December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
There are 3 John Campbells recorded in Doune, with cumulative working dates from 1700 - 1798. Given the form and engraving of the pistol, this pair was made by one of the later 2 Campbells, and are circa the latter half of the 18th century. Manufactured as a pair with iconic all steel construction, barrels in 3 sections with a fluted area over breech, rounded mid section engraved with floral scroll, and a faceted muzzle which is sharply swamped and engraved with thistles and wrigglework. Locks with unbridled pan covers, integral rear pan fences, friction frizzens, and swan neck cocks, signed "John Campbell" under the pan, decorated with floral scroll on cock en suite with barrel, and wriggle linework about the edges. Distinct ramshorn butts are engraved with scroll en suite with the balance of the pistol and inlaid with extensive silverwork, consisting of geometric linework along wrist and 2 inlaid plaques, both depicting a stag erased on right hand plaque, lefts with a stag cabossed and and young child holding flowers; the stag is a very common motif and Fairbairns does not list a distinct family to attach the motifs to. Original silver ball triggers with thistle engraving, silver prickers en suite. Underside of stocks with stiff leaf and line work engraving, traversal silver bands engraved with stiff leaf. Steel ramrods feed into an elongated mouth. Original belt hooks are pierced and lightly engraved. CONDITION: Excellent, metal essentially bright metal throughout with crisp engraving. Some very minor spots of peppering and delamination as evidence of age. Some spots of oil staining visible, primarily to recessed areas. Visible brass line from construction at butt. Pricker on pistol (A) slightly malformed, (B) has a slightly loose at head. Mechanically fine, bores are excellent with minimal oxidation. This is an exceptionally conditioned pair of pistols with wonderful decoration by a fantastic maker, not to be missed.
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 6 - 3/4"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) 54 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(BOTH) John Campbell
Model
(BOTH) Flintlock Pistol