Hi Kubur.
Thanks for your comments. No, I don't have Arms of Arabia. But I should. There are some copies available, but WHEW..THE PRICE!
I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and order a copy. I'm sure it won't get any less expensive as time goes on.
Is there a book coming out on Persian firearms? Is there a release date yet?
Yes, we know the Caucasian long guns especially were heavily Persian influenced. Not only the stock shape, but also the barrels and locks. The lock on this gun has the early sear arrangement. This, together with the other features, is why I would date this gun no later than the 1st Quarter of the 19th Century. Of course, I've been wrong before.
But the evidence at present leads me to believe this is an early, all Persian made gun. Differing opinions are most welcome.
BARREL: While the barrel was off the gun and un-breached, both the gunsmith and myself tried to find some evidence of a damascus pattern. But even under magnification, we can't seem to detect any. Which I find surprising for a gun of this quality. But, as I mentioned, I believe the barrel and lock were chemically cleaned at some point. And the wrong chemicals can cause a fading of damascus pattern.
But I just can't tell if this was the case.
The likely all Persian origins of this gun make it one of the most interesting in my collection. Thanks again for your interest.
Rick.