STRIKING ALBANIAN RAT TAIL MIQUELET FLINTLOCK PISTOL

STRIKING ALBANIAN RAT TAIL MIQUELET FLINTLOCK PISTOL

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$1,250.00

Quantity Available: 1

Item Code: 172-6129

Shipping: Determined by Method & Location of buyer

To Order:
Call 717-334-0347,
Fax 717-334-5016, or E-mail

A handsome example of the distinctive Balkan "rat tail" pistol, so called for the long, slender, curving butt that tapers to a pointed finial. Pistols of this form were carried by Albanian and other Balkan fighters throughout the 19th century, typically worn thrust through a sash, and they remain among the most visually striking firearms of the Ottoman world.

This pistol is of all-metal construction with a brass stock. The brass is profusely engraved overall with scrolling foliage, geometric borders, pinned panel work, and the spine of the grip is decorated with rows of raised white-metal bosses in a cluster pattern. The butt terminates in a turned, banded finial. One small decorative accented panel pin is missing from the thin section of the grip; otherwise, the stock is complete and solid.

The lock is a classic Mediterranean miquelet with its external mainspring, large jaw-screw cock with knurled ring top, and grooved frizzen, with engraving on the lock plate and furniture. The sear is worn and the action will not hold at either the half-cock or full-cock position, so the lock is not functional in its present state. The brass trigger guard is engraved to match the stock.

The round iron barrel measures just over 11 inches in length and shows turned rings near the breech. It is secured by two engraved brass barrel bands, with a brass muzzle cap. The bore measures approximately .65 caliber. The barrel walls are thin, and this pistol should be regarded strictly as a display piece. The iron ramrod with its turned baluster decoration is ornamental, with the preferred method of the day relegating a ramrod to a lanyard worn around the owner’s neck.

Overall length is approximately 19 inches. The iron shows an even gray patina with light scattered patina, and the brass has a pleasing mellow tone with the engraving remaining crisp throughout.

A very attractive and decorative Balkan pistol that will display beautifully in any collection of antique arms.  [cm] [ph:L]

DISCLAIMER: All firearms are sold as collector's items only - we do not accept responsibility as to the shooting safety or reliability of any antique firearm. All firearms are described as accurately as possible, given the restraints of a catalog listing length. We want satisfied customers & often "under" describe the weapons. Any city or state regulations regarding owning antique firearms are the responsibility of the purchaser. All firearms are "mechanically perfect" unless noted, but again, are NOT warranted as safe to fire!

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