Doune Pistol
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Object number00434
TitleDoune Pistol
Creator J. Chrystie (manufacturer)
DescriptionThis flintlock pistol was made by John Christie of Doune in the late 18th century. It is a fine example of the elite craftsmanship that the Doune gunsmiths were famed for throughout Scotland at that time.
The pistol is made entirely from steel, from the muzzle to the butt, which ends in the ram’s horn shape seen in Doune pistols. There are intricate engravings of scrolls and foliage all over the piece – it would have been an expensive object to commission.
John Christie was one of many successful gunsmiths from Doune. This thriving trade stemmed from the arrival of Flemish refugee Thomas Caddell, who set about making pistols in the 1640s. He and his family went on to train apprentices like Christie for the next 150 years.
Sitting between lowland Scotland and the Highlands, Doune was well-placed to manufacture pistols for customers from both regions. The industry was especially successful in the first half of the 18th century, supplying arms to Highland supporters of the Jacobite cause.
The failure of the 1745 Jacobite Rising was followed by the Disarming Act of 1746, which made it illegal to carry arms. This led to a drop in demand from the Highlands but the Doune gunsmiths continued to supply their pistols to the wider gentry, as well as to officers in the Scottish regiments of the British Army. By the end of the century the industry was in decline, unable to compete with other makers in England and cheaper imports from abroad.
Production placeDoune,
Production date 1775 - 1800
Object namePistol, Flintlock Pistol
MaterialSteel
Dimensions
whole Length: 300 mm