Sporran clasp pistol

**PeterB** · 24th April 20, 11:04 AM

From the National Museum of Scotland:

"Sporran clasp of brass and steel with four concealed pistols which would fire if the sporran was not opened correctly. "

Sporran 2.jpg

https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-co...roy-macgregor/

**Quarter Scot** · 24th April 20, 11:27 AM

WOW! Don't mess with THAT sporran!! Speaking of BOOM!! Reminds me of other hidden pistols from The Wild West...

**Me cousin Jack** · 24th April 20, 09:18 PM

Mutually assured destruction

**figheadair** · 25th April 20, 02:20 AM

There is no evidence that a bag was ever attached or that this was worn. It looks like a piece of Highland Revival showmanship and a romantic curio. In particular, with the barrels build into the side frame then they would obviously fire left and right, they would not affect the wearer or someone attempting to open the sporran from the front.

**Jock Scot** · 25th April 20, 03:24 AM

Originally Posted by figheadair

There is no evidence that a bag was ever attached or that this was worn. It looks like a piece of Highland Revival showmanship and a romantic curio. In particular, with the barrels build into the side frame then they would obviously fire left and right, they would not affect the wearer or someone attempting to open the sporran from the front.

I am not too fussed about the left, the right and even the front bit. Its the behind that would concern me!

**Quarter Scot** · 25th April 20, 08:01 AM

Looking at that closely and knowing what I know about flintlock guns, I would guess that is a double barreled pistol that is activated (triggered) by pulling up on the center nob. I believe the hot box part of the cylinders are in the neighborhood of where the frizzen (the plate where the flint strikes) and gunpowder pan are and would set off both barrels at once. It would be a clever hidden weapon but likely not the top of a sporran. May have been worn on the belt and, if on the right side (dominate hand side) would shoot forward at the threat. Would be a close-quarters weapon. The pan would have to be filled with gunpowder ahead of time and would easily spill out if the wearer were to bow, lean over......... As previously said, likely a show piece rather than an effective weapon. But clever all the same, and interesting. History........