Collection of antique pistols by Sir Walter Scott.
PAIR OF PISTOLS WHICH BELONGED TO NAPOLEON I.
THESE pistols were taken from the Emperor’s carriage after the Battle of Waterloo. The barrels are octagonal and rifled, and enlarge slightly towards the muzzle. They bear the inscription : “Boutel Directeur Artiste, No. 97. Manufacture a Versailles,” and the letters “B.C. N.B.” The barrels have five bands of small gold dots. The stocks are cross hatched in panels with fine lines, and all the mountings are beautifully engraved and enriched with filigree ornament.
SIR WALTER SCOTT’S VOLUNTEER PISTOLS.
The pair of pistols used by Sir Walter as yeoman in the Edinburgh Volunteer Cavalry are unrifled and bear the name “D. Egg, London.” Also the letters “G. R.” and a royal crown. Butts obtusely rounded. Barrel 9 in. Stock 8 in. Mounted with brass.
PISTOL WHICH BELONGED TO CLAVERHOUSE.
Claverhouse’s pistol is a fine old Highland pistol, with barrel partly rounded and partly octagonal. It is ornamented with inlaid lines of gold, and bands and plates of silver, finely chased. The butt of the pistol is lobated, and the trigger ends in a rounded knob. It is unfortunately not known how Claverhouse’s pistol came into Sir Walter’s possession, nor are we aware of any story connected with the hero and this weapon.
OLD PISTOL BY CAMPBELL OF DOUNE.
This is a fine old Highland pistol bearing the maker’s name, “John Campbell, Doune.” It is of steel beautifully inlaid with silver, and both metals are elaborately engraved. The barrel is partly round and partly octagonal, and widens slightly towards the muzzle. The whole pistol is beautifully chased with foliage and scroll ornament.
PISTOL WHICH BELONGED TO SIR WALTER SCOTT.
This pistol is one of a pair which belonged to Sir Walter. It has an oval plate inlaid in the stock, and bears his arms. The maker’s name, “Macleod,” is engraved on the lock. The lower and upper parts of the stock are crossed by narrow bands of silver, separating panels beautifully engraved with foliage in low relief. The barrel is round at the breech, but polygonal, and enlarging slightly towards the muzzle. The stock has panels with diaper pattern, and the end of trigger and head of picker bear each a cross in narrow bands of silver.
Source: Abbotsford; the personal relics and antiquarian treasures of Sir Walter Scott. Illustrated by William Gibb. By Maxwell-Scott, Mary Monica. London A. and C. Black 1893.
