Holster Pistol Text Decoding
 

This Holster Pistol looks French to me, but the text in the trigger plate has me confused. Is it North African, Turkish or "other"? Maybe it was made in France for sale in North Africa.

The pistol must have been a beautiful at one time. Now the hammer is missing and most of the embossed surfaces have been over cleaned until the relief is soft.

Whell the french have been in Africa since the 1620's.... Their influence on african weapons has been pretty big.
More confusing are the 2 lily marks at the triggerplate. The overal look of the pistol makes me think that this is a african trade pistol.

Thanks for the input Marcus. I was thinking the same, but this pistol looks a little less crude than the trade weapons I usually come across. Then again, I do recall seeing some beautiful pieces made for trade in North Africa.

A few more photos
 

A member of the forum contacted me privately and suggested this pistol may come from the Balkans. He also asked me to post some close up detail.

Dana, every thing I see on this pistol screams French made. The stamps/engraving on the trigger plate appears to me to be some sort of inventory/ownership markings. Could have very well been a presentation piece for who knows who at one time. Just saying.

Thanks Miqueleter. I was hoping someone would see those markings and say "I know just what that means".

Dana, while I do not want to appear to be endlessly waffling, it occurs to me that this one may be a product of Tula. The armourers there were known to produce arms in the latest fashion, French to be sure. Anyway, that's what I gather from perusing my copy of the Fine Arms from Tula . Just sayin'

Thanks again Miqueleter. I'll add the "Fine Arms from Tula" to my look for (cheap) list.