Early 19th Century Flintlock Pocket Or Muff Pistol Of Small Form Engraved "Wm McLauchlan" And "Edinburgh"
A cracking tiny pocket or muff pistol made in the early 19th Century by Edinburgh Gunmaker William McLauchlan. From research carried out on the internet it seems he worked from several premises in that City from 1806 to 1849, Nicholson Street, Home Street and Morrison Place.
Looking at this piece he was obviously a Gunmaker of quality. It is finished in bright steel with a smooth one piece walnut grip inset with a silver (white metal) escutcheon at the shoulder.
The left and right side of the body is nicely engraved with an intricate border and a Stand Of Arms with Wm McLauchlan on the left side and Edinburgh on the right side within rectangular cartouches.
The underside is likewise nicely engraved around the concealed trigger and the barrel muzzle has deep cut engraved decoration. It also carries the post 1813 Birmingham Proof Marks. The pan is of a rainproof design and the spring has roller bearings. Coupled with the top sliding safety catch that engages with the frizen and the concealed trigger, this is a quality piece.
The mainspring is good and the action is crisp in both half and full position, the hidden trigger operates as it should, the safety catch engages as it should and the barrel unscrews cleanly.
One small issue that I have noticed is that the spur on the left side of the safety catch has become detached from the push rod that extends into the frizen.
Overall a lovely little pistol from a quality Scottish Gunmaker.
Barrel length 3.5cm, Overall length 13cm.
This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license
