Rare Jacobite Era Pistols to Be Reunited in Historic Exhibition
Scotland’s Treasured Firearms Return After 30 Years
Rare Jacobite era pistols to be reunited for the first time in over three decades, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see these extraordinary weapons together once more. The two masterfully crafted firearms, created by renowned gunmaker William Lyndsay the Elder, will be displayed side by side in a special exhibition celebrating Angus’s Jacobite heritage. This long-awaited reunion marks a significant moment for Scottish historical preservation.
These exceptional pistols date back to the late seventeenth century and represent some of the finest surviving examples of Lyndsay’s work. The distinguished Montrose-based craftsman was known for producing high-quality firearms and goldsmith pieces for wealthy patrons. Art historians consider these particular pistols to be among the most beautifully decorated examples of their type, featuring intricate floral engravings and elegant silver mounts.
Historical evidence suggests the pistols originally belonged to a prominent local family in Montrose, a town that became known as a Jacobite stronghold during the turbulent seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The region’s strong support for the Stuart cause made it a center of political and military activity, and the pistols likely accompanied their owners through some of the most dramatic events in Scottish history.
Journey from Scotland to France and Back
Following the failed Jacobite uprising of 1715, these magnificent weapons were taken to France, where they remained for more than two centuries. The pistols witnessed the lives of Jacobite exiles who had fled their homeland after the rebellion’s defeat. In 1993, they were rediscovered on the French market and subsequently acquired by two Scottish institutions: National Museums Scotland and Montrose Museum.
Although both institutions preserved the pistols separately, they had not been displayed together since their original pairing in Scotland. The current exhibition brings them back together, allowing visitors to appreciate these complementary pieces as they were originally intended to be seen. Each pistol bears the distinctive stamp of Lyndsay’s mark, confirming their authentic origin.
Tartan and Turmoil Exhibition
The reunion takes place within the “Tartan & Turmoil: The Angus Jacobite Story” exhibition, where the pistol from National Museums Scotland has been loaned to Montrose Museum. The exhibition explores Angus’s crucial role in the Jacobite movement’s attempts to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. Historical accounts describe Montrose as “the most disloyal and disaffected town in Scotland” during this period.
“These finely crafted pistols are extremely rare and I’m delighted we have the opportunity to reunite them. They represent a tumultuous period of Scottish history and the experiences of the Jacobite families forced into exile across Europe.”
Ella Paul, curator of Renaissance and Early Modern History at National Museums Scotland, expressed her enthusiasm for the exhibition. She noted the importance of public support: “We’re grateful for the support of Postcode Lottery players which allows National Museums Scotland to share the National Collection with audiences across the country, bringing these remarkable moments in Scotland’s past to life in a tangible and inspiring way.”
“We’re really excited to bring Angus’s Jacobite story to life for visitors. Everyone has heard about the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie, but the vital role that Angus played in the risings is little known. Some Jacobite objects from our collection are being exhibited for the very first time, and we will also be showcasing significant objects on loan from leading national institutions.”
Emma Gilliland, Museums and Galleries Collections Lead at ANGUSalive, which operates Montrose Museum, emphasized the local significance of the exhibition. She added: “We’re incredibly grateful to National Museums Scotland for their support with this – reuniting our Jacobite pistol with its pair is a really special part of the exhibition.”
The exhibition features not only the reunited pistols but also an array of treasures once owned by Stuart monarchs, personal correspondence, and everyday items that collectively narrate the story of the Jacobite rebellion across Angus. Visitors can expect to see some Jacobite objects from the collection being exhibited for the very first time, alongside significant objects on loan from leading national institutions.
