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LOT 1260
Fine Ornately Engraved and Silver Mounted Thomas Murdoch Highland All-Metal Flintlock Belt Pistol - NSN,
60 cal., 7 3/4 inch part round bbl., bright/silver finish, metal grips. This exceptional all-metal Scottish pistol was made
by the famed Leith circa 1770-1790 and is representative of the evolved form of the Highland pistol with its distinctive “lobe” butt. During the
American Revolution, these pistols were associated with the Highland regiments. With a four-stage barrel featuring a slightly flared octagonal
muzzle and alternating engraving styles. The flat beveled lock is signed “T. MURDOCH” and has a safety stop which protrudes through the face of
the lock to hold the half-cock position and retracts when the trigger is pulled. The stock of the pistol features nearly full coverage scroll engraving
with multiple silver accents, including the pommel cap and a “DM” inscribed oval wrist escutcheon. A belt hook is fitted to the left, and the pistol
includes a sculpted iron ramrod.
CONDITION: Fine with silver-gray patina and minor pitting, attractively aged patina on the silver components and accents, and generally crisp
engraving throughout. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
LOT 1261
High Quality Replica of a Late 16th Century Northern Italian Armour Harness - Manufactured in the late 19th century or very early 20th
century, this is a high quality reproduction of a field harness in the Northern Italian style of the very late 16th century. No maker’s marks were
found on any of the pieces, but it was clearly made by a very talented craftsman. Many of the pieces show evidence of handmade craftsmanship,
and the components appear largely homogeneous. Harnesses such as this were popular during the Victorian period not only for display but
also for use at reenacted tournaments such as the Eglinton Tournament held in Scotland in 1839. The helm is of close-burgonet form with a
roped, ridged skull, pointed peak with roped edge and pivoting on rosette rivets, a falling buffe made of three plates held in place by springed
rectangular lugs, bevor held in place by a springed catch on the right, and a gorget made of two plates on the front and back. An additional two-
plate gorget has shoulder straps to attach the pauldrons, which are each made up of eight plates, decorated with brass rivets and rosette washers,
and attached to upper cannons of multiple plates. Couters, lower cannons, and fingered gauntlets have roped edges, and the gauntlets are highly
articulated with many plates. The breastplate is of peascod form with imitation sliding gussets, roped edges, incised accent lines, and flanged
lower edge with fleur-de-lis embossed tassets of six plates attached by two straps. The breastplate is attached to the backplate with a strap over
each shoulder, one on each side, and a belt. The cuisses are of two plates, poleyns of five plates, finely molded greaves of front and back plates,
and sabatons made up of multiple plates. The harness is displayed on a semi-articulated stand with an attractive hardwood base. Including the
base, it stands approximately 76 inches tall. The harness has every appearance of being crafted as a fully functioning replica.
CONDITION: Fine, the metal components are primarily bright with some scattered areas of light surface pitting/oxidation and some of the joints/
articulation being slightly stiff. The leather components are fine with some age-related hardening and stiffness. A fantastic display piece!
Estimate: 6,500 - 9,500
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