399 - A FINE OTTOMAN–BALKAN SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK PISTOL, 18TH/19TH CENTURY

A FINE OTTOMAN–BALKAN SILVER-MOUNTED FLINTLOCK PISTOL, 18TH/19TH CENTURY Of long-barreled form, the pistol with a slender iron barrel of rectangular section at the breech, transitioning to a faceted and then rounded profile toward the muzzle, extensively inlaid with scrolling vegetal ornament and stylized foliage in gilt-silver throughout its length. The barrel engraved and inlaid with small rectangular cartouches containing pseudo-calligraphic and talismanic motifs, consistent with Balkan and Ottoman decorative traditions. The flintlock mechanism of miquelet type, with pronounced external mainspring and curved cock, the lock plate engraved and signed "Rossi," indicating an imported or Western European-made lock adapted for Ottoman or Balkan assembly. The stock is entirely encased in heavy silver mounts, densely engraved with scrolling arabesques, flowers, and geometric borders, extending from the butt through the grip and forend, including the trigger guard, ramrod channel, and barrel bands. The butt terminating in a pronounced beak-shaped pommel typical of Balkan pistols of the late Ottoman period. Dimensions: L: 20 3/4 in., (53 cm. ) Condition: Silver fittings in very fine condition, with no significant wear or damage visible. Barrel and lock with light pitting/patina across surface consistent with age. Lock mechanism still functional. Large oriental flintlock pistol of Ottoman, probably Albanian, type, octagonal barrel punched on brass background, on the three sides with thunder, traces of decoration, length 32.5 cm; European-type lock with round body, lightly chased and signed: "ROSSI", swan-neck hammer; all-silver mounting decorated with foliage and nielloed baguettes, ovoid pommel finished with a button; silver trigger tail, worked, silver trigger guard decorated en suite; simulated baguette; overall length 52.5 cm. Period, Balkans or Albania, second half of the 19th century. Good condition. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All statements contained in the catalog, condition reports, invoices, advertisements, or elsewhere concerning the authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, period, culture, source, provenance, authenticity, genuineness, condition, rarity, importance, or value of any lot are statements of opinion only and shall not be construed as representations, warranties, or statements of fact. All lots are sold "as-is", refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions does not offer in-house shipping. We will provide a list of recommended shippers upon request.