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LOT 1300
Exceptional Silver Mounted and Niello Decorated Miquelet Pistol with Gilt
Accented Barrel - NSN, 60 cal., 14 3/8 inch round
bbl., gold/silver/niello finish, wood stock. While the general form of the pistol is definitely in keeping with other Caucasian pistols from the 19th century,
this pistol is far from ordinary and is exceptionally decorated and would have been suitable for presentation and use by a significant figure in the region which was often contested by various empires, most notably the Ottomans, Persians,
and Russians. This pistol is comparable to another exceptional pistol of this same
form contained in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Accession Number:
36.25.2241) which is noted as Caucasian and likely from Tbilisi, Georgia, or Dagestan. Several elements on these two pistols are nearly identical and others are very similar. Note for example the crosses on the wrist, the floral patterns on the rear band, and the style overall of the niello work. Essentially all of the visible surfaces feature some form of ornamentation, especially when you consider the artistry involved in the Damascus barrel which has gold inlays, untranslated script along the central rib, a maker’s mark between the thin upper bands of the rear barrel band (same shape as the MET pistol), and raised floral sections at the breech. The silver barrel bands and stock panels and the silvered lock age decorated with niello work mainly consisting of floral patterns. CONDITION: Very fine overall with aged patina on the silver, dark niello patterns, much of the original gold on the barrel, and mild age and storage related wear overall. Mechanically fine. This is an incredible pistol that is an exceptional example of the Caucasian artistry and would be as at home in an art gallery as a collection of antique arms. Estimate: 5,500 - 8,500
LOT 1301 Heavily Decorated Silver Mounted Ottoman Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 65 cal., 14 3/8 inch round bbl., bright finish, walnut stock. This pistol has been heavily ornamented in the Ottoman Empire, possibly the Balkans, and has repoussé designs on the silver plates that cover much of its surfaces, elaborate scroll engraving with brass accents on the barrel and lock, a group of brass inlays on the mid-section of the stock, silver wire wrapped wrist, and a serpentine side plate with a foil background. The “ramrod” is actually false. It was common in the region to carry the rod separate from the pistol along with the other loading equipment. ONDITION: Fine overall with light patina on the metal, some light pitting on the barrel and lock, some cracks and small repairs on the stock, a few spots of loose or absent accents such as a pins missing from the forend, and generally mild overall wear. Mechanically fine. Estimate: 5,000 - 7,000
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