Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original 19th century Ottoman flintlock holster pistol made in a continental European influenced style, with a comparatively short 16 1/4" overall length, approximately .61 caliber barrel, and extensively decorated brass furniture. The long eared brass butt cap, wrist escutcheon, lock, and barrel all show evidence of once elaborate engraved decoration, much of which has been softened by long use, oxidation, and repeated cleaning.

This is an antique black powder firearm manufactured before 1899. Under federal law, it may generally be owned within the United States without a special license or permit and does not require transfer through a Federal Firearms Licensee. However, state and local laws may vary. This firearm is sold solely as a historical collector’s item and has not been test fired or inspected for firing safety by a professional gunsmith. Any mechanical or bore observations provided below describe only its present condition and should not be interpreted as confirmation that the firearm is safe to load or fire. The purchaser is solely responsible for complying with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The smoothbore barrel measures approximately 9 1/2" in length and about .61" at the muzzle. It is octagonal near the breech and transitions forward, with traces of engraved decoration still visible on the upper surfaces. The pistol measures approximately 16 1/4" overall, making it noticeably shorter than many Ottoman holster pistols of the general type.

The stock follows the familiar Ottoman interpretation of western European flintlock forms and is fitted with brass furniture throughout. The long eared butt cap was originally richly engraved, though much of the design has been worn nearly smooth from handling and use. A brass escutcheon on the rear of the grip likewise retains traces of former engraved decoration.

The fore end was originally fitted with a brass nose cap, which is now missing. A wooden rod has been inserted through the ramrod pipes, but it is a replacement and is not functional as a full length ramrod. The existing ramrod channel extends only about one inch into the stock, indicating that this pistol was not configured to carry a conventional full length under barrel ramrod in its present form.

The lock is fitted with a swan neck cock and also retains remnants of engraved decoration. The metal surfaces show extensive old pitting and peppery oxidation, and much of the original engraving on both lock and barrel has been reduced by wear and past cleaning.

Mechanically, the lock remains partially functional but is worn and unreliable. The cock does not consistently hold at either half or full cock, and the action feels stiff and somewhat clunky. These observations describe only its present mechanical state and should not be interpreted as evidence that the pistol is safe to load or fire.

The wooden stock shows substantial handling wear, scattered surface loss, and areas of woodworm damage, particularly on the rear and left side of the stock, with additional activity visible toward the fore stock. The missing nose cap, replacement wooden rod, worn brass furniture, heavy metal pitting, and softened engraving all reflect a long working life and extensive age.

With its short Ottoman holster pistol proportions, approximately .61 caliber smoothbore barrel, swan neck flintlock, long eared engraved brass butt cap, decorated escutcheon, and surviving traces of barrel and lock engraving, this is an evocative 19th century Ottoman sidearm. Its worn lockwork, missing nose cap, replacement rod, woodworm damage, and extensive pitting are all fully disclosed, making it well suited to an Ottoman arms, flintlock pistol, Mediterranean arms, or 19th century antique firearm collection.

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1790-1820
Caliber: .61" pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 16 1/4 inches
Barrel Length: 9 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
Federal Classification: Pre-1899 Antique

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.