Original Item: Only One Available. This is lovely example of a Scottish "Murdoch Style" All Steel Highland Flintlock pistol in .50" caliber, looking to have seen a good amount of use and displaying a great aged patina overall. Pistols were considered requisite items for the Highland soldier as early as the 1730s. By the 1740s the elegant pistol styles of Christie & Murdoch (armorers of Doune, Stirlingshire) had became the most sought after amongst Highland officers. The unique elements of the Doune pistols were the scroll or rams horn butt, fluted barrels at the breech and the octagonal flared muzzles. Soon pistol makers all across Scotland (and in England) began to copy the styles originating in Doune.

By the mid 19th century, this style of pistol would be mostly ornamental, often fully silver or nickel plated with lots of decorative embellishment, however this earlier example is from when they were still intended for use, and would be secured on a belt over the shoulder inside the jacket. The belt hook is still intact, and has a decorated perforated fitting on the left side of the pistol. The barrel is the characteristic "cannon" shape with an octagonal flared muzzle, and has a simple notch at the rear for a sight. Under the barrle is a ramrod that terminates in a "thistle" style design, however it looks to be ornamental, and cannot be removed. The trigger is the "ball on a post" type we usually see, and does not have any type of trigger guard. The grip terminates in the correct "ram's horn" type scrolls, and as often seen there is a knob in between, which unscrews and has a pick for cleaning the pan and touch hole. The sides of the grip also have oval nickel silver plates attached, another common feature.

The pistol now shows an overall oxidized patina, which we have left in place to preserve the history and great look. There is no evidence that it was ever plated, probably having been left "in the white" when first made, or possibly browned. We checked the action, and the lock holds correctly at half cock, firing only at full. The bore shows some past oxidation and fouling, but no major rust.

A great patinated example of a Scottish "Murdoch Style" flintlock pistol, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Caliber: .50" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 10 3/82 inches
Action: Percussion lock side action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.