This highly ornate 19th century pistol is of the style popular in the Caucasus region at the border of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It may originate from Tbilisi. The lock has an untranslated golden maker's mark and a "101" style marking in gold on the plate. The barrel also features gold inlaid designs, and the other metal is niello decorated silver with beautiful designs. A lanyard loop is fitted on the cap on the antique ivory ball pommel. The stock is black shagreen bound hardwood. The ramrod is absent. Provenance: The Tom Lewis Collection

Fine with bright original gold, aged patina and nicely contrasting niello on the furniture, dark gray-brown patina and mild oxidation/pitting on the iron, and mild overall wear. The stock is good has some loss at the forend tip section, some loosening shagreen, and mild age and storage related wear. The frizzen/battery spring is absent, but the lock is otherwise mechanically fine.