Seeing these splendid photos of Lansquenet's superb German all-steel pistol prompts me to offer photos of my variation on the all-steel theme, an early belt snaphaunce from the east coast of Scotland. The buffer for the cock, trigger and belt hook are restorations (and maybe some other elements too) but more interestingly it is left-handed, presumably one pistol of a pair, the other being right-handed. The brass lock plate is decoratively engraved and has a possible maker's mark below the buffer. The circular pan shield is dated 1648 which puts it in the period of the British civil wars, in which Scotland was deeply involved. Although not as pretty as the more famous Doune pistols of the 18th century such early pistols are much rarer. Any comments welcome.
Neil
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