Bidspirit auction | ANTIQUE EARLY 19TH C. BALKAN

ANTIQUE EARLY 19TH C. BALKAN / OTTOMAN FLINTLOCK HOLSTER PISTOL - Antique Balkan / Ottoman flintlock holster pistol, early 19th century. A very attractive example of the distinctive firearms produced throughout the Balkan territories of the Ottoman Empire during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The pistol features a long iron barrel extensively decorated with engraved and inlaid linear, foliate and geometric ornamentation. The hardwood full stock is of characteristic strongly curved form and is richly embellished throughout with scrolling wire inlay and incised decoration. The iron lock is engraved and fitted with an external flintlock mechanism, while the trigger is enclosed within a simple iron trigger guard. Particularly attractive is the extensive decoration continuing from the fore-stock through the grip and around the rounded butt, giving the pistol a strong ethnographic character typical of Balkan arms made during the Ottoman period. The barrel also displays elaborate decorative motifs near the breech and along its length. These long-barreled holster pistols, commonly grouped under the term kubur, were widely carried throughout the Ottoman Balkans and were frequently individually decorated according to regional taste and the wealth of their owners. Period examples exhibit considerable variation in lock construction, stock form and ornamentation. Overall showing an attractive dark aged patina with expected wear, oxidation and surface marks consistent with age and use. Early 19th century. Total length: 14 1/4”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.