Offered here is a handsome pair of all metal, extensively gold inlaid flintlock Highland pistols presented to the Marquess of Breadalbane by the Electors of Perthshire in 1836. This presentation quality pair of pistols showcase exquisite period craftsmanship suited for Scottish peerage. The four stage, smooth 28-bore barrels feature gold swags of foliage on the upper three flats of the slightly flared muzzles, gold foliage and a trophy of arms above a thistle on the mid-sections and gold chevron and star patterns on the fluted breeches. The touch holes are lined in gold. The lock plates are signed "WHEELER/& SONS" among the gold floral scroll. The scrollwork extends to the hammers and stocks. The gold floral pattern on the stock is featured on the grips, back straps, underside along with gold borders and sides of the forearms. Among the scrollwork on the grip is a boar's head on the right side and a marquess' coronet on the left side, all in gold. The stocks have a ram's horn butt fitted with threaded picks. A belt hook is mounted on the left side of the stocks. The actions have safety catches, rollers, frizzens left in the white engraved with a floral pattern and button triggers. The pistols have iron ramrods. Includes two handwritten postcards from W. Keith Neal to Captain Alec Francis. One reads in part, "I am so glad you are pleased with the work I did on your pistols." The other discusses an enclosed Sykes powder flask to complete the set. The mahogany partitioned cased is lined in purple velvet and contains the case key, plain small Sykes three way powder flask (replacement spring and minor dent), a larger plain Sykes powder flask, an iron bullet mold with gold floral work and marked "No 32" and "WD" and a ramrod with three threaded brass heads. The interior of the lid has a brass plaque marked "PRESENTED BY/THE ELECTORS OF PERTHSHIRE/TO/The Marquess of Breadalbane/1836." Born in 1876 in Dundee, Scotland, John Campbell was the 2nd Marquess of Breadalbane. He served in Parliament for Oakehampton from 1820 to 1826 and for Perthshire from 1832 to 1834. It was in 1834 that he succeeded his father as second Marquess of Breadalbane and entered the House of Lords. Other highlights in his life include: Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland from 1824-1826; elected a fellow of the Royal Society in 1834; made a Knight of the Thistle in 1838; served as Lord-Lieutenant of Argyllshire from 1839 until is death in 1862; entertained Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort at Taymouth Castle in 1842; Lord Chamberlain of the Household from 1848-1858; Rector of the University of Glasgow from 1840-1842 and of Marishal College, Aberdeen, from 1834-1845; President of the Society of Antiquaries from 1844-1862; Governor of the Bank of Scotland from 1861-1862; and attended the investiture of King William I in Berlin in 1861. Provenance: John Campbell, 2nd Marquess of Breadalbane KT, PC, FRS (1796-1862): Lady Mary Campbell (1796-1862); Richard Plantagenet Campbell Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos GCSI, PC, DL (1823-1889); The Right Honourable Mary Elizabeth Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 11th Lady Kinloss, CI (1852-1944); Lt.-Col. The Honourable Thomas George Breadalbane Morgan-Grenville (1891-1965); and unknown descendant.

Very fine. The pistol retains 70% original niter blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina and some areas of touch-up. Nearly all of the gold remains. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine showing minor handling/storage marks and some high spot wear on the lining. Truly a handsome pair of presentation gold inlaid, all metal Highland flintlock pistols connected to John Campbell, 2nd Marquess of Breadalbane.

As described in B.

Very fine. The pistol retains 70% original niter blue finish with the balance a smooth brown patina. There is some mild pitting. Nearly all of the gold remains. Mechanically excellent.