Algerian Pistol - Sad Story with Happy Ending

[kahnjar1]

Hi Rick,
Well the wait was worth it. The restoration work done is top notch IMHO, and you now have a beautiful pistol.
Question....those numbers on the barrel are much later and do not seem to "fit" with the pistol itself. Do you know if this gun spent any time in Ireland? as at one stage ALL guns had to be numbered in this manner, or is it an inventory number form some establishment?
Stu

[rickystl]

Hi Stu

Thanks for the kind words. Philip and I were discussing this. We think this is some type of capture/rack/inventory number used by the French after their control of Algeria. Makes sense. I've seen these later numbers before on other Moroccan and Algerian guns. Much the same way the British did in later times to the Indian matchlocks that were still in use.

Rick

[Kubur]

Hi Rick

it's not a sad story, its a cool pistol and a very good repair.
Do you remember this post about the number?
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...lgerian+pistol

congrats

[thinreadline]

fabulous repair work , what in the tailoring game they would call 'invisible mending' , the man is a genius !

[Fernando K]

Hello

Only for one question. I do not see the line of separation between the barrel and the cylinder head bolt (tang)

That the numbers do not correspond to the make of the gun (nor with the time) has already been noted by another forista. I also think about it

[Philip]

The lock sure looks better after you've de-gunked it! I like the economy version of the waterproof pan -- not as costly to make as the fancy London- or Paris style with the deep drainage gutters on either side, but I'm sure it worked well enough in Algeria which probably doesn't see a lot of rain. Speaking of which, what do you think of that frizzen face without scratches and impact marks? Doesn't look like this gun was fired much if at all, what do you think? Any significant ramrod wear at the muzzle?

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Philip

The lock sure looks better after you've de-gunked it! I like the economy version of the waterproof pan -- not as costly to make as the fancy London- or Paris style with the deep drainage gutters on either side, but I'm sure it worked well enough in Algeria which probably doesn't see a lot of rain. Speaking of which, what do you think of that frizzen face without scratches and impact marks? Doesn't look like this gun was fired much if at all, what do you think? Any significant ramrod wear at the muzzle?

Hi Philip

Thanks again for the great workmanship. While the lock has a dark patina (if originally fire blued this would have turned a similar dark brownish color over time without oil) the lock shows little if any wear. Not only is there little evidence on the frizzen face, the tumbler and sear show almost no use.
The barrel is a different story. The bore is a bit rough with definite signs of ramrod wear and usage. Makes me wonder if the pistol started life with a different lock (?). But that would not surprise me with these guns.
The iron ramrod is only about 2/3rds the length of the barrel. Yet the stock had ramrod hole drilled the full length. But the mainspring of the lock interferes, not allowing a full length rod. I guess you could say this is typical Eastern type workmanship LOL So the ramrod would have to be considered "false". And in any case, it was probably loaded with a separate Suma rod.

Rick

[rickystl]

Here are pics of the barrel. Can't quite figure this one out. Hmmm.

Rick

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Fernando K

Hello

Only for one question. I do not see the line of separation between the barrel and the cylinder head bolt (tang)

That the numbers do not correspond to the make of the gun (nor with the time) has already been noted by another forista. I also think about it

Hi Fernando K

Good observation. The barrel and tang seem to have been forged in one piece with a separate plug forge welded and filed smooth (?) I did take pics of the barrel and forgot to post them here. They are on my other lap top computer at home. But will post them this week. Would like your opinion. Thanks.

Rick

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Kubur

Hi Rick

it's not a sad story, its a cool pistol and a very good repair.
Do you remember this post about the number?
http://vikingsword.com/vb/showthread...lgerian+pistol

congrats

Hi Kubur

Thanks for your comments. YES, I now remember this Thread you posted. A somewhat similar barrel. I guess some of the Algerians liked long pistols. LOL
Similar numbers/letters on both barrels seems to confirm the French inventory theory. Note the size/style of the pistol in this photo.

Rick