Completed Gunmaker shot! Death Cert deciphered - huge thanks extended

[jimmijam]

Hi there,
I'd really appreciate help on what could be an intriguing cause of death. I have an ancestor, a gunmaker who died in 1856 in Edinburgh and I've just received his Death Certificate.  I can't make out how he died, and I'll post it up.

I think it partially reads, "A pistol that accidentally ? while examining a loaded ? as...December 24"

Also, I can't decipher his mother's maiden name, I think it starts with a P.

I'd really appreciate the help!

Many thanks for looking, best wishes, jimmijam

[oldtimer]

Hi Jimmijam

a pistol shot, accidently received while examining a loaded revolver

[oldtimer]

... is the mother's name, Preston? (deceased)

[jimmijam]

Hi Old timer,
Yes that looks good. I was having another look at it and wondered if the bottom bit might refer to a Doctor or something, because part does look like "as certified". (Spent so long on this, my coffees gone cold!)
Best wishes, Jimmijam

[Graham Whitehead]

Also, I can't decipher his mother's maiden name, I think it starts with a P.

Maiden name could be Proctor I think.  Sorry Old Timer you beat me to it, I think you may be right.  Name of certified person looks a bit like John Miller though I confess I can see no 'n' unless it is Jon Miller.  It is quite a challenge!

[elin]

I read the mother's maiden name as Proctor as well. 

Elin

[Graham Whitehead]

Now where are we?   Could I be right?  

I suppose Isabella Leslie is already known.

Word before December might be 'deceased'  perhaps.

By the way Elin I love your stained glass window.

[elin]

By the way Elin I love your stained glass window.

It's a very small, but beautiful window from a tiny chapel at the almshouses where one of my ancestors
was a resident.

[Graham Whitehead]

What a lovely memento of your ancestor - knowing they too had looked on it and perhaps loved it.