A PAIR OF 22 BORE HIGHLAND FLINTLOCK DRESS BELT PISTOLS FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL BY MACLEOD, BIRM

A PAIR OF 22 BORE HIGHLAND FLINTLOCK DRESS BELT PISTOLS FORMED ENTIRELY OF STEEL BY MACLEOD, BIRMINGHAM PROOF MARKS, SECOND HALF OF THE 19TH CENTURY with swamped multi-stage barrels faceted at the muzzle section, etched over the greater part of their surface with thistle flowers and foliage, a trophy-of-arms and the motto `Nemo Me Impune Lacessit`, moulded breeches incorporating the back-sights, signed engraved locks, fitted with rollers and rainproof pans, three-quarter stocks, etched and blued with further designs of thistle foliage enriched with silver, including the figure of St Andrew beneath the locks (bluing worn), inlaid on each side of the butt with a silver escutcheon, one vacant, one with the owner`s crest and initials `JW` beneath the motto `Ne Cede` and the other pistol with a further crest beneath the motto `Fit Fiave` on each side, slender belt hooks, globular steel triggers inlaid with a silver cross on the bottom, thistle-shaped prickers inlaid in silver en suite, one retaining its ramrod (the other ramrod and ramrod-pipe missing) 32.3cm; 12 3/4in (2)