Ottoman pistol - need help with script on barrel

mariusgmioc · 12th July 2016, 03:54 PM

I think you should post a photo of the whole pistol and maybe one with more light to the text.

Regards,

Marius

Jens Nordlunde · 12th July 2016, 05:53 PM

Maybe the text is easier to see on this image. But do show the whole weapon.

RDGAC · 12th July 2016, 06:03 PM

Blast you all, making me do some extra work!

Currently the pistol is in pieces. Pics incoming, probably tonight or tomorrow.

RDGAC · 13th July 2016, 04:26 PM

Pics attached below. Overall views of the pistol and some closer looks at the decorative elements.

The white stuff is a caked-on powdery substance, similar to metal polish, which I suspect to be furniture polish or similar applied a long while ago, and in far too great a quantity. I am currently endeavouring to remove this with white spirit and a lot of brushing with nylon toothbrushes, as it is (as you can see) quite hideous. It was removed relatively easily from the (nielloed) silver decorations on the barrel.

RDGAC · 13th July 2016, 04:28 PM

Few more pics.

mariusgmioc · 13th July 2016, 04:28 PM

Wow... what a beauty!

I wish I could tell you more about it, but my knowledge about Ottoman pistols is about zero.

Thank you for the photos!

Oliver Pinchot · 13th July 2016, 05:26 PM

This is Ottoman work, probably made in Istanbul; what is visible in the photo is a crescent surrounded by stars, together with a Greek "M" and the date 1221 a.h. (1805/6 c.e.) and the usual dots and curlicues. It was likely made for a Greek patron. The overtly European style also suggests this.

RDGAC · 13th July 2016, 06:27 PM

Hi Oliver, and thanks! So I can jam some of your massive knowledge into my own brain, what makes you say it's probably Istanbul work?

12th July 2016, 05:53 PM	#2
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	Maybe the text is easier to see on this image. But do show the whole weapon. Attached Images

13th July 2016, 04:26 PM	#4
RDGAC Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: York, UK Posts: 167	Pics attached below. Overall views of the pistol and some closer looks at the decorative elements. The white stuff is a caked-on powdery substance, similar to metal polish, which I suspect to be furniture polish or similar applied a long while ago, and in far too great a quantity. I am currently endeavouring to remove this with white spirit and a lot of brushing with nylon toothbrushes, as it is (as you can see) quite hideous. It was removed relatively easily from the (nielloed) silver decorations on the barrel. Attached Images

13th July 2016, 04:28 PM	#5
RDGAC Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: York, UK Posts: 167	Few more pics. Attached Images

12th July 2016, 03:54 PM	#1
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,914	I think you should post a photo of the whole pistol and maybe one with more light to the text. Regards, Marius

12th July 2016, 06:03 PM	#3
RDGAC Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: York, UK Posts: 167	Blast you all, making me do some extra work! Currently the pistol is in pieces. Pics incoming, probably tonight or tomorrow.

13th July 2016, 04:28 PM	#6
mariusgmioc Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Austria Posts: 1,914	Wow... what a beauty! I wish I could tell you more about it, but my knowledge about Ottoman pistols is about zero. Thank you for the photos!

13th July 2016, 05:26 PM	#7
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 471	This is Ottoman work, probably made in Istanbul; what is visible in the photo is a crescent surrounded by stars, together with a Greek "M" and the date 1221 a.h. (1805/6 c.e.) and the usual dots and curlicues. It was likely made for a Greek patron. The overtly European style also suggests this.

13th July 2016, 06:27 PM	#8
RDGAC Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: York, UK Posts: 167	Hi Oliver, and thanks! So I can jam some of your massive knowledge into my own brain, what makes you say it's probably Istanbul work?