A pair of gold-inlaid pistols that belonged to a governor of the Bank of Scotland is set to fetch £30,000 at auction in Edinburgh next week.
The Highland 28-bore belt pistols were presented to John Campbell, 2nd Marquess of Breadalbane, by the electors of Perthshire in 1836.
The Dundee-born nobleman and Liberal politician was MP for Perthshire from 1832 to 1834, and was later appointed Lord-Lieutenant of Argyllshire, a post he held until his death in 1862. The cased pistols are the highlight in the arms and armour section of Bonhams’ Annual Scottish Sale in Edinburgh on Wednesday of next week.
A spokesman said the pistols had been part of a Scottish collection and are expected to attract bids of £20,000-£30,000.
Campbell held an extraordinary array of titles during his lifetime, including grand master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland from 1824-1826, and rector of Glasgow University in 1840-1842. He was president of the Society of Antiquaries from 1844-1862, and governor of the Bank of Scotland from 1861 to 1862.
Bonhams’ Annual Scottish Sale, now in its 17th year, will feature works by leading Scottish artists as well as a range of objects related to Scotland, from Highland dress and weapons to silver, glass, books, furniture and ceramics.