Early 19th Century Classic Albanian Miquelet Rat Tailed Pistol

~ Early 19th Century Classic Albanian Miquelet Rat Tailed Pistol ~

The Balkans was the most prolific manufacturer of pistols within the Ottoman Empire. The distinctive early 19thC rat-tailed pistol was mostly produced for the Ottoman Empire under contract in Albania. The vertical groved striker plate is characteristic of Balkan manufacture. The pointed butt made an effective club once fired. This later ‘early 18C’ version say 1830-50s has the decorated brass pinned by nails (suggestive of later manufacture) and is profusely covered with floral and geometric designs which were characteristic of Sunni Muslim (Albanian) manufactured weapons. (Greek and Christian weapons tended to have human or animal forms). The Ottoman soldier would compensate for the absence of a functional ramrod in these weapons by carrying a separate belt-hung ramrod or ‘Suma’

A heavily figured and decorated brass-covered wooden stock pinned in place, with numerous silver
florets inset into the brass. The pistol has a plain Miquelet lock with vertical grooved striker plate all in good working order with flint.
It comes with a decorated barrel and plain steel trigger guard.

The gun is missing the ‘false‘ ramrod (which most are – The ramrod sheath is too short for a functional ramrod).

~ Condition ~

A good original piece considering its age. The lock is in working order.

~ Dimensions ~

Overall length 20 inches (50.5cm).

JAG17_EH0