Late 18th Century or Early 19th Century Ottoman Flintlock Pistol With Extensive Decoration To The Steelwork And Brasswork

An absolutely beautiful long barrelled pistol with profuse engraving, carving and inlay across its entirety.

The round 12" steel barrel has a carved mask close to the breech (almost looks like the Green Man) and foliate flourishes with a name engraved along the top.

There is more carving at the breech with 3 brass cartouches inset.

The lock is also carved and engraved and is Spanish in style with its ribbed frizen.

The brass pierced sideplate is engraved with animals and foliate sprays.

The long eared buttcap is very finely decorated, as is the trigger guard and to a lesser extent, the brass false ramrod pipes.

The wooden full stock is carved nearly from muzzle to butt and is inlaid with silver (white metal) wire along the "false" ramrod and all around the grip where the inlay is very fine indeed and nearly completely intact.

A large cast escutcheon is still in place (these are often missing) and has a red enamelled central panel.

The stock is in really good condition with very little damage and the metalwork is also in fine condition with steel, having virtually no signs of corrosion and a nice dark patina.

The one area of damage that cannot be missed is on one side of the barrel where perhaps the carving might have been cut too deeply, as it looks as though the barrel burst long ago during its life (see photos).

The mainspring is strong (almost too strong to cock) and the action is fine in both half and full position although the frizen spring is weak.

This is an absolute belter of an Ottoman flintlock pistol, one of the best I've had the pleasure of owning!

Barrel length 31.5cm, Overall length 49cm.

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license