Collectors of antiques dream of finding rare weapons that have been exceptionally well-cared for. This concept is perhaps best represented by the term "one owner car" in the antique vehicle market; which invokes an antique lovingly protected by a single, faithful custodian over generations.
While the age difference prevents a direct "one owner" parallel in the antique gun world—firearms are centuries older than classic cars—the underlying search for sentiment remains. Collectors of antique weapons often seek out guns that have been held in the same family for generations or in a singular collection for decades.
The reasons for this preference are simple. Antiques kept "off the market" for a significant portion of their existence are generally more original and better preserved than those passed through numerous hands - the more owners an antique has had, the more likely it is that at least some of the subsequent owners may have attempted some degree of ill-advised "restoration," such as refinishing or part replacement, in a misguided attempt to "improve" their investment. However, in reality, it is the guns that are "untouched" and in good honest condition that command premium prices.
It is for this reason, that we are proud to present the guns from our latest acquisition, which directly speaks to the collector's dream: this collection was amassed by a single family in the 1920s and 1930s and was immediately placed into a museum, where it remained until we acquired it late last year. For nearly a century, these guns have been off the open market and under the professional care of a museum. This means the vast majority of these weapons are untouched and completely original; while those do show evidence of repair work, having had this work completed during the late 19th and early 20th Centuries!
This particular piece is sometimes referred as a "rat-tail" pistol by collectors. The term refers to the long, slender grip that terminates in a thin, round point, which is often encountered on these unique, brass-stocked pistols from the former Ottoman empire. However in the case of this pistol, "rat-tail" is a misnomer. True Rat-tail pistols were made in the Balkan states with notable examples originating from Elbasan (Albania), Debar (Macedonia), Prizren (Kosovo), Tetovo (Macedonia), and Shkoder (Albania). Rather than a "rat-tail" butt, this brass-stocked Miquelet pistol features a bulbous grip cap. According to author Robert Elgood, in his book Firearms of the Islamic World this style of pistol is sometimes reffered to as a "pigeon eye butt" and was made almost exclusively in Greece between the mid 18th to early 19 Centuries.
This Grecian brass-stock miquelet pistol is in excellent condition, and likely dates to the 1780's to 1810's. It is all original and features a very unique, brass paneled stock which is almost completely adorned in folk-style engraving. The stock is in excellent condition with no damage.
A stout miquelet lock is neatly inletted into the stock. It is in excellent mechanical condition. The cock holds well on both full and half cock, and the frizzen snaps open and shut under spring tension.
The barrel measures about 14" overall and is securely affixed to the stock with two brass barrel bands. The bore measures about .50 caliber and is quite dark with even rust and pitting throughout.
The furniture is all intact and original; including the faux ram rod; which is not meant to be removed from the stock as it is only a cosmetic feature (these pistols were originally loaded with a separate loading rod worn on a lanyard.
This is a true museum piece, complete with an original museum inventory number stamped on top of the barrel!
