Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Southern Russian Miquelet Lock Pistol, originating from the Caucusus region (often called Caucasia) between the Black and Caspian Seas. Measuring 19 1/4" in overall length with a 12 3/4" barrel this pistol could date from the late 1700s, however these were still being made almost 100 years later in much the same form. The stock is covered in bone circular plugs overall with the "ALL SEEING EYE" inlaid on the ball pommel, which is a separate piece of wood. It is also inlaid overall with silver wire and was never cut for ramrod, as is standard.

The barrel shows that it was once heavily decorated, and is secured by three heavy silver embossed barrel bands that almost appear to be gold washed due to their patina. The grip back strap and trigger guard are also highly decorative, showing lovely Niello highlighting on the silver metal. The simple angled side plate shows similar decoration, and is really great looking.

The very compact MIQUELET lock mechanism is still in full working order and can still be cocked and dry fired, though it does need a bit of adjustment and does not hold at half cock. The trigger is an iron ball, typical for the pattern.

A lovely example in great condition, ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: Late 18th to mid 19th Century
Caliber: approx. .57" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Overall Length: 19 1/4 inches
Barrel Length: 12 3/4 inches
Action: Miquelet Flint 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.