All metal flintlock pistols with "ram's horn" butts like this were widely used by Scottish highland officers and soldiers from the 1730s through the American Revolution. This example is signed "BISSELL" on the lock and "RHR" on the top of the barrel. The latter represents the Royal Highland Regiment, and the lock marking represents Isaac Bissel of Birmingham active in the 1740s to 1780. Both sides of the wrist have floral designs, and the barrel has a pair of cross scepter proofmarks. There are "XVIII" and "X I" markings on the edge of the lock; small dot markings on the bottom of the barrel, lock interior, frizzen, cock, and belt clip; "XVIII" on the inside of the metal stock, and "IXVIII" markings on the bottom of the barrel at the breech. The ram's horns are attached with brass and have a threaded vent pick between them. The consignor notes state this pistol was purchased in December 1984 in New Orleans. It may be an old reproduction. An original Bissell with Royal Highland Regiment markings was used as the basis of many current and older reproduction Scottish belt pistols

Fair. The metal surfaces are mostly polished bright and have some light pitting and slight brown patina. The lock functions fine and the markings are faint.