Flintlock Belt Pistol
- Date
- end of the 18th century
- made in
- Doune, Sterling unitary authority, Scotland, Europe
- Classification
- Arms & armor, metalwork
- Collection
- Decorative Arts and Design
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 138
- Dimensions
- 5 3/8 x 12 x 2 1/2 in. (13.7 x 30.5 x 6.4 cm)
weight: 1 lb. 4 oz. (0.6 kg) - Credit Line
- Museum Purchase
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 5:1943
NOTES
The invention of the flintlock in France during the early 17th century marked the perfection of the spark-producing ignition. It was so safe, reliable, simple and inexpensive that it was used in Europe and America until the mid-19th century.
Scottish weapons are rather rare. After a failed uprising against English rule in the mid 18th century, Scotland was ordered disarmed. Only individuals and military units loyal to the Crown were permitted weapons.
The 19th century saw revived interest in Scottish culture, including weaponry. These pistols are now bright, but would have originally been dark for a decorative contrast against the silver inlay. With their exotic Celtic decoration and unusual scrolled butts, pistols like these were widely collected.
Scottish weapons are rather rare. After a failed uprising against English rule in the mid 18th century, Scotland was ordered disarmed. Only individuals and military units loyal to the Crown were permitted weapons.
The 19th century saw revived interest in Scottish culture, including weaponry. These pistols are now bright, but would have originally been dark for a decorative contrast against the silver inlay. With their exotic Celtic decoration and unusual scrolled butts, pistols like these were widely collected.
Provenance
Dr. S. Traner Buck, Philadelphia, PA, USA [1]
- 1943
Kimball Arms Company, Woburn, MA
1943 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Kimball Arms Company [2]
Notes:
This flintlock belt pistol is one of a pair; the second flintlock belt pistol (4:1943) shares the same provenance.
[1] This provenance is based on notes provided on the Museum's Accession Record [SLAM document files].
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, January 7, 1943.
- 1943
Kimball Arms Company, Woburn, MA
1943 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from Kimball Arms Company [2]
Notes:
This flintlock belt pistol is one of a pair; the second flintlock belt pistol (4:1943) shares the same provenance.
[1] This provenance is based on notes provided on the Museum's Accession Record [SLAM document files].
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, January 7, 1943.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.