Unusual, profusely decorated early 19th Century Albanian/Turkish miquelet "rat tail" pistol. Caliber: 16 mm. Albania was a part of the Ottoman Empire at the time. The region was famous for a large number of gun makers, who manufactured this kind of pistol in big quantities for the Ottoman army. The entire stock is covered with lightly engraved iron and brass plates. This is is a characteristic feature of Albanian pistols. Most of these plates are made out of iron, rather than brass, which is a bit unusual for Albanian pistols. The hilt of the pistol displays Turkish, Trabizon style, decoration with some red corals and one semi-precious stone (please, see pictures). The pistol is decorated with ornamental motifs. Round barrel with twisted steel pattern. Complete with an original iron ramrod. The pistols of this pattern were used extensively in many wars in the Balkans, including the Greek uprisings. CONDITION: The pistol is in overall fine condition. The barrel shows some patina and/or surface rust (please, see pictures). The stock is nicely preserved. The bore is in very good condition. Miquelet lock is in working order. Overall length: 20 inch. Barrel length: 12.5 inch. Very nice example of the Albanian/Turkish "Rat Tail" miquelet pistol. (Ref. "Islamic Weapons. Maghrib to Moghul" , by Anthony C. Tirri, p.159)
