Miquelet pistol
19th century, Elbasan
Overall length
58 cm
Caliber
16 mm
Materials
iron, steel, brass
Dating
19th century, Elbasan (Albania under Ottoman rule)
Provenance
Belgian private collection
19th century, Elbasan
A nice example of a 'rat-tail' miquelet pistol. Our item dates from the 19th century and all external features point to the city of Elbasan (present-day Albania) as the location of manufacture.
Large parts of the Balkan region had been under Ottoman rule for centuries and were renowned for their weapons production and craftsmanship.
These types of pistols were made in small manufactories, within families and clans, and then sold to merchants on the local markets from where they made their way to the East. The owners of these pistols were ostentatious and frequently polished the barrel to make them shine in the sun. As a result, decorations on the barrel are often worn.
With an impressive length of 58 cm and a caliber of 16 mm, our example belongs to the large versions. The decorations of the brass fittings are nice and intact. Light traces of surface rust and pitting.
Literature:
Robert Elgood, 'The Arms of Greece and her Balkan neighbors in the Ottoman period', p. 200 - 203.
REFERENCES
- Mount Holyoke College Museum, Accession Number: MH SK L.B.2.16
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This item is gone. Be sure to check out the available collection.