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LOT 314
Highly Attractive Cased Pair of Engraved, Silver Finished W. Parker
Flintlock Highland Pistols and Accessories -A) Engraved W. Parker
Flintlock Highland Pistol - NSN, 49 cal., 6 inch part round bbl., silver finish,
metal grips. Manufactured c. the early 1800s by William Parker of London,
this is a very attractive cased pair of all metal, engraved, and silver plated
Scottish highland pistols. Beginning as early as the 1730s to 1740s, pistols
such as these gradually became required equipment among highland
regiments of the British army, and had been carried by highland fighters
since their invention in the late 1600s. The pistols were widely used on
both sides of the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745, particularly among the
nobility of the highland clans. Many of these pistols, like this pair, were made
in England in the latter half of the 18th century and into the 19th century
due in part to the various disarming acts put in place in Scotland after the
1745 uprising. In the early 1800s and into the Victorian era, a revival of
highland culture occurred, popularizing a highly romanticized version of
the unique Scottish culture. Pistols and accessories such as those included
in this set would have all been must-have items to complete the full formal
look of highland dress that became popular during the early Victorian period.
Some of the accessories in this set indicate that it may have had some
connections to the 93rd Regiment of Foot (Sutherland Highlanders), with
a mount on the dirk scabbard marked “93” and the inclusion of an Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders (amalgamation formed in 1881) hat badge.
Given the approximate age of the pistols and some of the accessories, it
is quite possible this set was passed down among multiple military men,
possibly associated with Clan Drummond, given the inclusion of another badge with
the clan motto “Gang Warily”. The pistols themselves are both marked “W.PARKER/233/
HOLBORN” on the locks and “LONDON” on top of the multi-stage barrels which flare
slightly at the muzzles. They are both engraved throughout with floral motifs, thistle,
running deer on the right of the grips, and stands of highland arms on the right of the
grips. They are fitted with half-cock safeties, ramshorn butts, and threaded vent picks in
the butts. Includes a flat powder horn with ornately case floral/thistle mounts including
the stopper, glass gems on the plug and stopper, and a sun over crown badge on the
side. Another small sun over crown badge is included, which is either a hat badge or kilt
pin. An attractive dirk with glass gem pommel is included with its “93” marked scabbard
and eating utensils, as well as a matching sgian-dubh. Two decorative great kilt/fly plaid
brooches are also included, one engraved with Celtic designs and the other with Argyll
& Sutherland markings. Also includes a very attractive military/piper’s style sporran with
a decorative, engraved cantle as well
as a ball mold. The pistols and most of the items are contained within a very attractive
hardwood presentation case with a blank brass plaque on the lid and a French-fit
interior lined with dark plum baize.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the bright original silver finish, some small
areas of darker patina in protected grooves, some scattered small specks of light
flaking, and crisp engraving. Mechanically excellent. The accessories are all fine or better
showing attractively aged patina, similar to the pistols, and the case is also fine with
some minor handling and storage marks. A fantastic set of highland pistols with a full
compliment of accessories! B) Engraved W. Parker Flintlock Highland Pistol - NSN,
49 cal., 6 inch part round bbl., silver finish, metal grips. See “A”.
CONDITION: Excellent, retains 97% plus of the bright original silver finish, some dark
patina in sheltered areas and grooves, some scattered small specks of flaking, and crisp
engraving. Mechanically excellent. A fantastic set of engraved highland pistols with all
of the accessories!
Estimate: 30,000 - 50,000
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