A highly decorative and fully original Ottoman / Balkan flintlock knee pistol with the traditional Miquelet Lock and dating from around 1790–1820, beautifully inlaid with silver throughout the barrel, lock, and walnut stock.
This fine example represents the superb craftsmanship of Balkan gunsmiths working under Ottoman influence at the turn of the 19th century, when such weapons served both as arms and as status symbols for nobility and regional leaders.
Features:
Calibre: Approximately .65 (smoothbore)
Barrel: Long octagonal-to-round barrel richly inlaid with scrolling silver decoration, extending along the breech and muzzle areas.
Lock: Traditional Miquelet flintlock mechanism with decorative engraving and silver inlay; original flintcock, frizzen, and pan all present.
Stock: Finely figured walnut stock profusely decorated with silver wire scrollwork and floral motifs; terminating in an unusual, characteristically Balkan butt form, all original with lovely aged pati
...na.
Furniture: Trigger guard, sideplate, and ramrod pipes in brass; with ramrod.
Maker’s Mark: Distinct circular struck mark at the breech, showing a three-lobed floral / tughra motif surrounded by decorative punchwork — typical of Ottoman provincial workshops in the late 18th century.
Condition: Completely original and untouched; surface patina consistent with age; silverwork intact l.
Mechanism moves correctly and works but slips on full cock.
This musket exemplifies the fusion of artistry and function found in the Balkan workshops of Albania, Bosnia, and Macedonia, where locally forged barrels were embellished for the Ottoman elite. Such silver-inlaid examples are increasingly scarce in wholly original condition.
Dimensions:
Overall length: 53 cm
Barrel length: 32.5 cm
Wieght: 1,892 grams
Provenance: Private UK collection.
Legal note:
This item is an antique flintlock firearm with an obsolete ignition system, manufactured prior to 1870 and therefore exempt from the Firearms Act. Sold strictly as a collector’s or decorative historical item.
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria, Portobello Road
WE are open every Saturday between 9.30 - 3.30pm in Chelsea Galleries 67 Portobello Road London.
We are at the front of the gallery, on the 1st aisle.
Web page:-
https://peterharrisclocks.com/welcome/
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1176163
Dateline of this antique is Georgian
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