Original Item: Only One Available. These were often referred to as Miquelet "Rat Tail" Pistols because of the shape of the stock. These were the traditional muzzle loading pistol of the Balkans and Greece in the early to mid 1800s. Designed to be worn in a sash around one's waist, the weapon is very streamlined in appearance. The stock on this example is almost entirely clad in lovely embossed and engraved sheet brass. The Miquelet ignition system is a hangover from High Quality Italian pistols of the 17th and early 18th centuries.

This is a particularly nice example retaining ALL its brass cladding, all complete and simply great. The engraved and embossed designs are lovely, and it has an inlet for a faux ramrod under the barrel, which is missing. At sea the ramrod was usually carried on a strap around the neck. We looked, and there are virtually no openings in the cladding, which means that the ramrod channel is the only place you can see the wood of the stock.

The back of the wrist has some nickel or lead inlays, which have a "cloud" pattern embossed on the tops. The top of the 12 1/4 inch long barrel has traces of past engraving, but it looks like repeated cleaning has removed almost all of it. Unlike most miquelets we see, the lock on this example is still fully functional! It is a bit finicky, and sometimes hangs at half cock, but usually we can't even get these to move. It also has a very strong mainspring so cocking it takes significant effort.

These are just the weapons carried by Brigands and Pirates of the Mediterranean Sea that caused so much trouble to the Europeans in the early 1800s. Most decorative, with an intriguing ignition system, 20 5/8" overall, this is one of the nicest examples of a Miquelet "Rat-Tail" pistol we have ever had, and one of the few where we can get the lock to work!

Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1800 - 1820
Caliber: .61" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 20 5/8 inches
Barrel Length: 12 1/4 inches
Action: Miquelet Lock
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.

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.

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.