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Late 16th Century Scottish pistol.

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krolick

40 Cal.
Joined
Dec 23, 2012
Messages
128
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Here are some images of a new Scottish snaphaunce pistol. This stock style is one of three that were in fashion from about 1580-1620. Most Scottish guns of these times were stocked in brazil wood and elm. This one is stocked in walnut as the other 2 woods are no longer obtainable. You will see this pistol is finished in a black format - this is called an Ebonized finish - quite common in these times. Most notable, the lock on these early Scottish guns used an awkward threaded post with a nut to tighten the flint jaws. I'm finding its a bit ruff on the fingers to cock and requires a spanner wrench to change flints, much like that of a wheellock. At present, I'm using a 1/4 box wrench to do this; but, later I will make a period correct tool. None have survived, but I've got a good idea of what it would look like. Barrels on these pistols were quite fancy - many were made of brass. This one is of modern steel and is .49 cal at 11 1/2" in length. Ramrod pipes were just coming into use at the time. This gun has an early form taking styling queues from the barrel. As with both Scottish and English pistols of this time, there is no trigger guard and the tang screw comes up from the bottom of the stock. This particular stock shape is of the earliest found on Scottish pistols. I fine it holds and points very good and comfortably. This stock is very plain with no art work just like the 2 Scottish pistols in the Dresden museum which are dated 1598. We know that Scottish guns were brought to contact period Virginia - pieces and complete locks have been unearthed at sites around JamesTown. In 2006, a completly intact Scottish snaphaunce pistol was raised from a well in the JamesTown fort. The pistol in my post was inspired by this find and is of the same time period. Weather and time allowing, next week I'll test fire the pistol. There's no front sight -no Scottish pistols have them - so firing will be at very close range, just out of knife/sword/warclub thrust. I do believe pistols like this were brought over by English military personnel assigned to train the colonist and help structure a force capable of defending itself. When closely studied, there's no one else who would have reason or the money to own such a weapon. Why a Scottish pistol? Many for profit English soldiers served in Scotland before leaving for adventures in the Virginias. G.S.
PICT0006_zps88227394.jpg

PICT0005_zpse9d0b153.jpg

PICT0004_zpsed33f966.jpg

PICT0003_zps2a01f5bf.jpg

PICT0002_zpsbfe358ac.jpg

PICT0001_zps0ba1fe1e.jpg
 
That pistol turned out GREAT!! :bow: :v :thumbsup:
That ebony type finish looks exactly right on this gun. Great contrast. Thanks so much for Posting this project. And, thanks for the education on Scottish guns of this period. They're so interesting - and rare.
Three years ago I was at the Antique Arms show in Baltimore. There was an original Scottish pistol up for auction. It was a full size pistol similar to yours, but with an all metal stock. I wanted to bid on it, but didn't guessing it would go for thousands. And it did. :haha:
Again, thanks for sharing. Let us know how she shoots!! Rick. :hatsoff:
 
That is one beautiful pistol! Simple and elegant. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Forgive me, but what and where is brazil wood from? :idunno:
 
Here are some images of a new Scottish snaphaunce pistol. This stock style is one of three that were in fashion from about 1580-1620. Most Scottish guns of these times were stocked in brazil wood and elm. This one is stocked in walnut as the other 2 woods are no longer obtainable. You will see this pistol is finished in a black format - this is called an Ebonized finish - quite common in these times. Most notable, the lock on these early Scottish guns used an awkward threaded post with a nut to tighten the flint jaws. I'm finding its a bit ruff on the fingers to cock and requires a spanner wrench to change flints, much like that of a wheellock. At present, I'm using a 1/4 box wrench to do this; but, later I will make a period correct tool. None have survived, but I've got a good idea of what it would look like. Barrels on these pistols were quite fancy - many were made of brass. This one is of modern steel and is .49 cal at 11 1/2" in length. Ramrod pipes were just coming into use at the time. This gun has an early form taking styling queues from the barrel. As with both Scottish and English pistols of this time, there is no trigger guard and the tang screw comes up from the bottom of the stock. This particular stock shape is of the earliest found on Scottish pistols. I fine it holds and points very good and comfortably. This stock is very plain with no art work just like the 2 Scottish pistols in the Dresden museum which are dated 1598. We know that Scottish guns were brought to contact period Virginia - pieces and complete locks have been unearthed at sites around JamesTown. In 2006, a completly intact Scottish snaphaunce pistol was raised from a well in the JamesTown fort. The pistol in my post was inspired by this find and is of the same time period. Weather and time allowing, next week I'll test fire the pistol. There's no front sight -no Scottish pistols have them - so firing will be at very close range, just out of knife/sword/warclub thrust. I do believe pistols like this were brought over by English military personnel assigned to train the colonist and help structure a force capable of defending itself. When closely studied, there's no one else who would have reason or the money to own such a weapon. Why a Scottish pistol? Many for profit English soldiers served in Scotland before leaving for adventures in the Virginias. G.S.
PICT0006_zps88227394.jpg

PICT0005_zpse9d0b153.jpg

PICT0004_zpsed33f966.jpg

PICT0003_zps2a01f5bf.jpg

PICT0002_zpsbfe358ac.jpg

PICT0001_zps0ba1fe1e.jpg
I haven't even read your post nor can I get the pics . But I too made numerous Scots arms and your dead right re the square top jaw square nut being a pian I think you & I are on the same wave length I should PM you I think we will get on just fine .
Regards Rudyard Maker of 'Snapis '
 
I haven't even read your post nor can I get the pics . But I too made numerous Scots arms and your dead right re the square top jaw square nut being a pian I think you & I are on the same wave length I should PM you I think we will get on just fine .
Regards Rudyard Maker of 'Snapis '
You probably can't see the pics,,,, because the topic and o.p. are from 2014,,,,, 8 years ago!

The pics were probably hosted on a site like photobucket and not available anymore.
haven't even read your post
Why would you reply to a topic you haven't read?

Other than to hear your own voice, so to speak.
 
I haven't even read your post nor can I get the pics . But I too made numerous Scots arms and your dead right re the square top jaw square nut being a pian I think you & I are on the same wave length I should PM you I think we will get on just fine .
Regards Rudyard Maker of 'Snapis '
I tried to PM No joy
Rudyard
You probably can't see the pics,,,, because the topic and o.p. are from 2014,,,,, 8 years ago!

The pics were probably hosted on a site like photobucket and not available anymore.

Why would you reply to a topic you haven't read?

Other than to hear your own voice, so to speak.
Dear Brokennock Quite how you fit in I don.t know The OPs input came up so I responded to the Post because it was of interest to me . Not being deaf I can hear my own voice. .Ime not sure where you feel you fit in if at all but do I sense hostility ?.Ive likley forgoten more about that particular topic than you will ever know .Hopefully I misunderstand you I don't know you or what your angle is but you come across as critical. even scathing . If the Poster is still with us please contact me.if youd'e care too.
Regards Rudyard
 
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