[boogalou]

Would anyone have any idea how much one of these would be worth. The gun in question looks to have brass fittings, with average detail work, some rust but no real pitting. Good condition I would assume considering it's age.

[deadin]

Are you sure of the era (circ 1750)? If so, How? Some of the Turkish and other guns from the same area aren't necessarily as old as one might think.
Please post a picture if you can.

Dean

[boogalou]

deadin - Here are a few pics. I'm just guessing that it is in the 1750's era or even the fact that it's turkish. All I have for a reference is that the pistol looks similar to other pictures of turkish guns I've seen on the internet.

[Lo.Com.Denom]

Not to disagree with your assessment, boogalou, but many countries made pistols in that style. France, Spain, Germany, England... Unless there's something definitely Turkish about it, it's a tough call to say where it came from.
Having said that, it's not really my area of interest, so I might be wrong.
Is there any markings on it, of any kind?
FWIW, that "long-ears" kind of butt-cap and the curled back trigger came into vogue in Britain in about 1720, apparently.

[boogalou]

Denom - Thanks for your comments. Any info I can gather on this pistol would be appreciated! I have another one that is more plainer then the one shown but has same basic shape and lock. Do you know anyone who could shed more light on this pistol?

[deadin]

I see what you mean. denom is right this could be from almost anywhere. I found a similar one on a French Antique Arms dealers website and it just listed it as being "pour L'Orient". My weak French thinks this means "for the East" which would indicate European made for the Eastern trade.
It does look period, but unless you can find some marks, I would have no idea on where to begin to research it.

Dean

[Jim K]

Based on the overall appearance, I am inclined to agree with the idea that the gun was made in, or for, the middle east or north Africa. It appears to have been a working gun, not one of the many turned out for the tourist trade over the years.

Jim

[Lo.Com.Denom]

The lack of a ram-rod or ram-rod holder is interesting. I read somewhere that those pistols that were destined for export to the east kept their ram-rods separately (damned if I can find the reference now, of course...). It's hard to tell from the photos, but it looks like the ram-rod holders on your example have been hammered flat. Those examples which went to Muslim countries like Turkey sometimes have "crescent-moon and stars" type decorations in the brasswork, too - though not on every example.

Another thought - Is that an identifying mark scratched out, between the frizzen-pan spring and the cock? Might just be the light reflecting off the metalwork, but it could be a crown. If it is, look for a "GR", which stands for "George Royal", ie King George the 1st (or the second or third, but given the style of the piece George the first is your best bet). Sometimes "Tower" is written on the "tail" of the lockplate, just behind the cock - meaning that it was assembled in the Tower of London.

Have a good look at the lockplate and see what you can make out. Might be nothing, but you never know... The markings on my flintlock dueler are very hard to see and they haven't been tampered with, so look carefully.

If you can find any such markings, I'd stick my neck out and say it was a British Cavalry pistol made in about 1720 - 1740, then sold (or pilfered) for export, probably like Jim says, for North Africa or the Orient.

Good luck!

[boogalou]

Denom - I can find no markings but am adding some more pics of the gun plus the other one I have. Do you know of any internet sites in the UK that might have info on these pistols? The second pic is the brass finished one. The other one looks to have lead or silver? on the grip. What do you think?

[Lo.Com.Denom]

Without markings I'm afraid I'm at a loss. (I was really hoping that those scratches on the lockplate added up to something...) Without those we're at a bit of an impasse. I guess that someone with expert knowledge of flinters would have to see it in person to tell you any more about them.

Try www.collectorsfirearms.com for a general idea of their value. I was quite surprised at some of their asking-prices (but then, I'm no expert and I'm not familiar with the American market). Failing that you could see if any auction-houses in your area will value them for you. Some might do a cursory valuation for free, but don't be fobbed-off by BS. If the guy just blathers something vague about it being a flintlock and doesn't consult any books, I'd go somewhere else.

Anyway, you've got a nice little slice of history there and thanks for sharing! I've certainly learned something from digging through some of my old books.:)

[boogalou]

Thanks for the link and info. I appreciate it. Will do some more research and if I find anything I'll let you know.