This smoothbore from Dagestan (southern Russia) is marked with the barrel maker "Haji Mustafa", dated 1822 (1238 Hijri) on the barrel along with "Masha'ala" (what God has willed) and "Master of Hikri(?) Muhammed Son Ali" on the tang. The barrel was made in Crimea (disputed territory of Ukraine/Russia). The lock has the maker "Master Ibrahim" engraved on the side and "Host Adil Khan" on the bottom. Adil Khan was a ruler in Dagestan who fought against the Russians during the Caucasian War. If my understanding of "host" is correct, this gun was made for his army. However, Adil Khan died in 1822 as well.
Like most Caucasian guns, this is adorned with niello silver work and has an ivory buttplate on its almost pool cue shaped stock. What is very interesting about this example is that it is a smoothbore, the vast majority of these long guns are rifled. I believe these barrel bands are 20th century replacements made in the village of Kubachi as they are almost identical to other examples I have handled in person.
Like most Caucasian guns, this is adorned with niello silver work and has an ivory buttplate on its almost pool cue shaped stock. What is very interesting about this example is that it is a smoothbore, the vast majority of these long guns are rifled. I believe these barrel bands are 20th century replacements made in the village of Kubachi as they are almost identical to other examples I have handled in person.
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