Caucasian Miquelet "Cossack" Pistol & Locks

[Dave Markowitz]

Regarding the gaziri: Were they used to hold powder or powder and ball?

 

[rickystl]

Regarding the gaziri: Were they used to hold powder or powder and ball?

Hi Dave

To my knowledge, all the originals I've seen/held would be for pre-measured powder charges only. They are too narrow in diameter to include a ball unless it was a very small caliber.

Rick

 

[cyten]

Very interesting and rare percussion conversion pistols with leather covered stocks

Another example of leather handguard on Circassian pistol

The very similar Persian designed gun dated 1821 with a replaced percussion lock

Some belt decorations

 

[rickystl]

That's a very interesting conversion utilizing the original flint hammers. Judging by the koftgari work on the conversion pieces, it looks like the conversion was carried out by the same gunsmith who built the pistols originally. First ones I've ever seen.

Once in a while you see one with it's leather hand guard still intact. Probably a good addition since the grip and profile of these pistols were so slender.

Note how close the design of the Caucasian/Circassion guns are to the Persian profile. Even with the ramrod.

Rick

 

[cyten]

Is your ramrod all metal or partly wood? hard to tell from the photo.


Another interesting and possibly one of a kind is this double barreled rifle that sold at Bonhams a few years back.

 

[rickystl]

Here is another pic of the original ramrod I took during restoration. It's iron wrapped around the wood rod for the first 18 inches or so.
All the Caucasian rifles I've seen that still maintain the original rods were all made in the same manner. Even the style of the button head.
Note the same button shape button head on the Persian rifle above.

For sure, the first double-rifle I've ever seen from that Region. WOW!! I can only try to imagine what that one sold for. LOL

Rick