Original American Revolutionary War Era Scottish All Steel Lobe Butt Flintlock Belt Pistol by Thomas Murdoch – As Seen on History Channel Pawn Stars Original Items

This very Scottish All Steel Flintlock Belt Pistol was featured and test fired on an episode of History Channel’s Pawn Stars do America in November 2023. You can watch it on the clip below:

Original Item: One of a Kind. Well this is fantastic, and something we have very rarely seen before! This is a lovely Scottish Flintlock Belt Pistol, made entirely from steel, featuring a lobed butt on the grip, and a belt look on the left. It is maker marked on the lock plate with T MURDOCH. According to research, Thomas Murdoch is recorded as active “Gunsmith in Leith” in 1774, 1780, 1782 and finally in 1790. It seems he was succeeded in the family business by his son William, first recorded in 1793. A similar example of a lobe-shaped butt by Murdoch can be seen on Plate VII, Fig. 28 of European Hand Firearms of the 16th, 17th & 18th Centuries by Herbert J. Jackson with a Treatise on Scottish Hand Firearms by Charles E. Whitelaw.

The pistol measures 9 ½ in overall length, and is in approximately .55 caliber, featuring a 5 ¼-inch round barrel two-stage at the breech and flared at the muzzle. The entire gun is profusely decorated with elaborate scroll engraving, with some brass brazing lines visible in areas. There is even faded engraving present on the belt hook. Some lovely German Silver triangular highlights adorn underside of gun and lobe butt, and the bottom of the action has a lovely two piece ball trigger. There is a steel ramrod stored under the barrel, which can be a bit difficult to remove.

The lock on this pistol is quite interesting, as the half cock is not on the tumbler, but instead a catch on the lock plate in front of the hammer. This is somewhat reminiscent of the type of half cock used on Miquelet style locks. The lock does function, however the half cock latch is not strong, so it will fire at half cock. The barrel bore is clear, and in very good shape.

Condition of the pistol is very good, showing age to the steel fittings from wear and oxidation, which was later cleaned away. It now shows a lovely polished steel patina, with just a bit of past peppering evident in areas. The flathead screws are a bit marred, and the ramrod and pipe show some past pitting. There is also a bit of deformation to the pipe, which can make it difficult to remove the ramrod.

A fantastic and rare Scottish belt pistol, the likes of which we have rarely seen before. This would make a great addition to any collection. Ready to display!

Specifications:-

Year of Manufacture: circa 1780
Caliber: .55″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 5 ¼ inches
Overall Length: 9 ½ inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country’s antique gun laws prior to ordering.