Stamp on a Turkish muzzle loader

[rand]

Hey Archer,

This is an example of a similar Persian barrel makers mark, this one translates to,"Amal-e Kuchak Ali bar Tofangiran"

The work of Kuchak Ali for the musketeers/rifleholders

Is written in Farsi....

rand

[archer]

Rand, this doesn't hold a candle to your museum piece, obliviously made for royalty.
This lock is typical of the era, it shows abuse and an excellent sear repair. unlike most most exposed metalwork of the era the thimble and trigger guard are not embellished the screws are all cut square opposed to V cuts of English guns.

I've included a shot of a German jaeger comparison. This gun is stout and shoulders very steady, it's almost as though the inlays covering up it's origin.
Oh, other than seeking out a turkish speaking person who reads arabic, how can I solve the mystery as your trying to do?

Steve

[rand]

Hello Archer,

Found it very interesting about the square and "V" cuts on the screws. What time period do you date your rifle to?

Had the armours mark on my barrel translated by Manouchehr on the Swordd Forum in the middle Eastern arms section. That forum is swords only so just post the armors mark and ask for a translation, if its Farsi you will get a translation for it.

http://www.swordforum.com/
above link is for sword forum

http://forums.swordforum.com/showthread.php?t=81698
Aove link is thread showing translations

rand

[archer]

Thanks Rand, I was pondering your question, when I spotted a proof mark peeping out almost hidden by the stock. I would say age mid 1800s. Then the lights came on briefly. All the British guns I've owned or handled are dripping with proof marks on all major parts. I have to assume German and other European guns would be the same. Thanks for the links, I'll look into them.

Steve

[ham]

Archer,

The mark on your barrel reads, IMTIHAN.
It means TESTED or PROVED

Ham

[rand]

Hey Ham,

Can you tell me if the proof mark is in Arabic, Turkish or Farsi?

Thanks,

rand

[archer]

Thanks Rand, I was pondering your question, when I spotted a proof mark peeping out almost hidden by the stock. I would say age mid 1800s. Then the lights came on briefly. All the British guns I've owned or handled are dripping with proof marks on all major parts. I have to assume German and other European guns would be the same. Thanks for the links, I'll look into them.

Steve

Thanks, Ham I thought it might be a date of manufacture. I had a glitch and double posted.

Steve