December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/11/2024
According to "The Scottish Pistol" by Martin Kelvin, only 42 total pistols, inclusive of 18 pairs, made by John Campbell the 2nd of Doune, who worked between 1750 and 1775, are in existence. This pair date to around 1750-1760 and are of classic ramshorn butt form and are profusly engraved with scrolls throughout as well as inlaid with silver geometric designs on tops of grips and engraved silver bands on bottoms of stocks. Three stage engraved barrels with classic faceted flared muzzles. Locks signed "John Campbell" in script. Steel stocks with silver oval escutcheons on both sides of grips, the right sides engraved with family crests and mottos attributed to Kenneth McKenzie. Engraved steel belt hooks mounted on left sides, opposite locks. Engraved silver ball triggers and touchhole picks. Turned steel ramrods. The last time that these pistols were offered, research by a previous owner suggested that Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth, was the most likely owner, as he used this version of the clan motto and crest. During the Jacobite Uprising of 1715, Kenneth's grandfather William, the 5th Earl of Seaforth, supported the claim of the pretender James Stuart against George I of England. After the Jacobites were defeated, William was attainted, making his property and titles forfeit, and further preventing him from passing them to his children. Kenneth would eventually repurchase the estates from the government, and held a number of titles, including Viscount Fortrose and Baron Ardelve from November 1766, Member of Parliament for Caithness, 1768-1774, made 1st Earl of Seaforth in December, 1771, and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society the following year. As the hostilities with America had depleted British manpower, Mackenzie raised the 78th Seaforth Highlander Regiment on December 29th, 1771, and in 1781 he sailed to India with them as their Lieutenant Colonel Commandant, but died en route, with a burial at sea. He was succeeded as Chief of the Mackenzies by Thomas Frederick Mackenzie Humberston, a cousin. CONDITION: Pistols polished bright showing some light wear to engraving and scattered small areas of pitting, heavier and more prevalent on one pistol. Both locks function well and properly and signatures are excellent. Silver oval escutcheons have very crisp engraving. Ball triggers and picks are original. A very attractive pair of pistols by a renowned maker.
Barrel Length
(BOTH) 6 - 1/2"
Caliber/Bore
(BOTH) .54 Smoothbore
Manufacturer
(BOTH) John Campbell
Model
(BOTH) Scottish Pistol