Quote:
|
Originally Posted by TVV
I have always been under the impression that ramrods in the Ottoman Empire were often a separate item, worn in the "silyahluk", or the large leather belt. Below is one from Oriental Arms, which Artzi calls "suma" and which in Bulgarian is known as "harbiya" (probably a turkish word, since it is not slavic):
Therefore I would not say this pistol lacks a ramrod. I wonder if this was the original length of the barrel or if it was shortened.
In any case, very nice item and I am sorry I cannot help with the inscriptions either.
Regards,
Teodor |
You are right about the ramrods being carried seperate. Reason was that these pistols were often used from horseback and if the rod was lost from the pistol, you were somewhat in the proverbial mire!! Rod was usually carried on a lanyard of some sort around the neck.
Re your comment on barrel length---the one I had was the same, and definately not cut off.
Regards Stuart