Beautifully Crafted 18th Century Ottoman Flintlock Pistol

I know it is difficult to age Ottoman pistols with any certainty, but I would say that this one has planted itself nicely in the 18th Century without too much help from me.

A good quality piece with classical engraved scenes to the furniture, very unusual to find one of this size too.

Ottoman pistols don't normally have ramrods either as they were traditionally worn about the neck, so maybe it was made for a visiting Westerner?

The nicely carved wooden stock is full stocked and has very little bruising and no splits or cracks.

The steelwork is engraved, inlaid with brass panels and has a pleasant salt and pepper finish.

The mainspring is strong and although the action holds in half and full position, it is weak, as is the sear spring.

Although the brass and the wood of the ramrod has a patina that matches the pistol nicely, it seems a little too clean and I believe is a replacement.

Overall a stunning and unusual Eastern pistol.

Barrel length 14cm, overall length 26cm.

This antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license