Pistol identification

[Birty]

Hi all, just been going through and having a clear out of my late fathers belongings, came across this, any ideas? I know it’s been in the family a long while, but always stored away due to family members in years gone by losing there life to fire arms.

 

[bang]

Need good clear pics of lock and any manufacturing markings. Also put a rod down the barrel and see if the bore goes down to even with the flash pan. If it doesn't then it's a non firing tourist piece. May need to remove the stock to get to the manufacturing markings and if there is a hole in the bottom of the barrel under the stock that goes to the bore then it is a non firing tourist piece

 

[denster]

Not a tourist piece. Likely Ottoman Empire or other middle eastern descent. Appear to be an inscription on the trigger guard but I can't make it out.

 

[Birty]

Ok , thanks for rapid reply’s, I’ll take your advice and have a poke down barrel. Thanks

 

[rickystl]

Hi Birty

I'm pretty sure you have what most collectors call an Ottoman Kubur (horse) pistol. It was likely made at one of the many gun making centers in the Balkans from imported parts from Europe. Probably anywhere in the first half of the 19th Century. It could have also been entirely made in Europe and carved/decorated for local taste. But I would need to see close pics of the inside and outside lock to have a better idea. These Ottoman style pistols were a big market for 100 years. From the photos provided, it appears there is no provision for a ramrod - True ?

Rick

 

[TFoley]

A number of Ottoman horse pistols I've seen did not have a ramrod - captured or otherwise. Instead, the shooter had his ramrod on a length of cord or chain around his neck - I bleeve that capandball has recentlly posted a movie about shooting a pistol with similar usage, as well as a carbine used by Hungarian/Austrian cavalry.