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LOT 1283
Elaborate Relief Chiseled Damascene and Niello Decorated Caucasian Miquelet
Pistol - NSN, 60 cal., 12 3/4 inch round bbl., bright/gold/niello finish, hardwood stock. This highly ornate
pistol was likely manufactured in the 19th century in the Caucasus region. That region was the frontier between the Russian and Ottoman empires
at the time. The decoration on this pistol, particularly the niello decorated silver mounts, is similar to examples believed to originate from Tbilisi, Georgia, or
Dagestan in this period c. 1830-1850. The smoothbore barrel has some unidentified markings, raised scroll designs and flats, and gilt backgrounds. The lock has scroll and floral gold damascene patterns as does the ball shaped trigger. The silver furniture has a variety of floral patterns with extensive contrasting niello accents, an untranslated
calligraphic marking by the breech, damascene decorated screws, and nice detailing. The leather wrapped stock has no provisions for carrying a ramrod as it was the regional preference to carrying it with the other loading equipment and ammunition. Muzzleloaders remained in general use in the Caucasus and surrounding areas through the end of the 19th century and were part of a the region’s traditional dress much longer and are often associated
with the famous Cossacks.
CONDITION: Very fine with distinct niello designs and aged patina on the silver furniture
and accents, section of the forend cap absent on the left, 95% plus original gold plating
on the lock, 60% gold remaining on the breech section of the barrel, gray patina on the
balance, and mild overall wear. The lock is missing the top jaw, jaw screw, and battery face.
The stock is also very fine and has moderate and handling related wear.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,000
LOT 1284
Pair of Engraved and Silver Mounted
Ottoman Flintlock Pistols -A) Flintlock
Pistol - NSN, 69 cal., 13 inch round bbl.,
brown/silver finish, hardwood stock. These
pistols are the style popular in the expansive Ottoman Empire in the early 19th
century. They have scroll and floral engraving and cast patterns, some unknown markings on the left at the breech, elaborate silver mounts, alternating braided silver wire banding on the wrists, and raised relief scroll carving on the stocks.
CONDITION: Very good overall with mix of faded old brown finish and patina on the barrel, silver-gray patina on the lock, mild oxidation, aged patina
on the silver, distinct scroll carving on the stock, and general mild overall wear. Mechanically fine. B) Flintlock Pistol - NSN, 69 cal., 13 inch round bbl., brown/silver finish, hardwood stock. See “A.”
CONDITION: Very good overall with mix of faded old brown finish and patina on the barrel, silver-gray patina on the lock, mild oxidation, aged patina on the silver, distinct scroll carving on the stock, chip at the nose of the lock, and mild overall wear. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Collection of Joe M. Wanenmacher Jr.
Estimate: 4,500 - 7,000