Item:
ON1516

Original Imperial Russian Cossack Ornate Silver Mounted Miquelet Pistol circa 1830

Item Description

Original Item. One of a Kind. Just acquired from a private collector, this is a magnificent silver mounted MIQUELET pistol of the Cossacks of Imperial Russia. The barrel, decorated with turnings and carving, is 14" in length and has 7 groove rifling. The wood stock is made of some beautifully figured European wood, almost like striped maple. It is fully Silver mounted and wrapped in wound silver wire. The screws are lined with inlaid bone carvings which extend around the "BALL" trigger. Overall length of the pistol is 23".

Much silver panel work including the Butt cover, the wide barrel bands and lock surround. There is a ring on the underside of the butt/grip from which THREE IMPERIAL RUSSIAN 5 KOPECK COINS are suspended, each displaying the Imperial Russian Double headed Eagle. Each of these coins is suspended from a separate chain, and is marked with the value of 5 kopecks (5 КОЛѢЕКЪ). The two of the coins are dated 1831, while one is dated 1833.

These coins represent the ancient myth of Greek Mythology where the dead had to pay the KHARON, the Boatmen to ferry them across the STYX River into Hades and the afterlife. Many people were then buried with a coin in their mouths for this very purpose. A fighting warrior carried his "passage" attached to his weapon not knowing when the coins might be needed.

Dating to the early 1800 this fabulous Cossack Migulet Pistol, so attractively constructed is as fine as example as we have ever seen. Ready to Display in any high grade collection.

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.

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: circa 1830
Caliber: .63" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 23 Inches
Action: Miquelet Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.

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