An Ottoman blunderbuss pistol

clockwork · 11th June 2009, 06:15 AM

I came across alot of blunderbuss's in argintina and was told they used them tell the early 20th centry there. Nice piece fernando

fernando · 11th June 2009, 05:01 PM

Hi Teodor,

Silly me

I forgot to mention this has a percussion action, converted from flintlock; holes from the old mechanism fixation maybe noticed in the lock plate.
Judging by the characteristics, i would say this is not the type imported from Liege, but the local made version. Two details that would so indicate is the lock plate, that has some implausible engraved lettering, imitating latin scribing, and the ramrod, which is an inoperational 'tooth pick' like thing. Also the barrel interior has some phony lettering.
Besides Elgood, who mentions that Cavalry regiments were to be found with these 'blunderbuss pistols with a vestigial butt ' in the Ottoman empire as also in further east regions, also Tirri illustrates and describes this type of weapons, mentioning their naming 'knee pistols' and the reason why ... whether this is ot not true.

Fernando.

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fernando · 11th June 2009, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clockwork

... Nice piece fernando ...

Thank you Tony

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TVV · 11th June 2009, 05:49 PM

Fernando,

I see now that it has clearly been converted, which is always nice, because it means that someone used it well into the 19th century and tried to extend its working life.

I saw the decorative ramrod. The pistole on my avatar is fitted with the same thing, which you very approptiately describe as a big toothpick. I have always been under the impression that in the Ottoman Empire, a separate ramrod for pistols was used - I believe the Turkish word is "harbi". At least this is what these are called in a book on firearms, issued by the Askeri Museum. Artzi calls them something else, but I forgot the exact word. The harbi was of course decorated with an elaborate bronze head and worn in the "silyahluk" letaher belt.

Regards,
Teodor

fernando · 11th June 2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TVV

...I have always been under the impression that in the Ottoman Empire, a separate ramrod for pistols was used - I believe the Turkish word is "harbi". At least this is what these are called in a book on firearms, issued by the Askeri Museum. Artzi calls them something else, but I forgot the exact word. The harbi was of course decorated with an elaborate bronze head and worn in the "silyahluk" letaher belt ...

Tirri says the Ottomans call it 'Suma'. Maybe there are diverse variations.

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11th June 2009, 05:01 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Hi Teodor, Silly me I forgot to mention this has a percussion action, converted from flintlock; holes from the old mechanism fixation maybe noticed in the lock plate. Judging by the characteristics, i would say this is not the type imported from Liege, but the local made version. Two details that would so indicate is the lock plate, that has some implausible engraved lettering, imitating latin scribing, and the ramrod, which is an inoperational 'tooth pick' like thing. Also the barrel interior has some phony lettering. Besides Elgood, who mentions that Cavalry regiments were to be found with these 'blunderbuss pistols with a vestigial butt ' in the Ottoman empire as also in further east regions, also Tirri illustrates and describes this type of weapons, mentioning their naming 'knee pistols' and the reason why ... whether this is ot not true. Fernando. . Attached Images

11th June 2009, 06:15 AM	#1
clockwork Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 96	I came across alot of blunderbuss's in argintina and was told they used them tell the early 20th centry there. Nice piece fernando

11th June 2009, 05:49 PM	#4
TVV Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Bay Area Posts: 1,666	Fernando, I see now that it has clearly been converted, which is always nice, because it means that someone used it well into the 19th century and tried to extend its working life. I saw the decorative ramrod. The pistole on my avatar is fitted with the same thing, which you very approptiately describe as a big toothpick. I have always been under the impression that in the Ottoman Empire, a separate ramrod for pistols was used - I believe the Turkish word is "harbi". At least this is what these are called in a book on firearms, issued by the Askeri Museum. Artzi calls them something else, but I forgot the exact word. The harbi was of course decorated with an elaborate bronze head and worn in the "silyahluk" letaher belt. Regards, Teodor