Original 18th Century Ottoman Empire Ornate Silver Mounted Miquelet Lock Long Holster Pistol with Silver and Gold Inlays - Circa 1780
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a magnificent OTTOMAN miquelet lock long holster pistol made to follow European lines, clearly having belonged to someone of significance being so well adorned. It is fully silver mounted, with a fantastic long eared butt cap featuring several high relief designs, engraved trigger guard, lock screw escutcheons, and ramrod pipes. The pistol is VERY long, measuring just over 26 inches in overall length, and features a "carbine length 19 1/2" barrel with a bore of about 0.56". We can picture the very well off owner wearing this in his belt, as it would have been a very impressive status symbol, made more for show than for easy of use.
The pistol is also fantastically well adorned, with silver inlay work covering much of the top of the barrel, showing stands of arms and other designs, as well as some Arabic writing. There is also a small round gold inlay towards the center, which looks to have some type of marking on it. The miquelet lock is also partly covered with engraved silver inlay work, with a round gold inlay towards the center. The stock does not show any carved designs, but there is hardly room for any, as it is COVERED from butt to muzzle with silver wire inlay work, showing foliate designs that terminate in gold inlay "flowers". This design covers the ENTIRE stock, save for the inch closest to the muzzle, and must have taken a very long time and high level of artistry to execute.
Often referred to as a Mediterranean Pirate's Pistol this example is way above that. it has a silver fitted ramrod under the barrel, however it is currently stuck in the stock, so it may be ornamental, as often Ottoman pistols were designed for having a ramrod hung around the neck. The miquelet lock is functional, however the half cock stop does not stick out enough to catch the hammer, so it only holds at full cock.
A fantastic offering that is sure to be the showpiece of almost any collection! Ready to research and display!
Specifications:
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1780
Caliber: .56" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 26 inches
Barrel Length: 19 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
History of the Miquelet Lock:
Miquelet lock is a modern term used by collectors and curators, largely in the English-speaking world, for a type of firing mechanism used in muskets and pistols. It is a distinctive form of snaplock, originally as a flint-against-steel ignition form, once prevalent in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Balkans, North Africa, Ottoman Empire and throughout Spain's colonies from the late 16th to the mid 19th centuries.
The term miquelet lock was not recorded until the 19th century, long after the appearance of the mechanism in the 16th century, and is of uncertain origin. One commonly held view is that it was coined by British troops in the Peninsular War to describe the style of musket used by the Miquelet (militia) that had been assigned to the Peninsular Army of the Duke of Wellington.
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- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): New Jersey
This product is available for international shipping.
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IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
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Yes, in most jurisdictions, antique firearms are legal to own and are generally not subject to the same regulatory requirements as modern firearms. Under U.S. federal law, any firearm manufactured on or before December 31, 1898, is classified as an antique firearm and is not considered a firearm under the Gun Control Act of 1968. As such, no federal license or FFL (Federal Firearms License) transfer is required for purchase or possession. Antique firearms may be legally shipped to all U.S. states and to over 25 countries worldwide via UPS, subject to applicable shipping and import/export restrictions. Please note: Firearms laws vary by country, state, and locality, and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to consult with local law enforcement or a qualified legal professional to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations in your area.
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