Pistol, Flintlock

Object number2019.10.3 a,b

Date1760-1780

MediumSteel; Wood; Leather; Flint

Credit LineTransfer from Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Gift of Edward Gray Craig

DescriptionPair of flintlock pistols. Engraved silver scrolls around lock area, and round steel barrel with four raised band of differing sizes.DimensionsHeight x Length x Depth (a): 3 × 13.5 × 1.5 in. (7.6 × 34.3 × 3.8 cm)
Height x Length x Depth (b): 3 × 13.5 × 1.5 in. (7.6 × 34.3 × 3.8 cm)
Inscriptions(a)
White paper with "8337-3" typed in black ink adhered to underside of handle; this is the CMNH object number.

(b)
White paper with "8337-4" typed in black ink adhered to underside of handle; this is the CMNH object number.
Marks(a,b) Around lock area, "BLYTHS & CO" engraved on right side. Proof marks on underside of barrel on both pistols consist of a "P" under what appears to be a crown, and a "V" under a crown near handle.

(a) On butt plate: "I" or "L" mark in center, a lion in the left section, and an inverted anchor in the right section. Raised rectangle on underside of barrel has what appears to be three tick marks, next to a "V", next to another tick mark. It may also read "W I I I".

(b) On butt plate: "H" on right side, an inverted anchor in the center, and a lion stamped on the left side. Two engravings of "1" on side of barrel, with one number on either side of joint. Raised rectangle on underside of barrel has either three tick marks, or a "W" engraved on top.
Historical NotesThis pair of flintlock pistols was presented to Presley Neville, or most likely one of his family members, by the Marquis de Lafayette. Neville served as the Marquis de Lafayette's aide-de-camp for two years during the American Revolutionary War. Neville’s sister Amelia married Major Isaac Craig and the pistols passed down through the Craig family. They were donated to the Carnegie Museum by Edward Gray Craig in June 1928. The donor was the great grandson of Major Isaac Craig and the great grandnephew of Presley Neville. Transferred to the Heinz History Center in 2019.Label TextAccording to family lore, this pair of flintlock pistols was presented to Presley Neville or one of his family members by the Marquis de Lafayette when he returned to the United States in 1824–1825. Neville served as Lafayette's aide-de-camp for two years during the American Revolution. Neville’s sister Amelia married Major Isaac Craig and the pistols passed down through the Craig family.

Previous owner Marquis de Lafayette Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier (French, 1757 - 1837)

Previous owner Presley Neville (1755 - 1818)

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