EDINBURGH.- Two rare Jacobite-era pistols have been reunited in a new exhibition at Montrose Museum. A pistol on loan from National Museums Scotland is displayed alongside its pair in Tartan & Turmoil: The Angus Jacobite Story.
The weapons date to the late 17th century and are rare surviving examples of work by the Montrose gunmaker and goldsmith William Lyndsay the Elder. The steel heart butt pistols are richly decorated with intricate floral engravings and silver mounts, stamped with Lyndsay’s mark.
The pistols likely belonged to a wealthy and influential local family at a time when Montrose was renowned as a Jacobite stronghold. Following the failed uprising of 1715, it is believed the weapons were taken to France where they remained for over 200 years before returning to Scotland in 1993.
Tartan & Turmoil explores the pivotal role Angus played in the Jacobite fight to restore the Stuart dynasty to the throne. The bustling port of Montrose was once branded ‘the most disloyal and disaffected town in Scotland', and the towns, villages and breathtaking landscape of the area provided a stage for both Jacobite defiance and their eventual defeat.
Ella Paul, Curator, Renaissance and Early Modern History, said: “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. 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.”
The pistols have gone on display alongside treasures once owned by Stuart kings, intimate letters and everyday objects that illustrate the extraordinary stories of the Jacobite rebellion throughout Angus.
Emma Gilliland, Museums & Galleries Collections Lead at ANGUSalive, said: “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 are also showcasing significant objects on loan from leading national institutions. 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 pistol is on loan to Montrose Museum from National Museums Scotland with the support of Postcode Lottery players. The loan is part of National Museums Scotland’s National Strategy, which sees collections and expertise shared through loans, participation in national projects, community engagement, funding for acquisitions and free knowledge and skills development opportunities for museums across Scotland.
