTERY ASAP

Puffer

[puffer]

Those are absolutly fantastic.

Any insight as to when and why such artistic touches fell out of "fashion" for weapons?

"Artistc touches" have NEVER fallen out of "style" if you mean "weapons in general. But in relation to the HSP, the I suggest http://www.engravingforum.com/showth...t=1391&page=15
&/or Printed suggestiions
1. Very GOOD & inexpensie book ( BASICS)
"SCOTTISH FIREARMS" by Claude Blair and Robert Woosnam-Savage
ISBN 0-919316-31-X

2. One of the best (IMHO)) but expensive
"The Scottish Pistol - Its History,Manufacture,and Design By Martin Kelvin
ISBN I-900541-157 & 0-8386-3745-0


Puffer

[Dirk Skene]

All Steel :crap: I'll bet that bad boy kicked like a mule with a full charge.

[haxtonhouse]

Were there any highland pistols made with wood?