An interesting and unusual Turkish or Balkan rifle. Wonderful profusely carved wooden stock with inlaid designs of scrolling and dots. Brass mounts with shaping and chiselling including a butt-cap, trigger-guard and three large brass cappucines incorporating a sight. Steel swivels for strap. Good steel barrel possibly damascus twist (patination dark) with areas of raised panelling along top, three punched makers marks at forte. Steel percussion lock with some chiselling and writing. Originally a flintlock piece this gun has been converted to a percussion piece during the 19th century, a conversion which could be reversed fairly easily if desired. Butt shows deep storekeepers stamps which suggests that the gun was originally European and may have been adapted from a Brown Bess musket. A very unusual piece. Good condition. Ottoman region, Turkey/Balkans, late 18th early 19th century. $2695
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