Scottish, 19th Century, All-Steel Royal Highland Regiment Flintlock Belt Pistol, marked “BISSELL” & “RHR”, Obsolete Calibre

*Scottish, 19th Century, All-Steel Royal Highland Regiment Flintlock Belt Pistol, marked “BISSELL” & “RHR”, Obsolete Calibre*

An attractive and characterful Scottish all-steel flintlock belt pistol in the classic Highland regimental form, bearing the lockplate signature “BISSELL”, the barrel stamped “RHR”, and numbered “495” to the butt.

Constructed entirely of steel in the traditional Highland manner, the pistol displays the distinctive ram’s-horn / scroll butt associated with eighteenth-century Highland sidearms. The grip terminates in bifurcated scrolls and is decorated with a circular rosette motif to the wrist. The exposed ball trigger remains without guard, as per the traditional Highland design, and a steel belt hook is fitted to the reverse for wear suspended from a narrow buff leather belt or beneath Highland dress.

The butt retains its touch-hole pricker (vent pick). This small implement was traditionally carried within the butt aperture and used to clear the touch-hole after firing — a desirable and characteristic feature of Highland pistols.

The lock is of flintlock form and remains complete; the pistol cocks and dry fires correctly. The barrel is of small bore (approx. .25), smoothbore. The underside retains its ramrod channel. The ramrod is present but fixed in place and not removable, and appears incomplete at the terminal end.

Overall the pistol presents extremely well, with even surface tone and pleasing age throughout, making it a highly displayable example of the Highland regimental style.

Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 19.3 cm. Overall length: 33.5 cm.

Historical Note:
All-metal Highland pistols became emblematic of Scottish martial identity from the early eighteenth century onward. Early production is closely associated with the gunsmithing centres of Doune, Perth, Inverness and Brechin, with families such as the Caddells dominating the trade during the mid-1700s. These pistols, made entirely of steel and often elaborately engraved, were both practical sidearms and potent symbols of Highland status and heritage.

The Royal Highland Regiment was raised in 1739 (originally numbered the 43rd Regiment of Foot), renumbered the 42nd in 1748, and later styled the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment — the “Black Watch.” During the mid to late eighteenth century, Highland soldiers and NCOs commonly carried a single steel belt pistol worn under the left arm, suspended from a narrow buff leather belt through the pistol’s hook.

Many pistols associated with the 42nd and other Highland regiments during the period c.1750–1780 were produced within the Birmingham gun trade as well as in Scotland. Makers such as Isaac Bissell are recorded as supplying pistols in the Highland style, often through regimental agents rather than via direct Board of Ordnance contracts.

By the late eighteenth century (c.1780s–1790s), the practical military use of the pistol within Highland regiments declined, and by the mid-1790s pistols were largely abandoned as standard regimental equipment. However, the nineteenth century witnessed a renewed romantic interest in Highland dress and regimental tradition, leading to continued manufacture of pistols in the classic all-steel form. These later examples retained the scroll butt, exposed trigger, pricker and belt hook, serving both as functional arms and as symbolic accessories of Highland identity.

This pistol closely follows the recognised Royal Highland Regiment pattern and, with its BISSELL and RHR markings, sits firmly within that enduring Highland martial tradition.

*Condition*
The pistol remains structurally sound and complete in its principal components. The flintlock action cocks and dry fires. The steel belt hook is present and secure but does not open. The ramrod is fixed in place and not removable, and appears incomplete at the terminal end. The steel pricker (vent pick) is present and accompanies the pistol, as shown. Surface wear and patination are consistent with age and handling. No visible proof marks observed. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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