7483 - Captain Walter Forstmann—two Oriental flintlock firearms with silver mountings, a gift from the Senussi/Sanusiya

Captain Walter Forstmann—two Oriental flintlock firearms with silver mountings, a gift from the Senussi/Sanusiya Flintlock rifle with a long, round barrel and a smooth bore, 15 mm caliber. Indistinct markings above the chamber; the top of the barrel is extensively decorated with silver inlays. Floral-engraved lock plate; flintlock mechanism defective. Half-stock with silver fittings and an iron sling swivel on the opposite side of the lock; butt plate missing. Stock nose with chips. Barrel bands: two made of leather and three made of silver. Ramrod missing; leather strap included. Length 163 cm. Flintlock rifle; the top of the barrel is extensively decorated with silver inlays. Indistinct markings in gold inlay above the chamber and on the lock plate. Flintlock mechanism is stiff. Full stock with silver inlay and silver fittings. Iron sling swivel on both sides with a silver ring. Wooden ramrod is stuck in place. Length: 54 cm. Both firearms show clear signs of wear. Against the backdrop of World War I, the Senussi in northern Libya—along with other peoples and tribes—were encouraged to rise up against the colonial powers. The German Empire supported the insurgents in their fight—in this case against Italy—with arms shipments. These shipments were made regularly starting in November 1915 via submarines from the Central Powers’ Mediterranean ports to the Libyan coast, including by U-39 under the command of Walter Forstmann. Condition: III +