Lot 50: Edward Bate 1800 Ottoman Empire Contract Flintlock Pistol

This is an example of an Ottoman Empire contract pistol as manufactured by Edward Bate of London, England. After the Ottoman Empire allied itself with England against Napoleon Bonaparte who invaded Egypt in 1798, weapon contracts were drawn up between the Ottoman Empire and England. One of those contracts was given to Edward Bate and Ketland to produce pistols for the Sultan Cavalry. It was the Sultan Cavalry led by Muhammad Ali that was sent to Egypt to remove French forces in 1801. The banner of Muhammad Ali is engraved on this Bate pistol. The lock plate is marked "BATE" and the top of the barrel is marked "LONDON" with two British proofs on the upper left flat. Muhammad Ali's crescent and star pattern is featured on the hammer, lock plate, barrel, barrel tang, grip cap, and trigger guard. The stock has silver furniture and once had a wire inlaid wavy line and star pattern. The ornate silver thumb shield has a military motif. With an iron ramrod.

Fair. The barrel and action have minor pitting with a mottled gray patina on the action and a bright appearance on the barrel. The silver is fine with the bottom of the grip cap cracked. The stock is good as repaired with some minor handling marks. Mechanically good.