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Highland Soldier's Pistol

Other Images: $399

Historical Background

Since Highland regiments were raised in 1725, sergeants and the men were armed with Scottish pattern pistols.   The most famous of these units was the 42nd, or Royal Highland Regiment, the Black Watch.   The pistol offered here is based on an interesting original that appears to have been marked "HR" or "Highland Regiment" and then an "R" was was added at the beginning when the became "Royal" in 1758.   This suggests that this pattern predates that date and was probably the pattern issued in the 1740s at the time of the Battle of Culloden.

While pistols were issued in pairs, only one was carried by each soldier.  For example the 88th Highlanders when they were disbanded in 1764, returned 405 pairs of pistols or 810 pistols which matched the number of men in the unit.  Below shows painting detail of Highlanders using pistols and swords while battling aboriginal warriors in the wilds of North America (below left) .  The men carried their pistols hooked on a leather strap under their fashion as illustrated in the following 1757 plate of a Highlander (below right).

 

 

  After the French and Indian Wars, the highland pistol continued to be used throughout the rest of the 18th century.   After the American revolution, regiments like the 84th Highland Regiment turned in their pistols into stores in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  Additional Highland pistols from New York City were transfered to Halifax in 1784.   By 1793, 310 pairs of other ranks pistols were in stores.  Similar stock piles were reported in Quebec City and records show highland pistols began to be sent to "outposts".   Considering the Scottish heritage of the Northwest Fur Trade Company, it is conceivable they came into their possession as outposts pushed further and further into the interior of the continent.    

Specifications

Scottish pistols for the other ranks were more simpler in design than the elegant Murdock pistol we offer.   As the pictures attest, this .52 calibre reproduction is faithful to those of the period complete with BISSELL maker markings, the unique stepped breech, and functional vent cleaner screw. The item is made of tempered seamless modern steel (type:BS970 no.080M40) with a tight breech plug. It is highly polish steel and is not plated.  The lock is made with strong durable springs and has a case-hardened frizzen (hammer) that throws good sparks. We use a industrial case-hardening factory process that makes sparking both more reliable and longer lasting. Presently no other musket provider uses this technique.

As with all our other flintlocks, the vent is not drilled (read details below) so we can ship easily to your door throughout North America and to Europe and the UK. Aside from that they are exactly like the originals. A fine addition to any collection.

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Highland Soldier's Pistol: $399 (MTS-038)

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Other Images: Image 1 Image 2

For shipping costs and other details see our Muskets section