Page 224 - 86-Book1

222
LOT 220
Exceptional Highly Ornate Relief Chiseled and Inlaid
Louis Lamotte Signed Flintlock Holster Pistol for the Ottoman Market
- NSN, 43 cal., 12 1/8 inch round bbl., bright/silver/brass finish, walnut stock. Louis Lamotte was a prolific French gunmaker in St. Etienne primarily noted for making extremely ornate firearms for the Ottoman Empire trade in the second half of the 18th century. This pistol is certainly in keeping with that reputation and has extensive ornamentation in mainly floral and classical martial patterns. The lock is signed “Louis/ Lamotte” at the front, and the underside of the barrel has an unclear marking and
sun and “TORDU” (twisted indicating Damascus/pattern welded barrel). The barrel
has a brass cannon style muzzle and brass wrapped breech section with raised relief classical martial designs. The lock is an interesting “boxlock” design with an internally mounted cock, frizzen, and frizzen spring; a serrated battery face, sliding safety, and an alloy plate with cast classical martial and floral patterns. The furniture is silver alloy with floral and martial patterns, and the stock features extensive inlays covering nearly all of the surfaces. In keeping with the Ottoman preferences, the “ramrod” is permanently in place as the regional preference was to keep the actual rod with the other loading equipment.
CONDITION: Very fine overall with bright iron and aged patinas on the balance, and generally light overall wear. The stock is also very fine and has a few minor slivers of inlay absent, rather open lock mortise, and minor wear. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 8,000 - 12,000