Balkan ? Pistol.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi All,
A flint lock pistol which I assume emanates from the Balkan region although I have been known to be wrong in the past :D :o . I would appreciate your comments and ideas on the where and when. It is a substantial pistol and quite workmanlike with a solid 'skull crusher' type butt. Thanks in advance for all and any replies.
Regards,
Norman.

[Norman McCormick]

More Photos

[rickystl]

Hi Norman.

Yes, appears to be a typical Balkan made pistol. But with extra good workmanship, and in very nice condition. A good textbook example. Congratulations. Maybe someone can make out the markings/script that is also well done. This pistol was made by a good craftsman.

Rick

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Rick,
Thanks for the interest. The pistol is 17 1/2 inches overall with a 10 1/2 inch barrel. I like the all steel construction with a little brass inlay, made for business. I've put a better photo of the lock plate on post No 2, do you think the 'serpent' detail is purely decorative or maybe a makers mark? It would seem to be in a rather obscure place for pure decoration i.e. only visible when the piece is cocked. Thanks again.
My Regards,
Norman.


P.S. It is in complete and original working condition.

[rickystl]

Hi Norman

I have no idea the relevence of the serpent. It would be great if someone can translate any of the letters or markings. Unless made as a pair, you never see any two Balkan style pistols look alike. The "general" style of these pistols seem to follow the French pattern of the first half of the 18th Century. But the carving, engraving, and decoration usually follow a generic pattern. This was probably done so as to attract a wide variety of prospective customers, without offending any religious sensibilities or tastes. Also, these pistols are usually unsigned, without a makers mark. This is likely so that the pistol could not be traced back to any specific gunshop since they were sold to friend and foe alike. LOL I too like the iron mounted guns. I think they are the most attractive. Especially if tastefully decorated with brass or silver, such as this one. The barrel on this one is especially attractive. The extra wide breech end quickly tapering and fading to round. I would not be surprised if the barrel was European made. The pistol is extra nice. Wish I had seen it first. LOL
Question: Is the ramrod full length, about the same as the barrel length? Or is it shorter ?

Rick

[Oliver Pinchot]

As early as the 17th century, these pistols were sold at arms fairs which certain Italian makers (notably Brescians) held on the Balkan coast of the Adriatic, principally at Split (It: Spolato) as well as other locations. One could buy a complete weapon or the mounts alone.

The mounts are decorated with what were called "al orientale" (oriental) motifs (typically though not invariably crescent moons and stars.) The marks on the lockplate and triggerguard of this particular example were probably done locally (i.e. in the Balkans) after it was acquired. They cannot be translated because they are not inscriptions; rather, they are intended to emulate Latin characters (which they did, with varying degrees of success.) Most of the owners of these pieces were illiterate. Those that could read might know Greek, Glagolitic or Ottoman characters. Hence, these marks were taken, not as inscriptions per se, but as quality marks. This is roughly comparable to people who cannot read Latin characters nonetheless recognizing the prestige of the Rolls Royce logo. The dragon is also likely a local addition. Before it became the Christian sign of evil, the dragon represented power and strength throughout the East.

[rickystl]

Oliver: Thanks for posting your comments. I was not aware of the historic arms faires. Most interesting. Thanks for adding to my knowledge base on these pistols. Much appreciated.

It's amazing how popular these pistols remained for near 200 years. That probably accounts for the many specimens available today.

Rick

[Oliver Pinchot]

They were in use in more isolated areas of the Balkans and Anatolia up until WWII... imagine.

[rickystl]

They were in use in more isolated areas of the Balkans and Anatolia up until WWII... imagine.
LOL. Unbelievable. It's like looking at photos taken in the 1870's of Caucassian warriors still wearing chain mail armour. Traditions in this Region of the World did not die easily.

Rick

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Oliver and Rick,
Thanks for the continued interest, very informative. Rick, the ramrod is an integral part of the stock like a lot of 'Balkan' style pistols. As you'll know a separate ramrod 'suma' was carried instead of an integral rod. Thanks again guys.
Regards,
Norman.