18th Century kilt and sporran

[Woodsheal]

One of the things I've always found intriguing about this painting is the positioning of Lord George's pistol. It would appear as if he is holding it by the barrel...

It's most likely hanging barrel down, clipped to a separate strap that doesn't show up in the painting. Check out this officer's rig:

[Dale Seago]

It's most likely hanging barrel down, clipped to a separate strap that doesn't show up in the painting.

I agree. Scottish pistols in that era typically had a belt clip for attachment to a strap or belt, rather than being carried holstered. There are some good example pics from a modern reproduction here:

http://www.middlesexvillagetrading.c...tmurdoch.shtml

A close-up:

[Dall_Piobaire]

Just curious, and remember it is really hard for me to see in these portraits, would/could it not be the way he held it to cock it...