Fall 2026 Premier Firearms & Militaria Auction
November 6th, 7th, & 8th, 2026
This auction will feature an outstanding collection of items spanning multiple categories including Modern, Military, Sporting, & Antique firearms & militaria! Below is just a small grouping of select highlights from the massive offering to be featured in this upcoming sale.
A TRULY FINE EXAMPLE OF A BLACK WATCH ALL METAL FLINTLOCK PISTOL 1760-63 BY BISSELL
| Cal. .555. | S# NSN. | 01-29241/MGM |
The Black Watch Regiment arrived in America in 1756 during the French and Indian wars and suffered major casualties during the battle of Carillon (Fort Ticonderoga) in July 1758. As a result of their incredible bravery the regiments designation was changed from “HR” (Highland Regiment) to “RHR” (Royal Highland Regiment) by the King in 1760. Pistols made after this date were engraved “RHR” on the barrel which is the case for this particular pistol. Those issued earlier often had the first “R” added. After the Treaty of Paris (1763) production ended for this style of pistol. Many examples continued in use throughout the American Revolutionary War and continued until 1795 when the Board of Ordinance withdrew the all metal pistols from the Highland Regiments and placed them in storage. During the ensuing years some were reissued during the Napoleonic wars. The vast number were either scrapped or destroyed during the 1841 Tower of London fire. This fine condition original survivor made between 1760-1763 by contractor, Isaac Bissell has 7-5/8″ tapered and swamped round barrel with baluster turned raised breech. Top of barrel is engraved “RHR” and is stamped with two Tower view proofs. There are no other regimental markings on the pistol. Classic shaped lock with early Miquelet type protruding sear is fitted with serpentine cock, inset rounded pan, unbridled friction frizzen and feather spring with foliate finial. Lock has line borders and is engraved “Bissell” under pan. All metal stock with ram’s horn butt extends to within 3/4″ of muzzle with small filed in lip at tip, open mortice for barrel lug alignment and well sculpted transition to main body. Ramrod with simple button head mounts through one plain pipe. A 5″ steel belt hook with long rounded spear finial is on left side. Stock is lightly engraved with rosette on both sides of grip (some pictured examples and all reproductions have a deep either engraved or cast rosette). Pricker has flattened ball type finial and trigger is teardrop shaped. UNATTACHED ACCESSORIES: various photocopies with information regarding this type of pistol both original and reproduction. PROVENANCE: From the Collection of Lenard Cave. ANTIQUE GUN
