A VERY FINE+ SCARCE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR PERIOD REGULATION-PATTERN “SCOTTISH” HIGHLAND ALL-METAL FLINTLOCK BELT PISTOL, by JOHN WATERS, ca. 1770s: In overall very fine+ original flintlock condition. Round, ringed, iron, .56 caliber, 7 1/4″, smoothbore barrel with very smooth gunmetal-gray surfaces, two (2) early Birmingham proof marks, a sharp “IW” (John Waters) maker’s mark and a fine touch-hole. “Highland-type” flintlock mechanism with a hooked type half-cock and its original components. A bridle-less powder-pan, trefoil finial frizzen-spring and its original gooseneck hammer: of the classic design of those made by John Waters of Birmingham & London, UK; who was one of only two gunmakers/Contractors of “Scottish” type belt pistols, for the British Board of Ordnance, ca. 1770s. “Gunmetal”/Bronze fullstock of Regulation Highland form, with a plain Kidney form butt. Complete with its original screw-fastened iron belt-hook and exposed ball-type trigger with matching smooth surfaces. In very fine+ original flintlock condition with only the lightest signs of use, a fine age-patina and brown-mustard coloration—to the stock. The lock and barrel with matching, lightly toned, steel-gray surfaces virtually without pitting. In mechanically functional order with its original components and a very fine touch-hole and bore. Complete with its iron ramrod with button-head tip. A very fine and scarce, Regulation Pattern Revolutionary War Period, All-Metal Belt “Scottish” Highland Pistol, ca. 1770s. The type of “Ordnance” Pistol carried by both regular troops and officers of the various Highland Regiments. For a similar example, please see G. C. Neumann’s: “Battle Weapons of the American Revolution”, pg. 246. Overall length, 12″.
Images and description courtesy of Paul’s Antique Arms & Armour at: http://www.ambroseantiques.com/fpistols.htm