Unknown gun/pistol

[rickystl]

Hi Corrado.

Also referred to as Ottoman/Turkish Knee Pistols. The reference being used while on horseback and fired with the butt stock positioned on the knee.
As Richard mentions, it probably originated in England sometime in the 18th Century, but never seemed to catch on. But they were very popular throughout the Ottoman Empire till the early-mid 19th Century. Most of the specimens remaining today (many) were made at one of the many gun making centers in the Balkans. But I agree with Kubur that this one is much higher quality, and probably Turkish made. Probably around 1800. But it looks more early than later. It's probably the best looking one I've seen. Very high quality. And the trigger guard looks to e pinned to the stock (ala European) versus being simply nailed to the stock as the Balkan pieces were.
It's a very nice Knee Pistol. I have a good original 19th Century photo of a warrior carrying one that I'll post when I return home this weekend.
Thanks for posting such a great example.

Rick