September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/5/2023
For a pistol with nearly identical decoration and form, see Figs. 114-114B in "Islamic Weapons: Maghrib to Moghul" by Tirri, attributed to the Balkans. Rounded barrel with flatted sighting rib is sleeved at muzzle end with elaborate repoussed and chased geometrics with some small areas of niello decoration, raised cannon muzzle, and false ramrod. Stock is decorated with lightly incised geometrics with gadrooned edges around lock. Lock has a sharply angeled beveled edge with stepped rear and light gold koftgari work and near complete coverage with floral and geometric engraving. Wrist of stock is inlaid with sheets of elaborate silverwork and raised floral nodules. Wrist has 3 further triangles of silverwork with niello decorated and 3 pieces of coral cabachoned into place. Butt with raised floral designs. Powder flasks of similar designs can be viewed in Figs. 97A and 169 of Tirri's book. Powder flask is damascened with gold and silver in floral and geometric patterns, with what appears to be Arabic on both sides of the body. CONDITION: Lock and barrel of pistol are a mixture of dove grey and chocolate patina, with crisp legible engraving. Paktong (or equivalent) barrel sheath with some handling marks and one noticeable area of depression at "ramrod" and some chipping at edges of sheet. Trigger guard probably replaced as it doesn't fit the incised area quite right. Silver decoration at wrist is very good with a few repairs and some handling marks, and some scattered verdigris. Powder flask is excellent with good, crisp decoration and minimal handling marks. A well-presenting pair of Middle Eastern pieces.
Caliber/Bore
.70 Smoothbore