Summary

Flintlock pistol. Described formerly as Circassian, late 17th century, though this attribution is perhaps too specific unless supported by additional material, and a more generous description would attribute to the Caucasus region and stretching as far down as Albania.

An article published by The Argus in 1929 (5 January, p.3) includes a description of the pistol in the context of donor William Cole's wider collection: 'A very rare specimen is a Circassian pistol, with ball butt and ball trigger. All the lockwork is outside the pistol. The wood of the butt is covered with finely grained leather, and the metalwork is inlaid with gold and silver.' The article does not identify how Cole came to own the pistol. Born in 1864, he began collecting firearms as a boy.

Physical Description

cal. 34 bore (approx. .510), steel smoothbore round barrel with central spine, 27.60cm long. Steel miquelet side lock and hammer on R.H.side wth gold inlay, lock and hammer a dark patina and inlay worn overall, no triggerguard, steel ball trigger. Wooden stock covered in leather, probably shark or ray hide, with repairs to leather on front portion of stock, extends to approx. 0.50cm from muzzle. Ball butt and back of grip sheathed with niello decorated metal fastened with pins to stock, barrel secured to stock with a chased silver band.

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