what is this? Ottoman Caucasian Balkans?

[Kubur]

Hi everybody

Do you know what are these pistols?

Thanks

[trenchwarfare]

I've never seen anything like them. The grips are mounted on a frame, that is very similar to what you would find on a pinfire, or early rim/centerfire revolver. The fore end is unusual, with a "Schnabel" finial. The lock on the top pistol looks odd, like what you would find on tourista pieces from Turkey in the 1950s-60s. What are the grip panels made of? :shrug:

[Runjeet Singh]

Dear Kubur,

It is hard to give a definitive answer without seeing close-ups'. Even then it may not be possible! But it seems as though there is a mix of styles.

My guess would be Ottoman/Balkan - I have seen Ottoman pistols with later applied grips from Montenegro / Bosnia before - a possibility to consider.

Regards
Runjeet Singh

[Kubur]

Dear Runjeet & Trench,

Thanks both
it is brass
it was my first idea, Bosniac/ottoman
but i found this Persian pistol who looks similar...
Any idea about Persian pistols?

Kind regards,
Kubur

[Oliver Pinchot]

They're Balkan-- perhaps Montenegrin, interesting that the butts emulate the form of the Gasser revolver. Consider that when they were holstered or thrust through the belt, only the grips would show.

[Kubur]

They're Balkan-- perhaps Montenegrin, interesting that the butts emulate the form of the Gasser revolver. Consider that when they were holstered or thrust through the belt, only the grips would show.


I will do some photos of the grip.
Thanks!

[Kubur]

Photos of the grips
Sorry... better late than never...

[RDGAC]

That looks like a very modern screw in the grip you show in close-up; is the grip, as it looks, cast brass? The screw holding the cock to the tumbler square also looks very new, and held in rather crudely with a washer; bit suspect. I'm wondering if these were knocked up for tourists.

Have you had a look at the lock innards, and checked to see if either barrel has a load down it?

- Meredydd

[Kubur]

Hello Sir,

I'm very afraid that you are right fro the screws.
The pan and frizzen are very well connected to the barrel.
But the cock is a little bit lose so the screw is probably new.
For the grips, they really look like original.
The overall impression of the gun is good, it doesn't look like a toy or a bad copy from Ankara/Istanbul.
I'm happy with the Montenegrin proposal of Runjeet & Oliver.

Best wishes
K.