Pirate pistol-Arrh!

M ELEY · 28th April 2015, 07:00 PM

Thank you< David and Kubur, for your comments on this pistol. I always suspected that the rather oversized screw was from a corsair-type pistol. Well, being that this gun was made for export to said ports, it possibly was used, if incorrectly, with the pistol. David, thanks for the 'Suma' nod. I'll check it out!

rickystl · 30th April 2015, 03:28 PM

Hi Eley. You have what is commonly known as a Turkish/Ottoman Kubar Pistol. And typical of the style. I would say early to mid 19th Century. The lock and barrel on yours looks like they were locally made. Although there were also locks, barrels, and complete guns that were European made, decorated for local tastes, and exported. But these are some what rare today. As David mentioned, it was preferred to use a separate loading/cleaning rod with these pistols, suspended with a throng around the neck or tucked in the sash. Here is another pic of an original Suma rod. These pistols all have what is commonly called a "false ramrod". They have either a short, thin piece of wood rod, or like yours, a carving on the stock, to give the impression of a ramrod. It is still a mystery why they even bothered to do this. In any case, it was simply a styling exercise. The engravings on the locks, barrels, trigger guards, etc. are usually done in a generic fashion, with simple religious symbols. That might be to offer appeal to a broad spectrum of prospective customers. Overall, many of the styling features of these pistols some what copy the early French style of pistols.
Throughout a 200+ year period there must have been thousands of these pistols made. All one at a time. There is always one or more for sale at the Internet sale/auction sites. And the amazing thing is, unless made as a pair, I've never seen two exactly alike. Very similar, but not identical. Hope this helps. Rick. In the near future, I'll post two of these pistols that were restored to firing condition.

rickystl · 30th April 2015, 03:30 PM

Oppsss......forgot the pic.

M ELEY · 1st May 2015, 01:06 AM

Hello Rick and thank you for your indepth response. I'm actually glad we can clearly pin it down to Turkish, as it still fits the mold for my pirate collection. Looking forward to seeing your guns!
Mark

30th April 2015, 03:30 PM	#3
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Oppsss......forgot the pic. Attached Images

28th April 2015, 07:00 PM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,184	Thank you< David and Kubur, for your comments on this pistol. I always suspected that the rather oversized screw was from a corsair-type pistol. Well, being that this gun was made for export to said ports, it possibly was used, if incorrectly, with the pistol. David, thanks for the 'Suma' nod. I'll check it out!

30th April 2015, 03:28 PM	#2
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,633	Hi Eley. You have what is commonly known as a Turkish/Ottoman Kubar Pistol. And typical of the style. I would say early to mid 19th Century. The lock and barrel on yours looks like they were locally made. Although there were also locks, barrels, and complete guns that were European made, decorated for local tastes, and exported. But these are some what rare today. As David mentioned, it was preferred to use a separate loading/cleaning rod with these pistols, suspended with a throng around the neck or tucked in the sash. Here is another pic of an original Suma rod. These pistols all have what is commonly called a "false ramrod". They have either a short, thin piece of wood rod, or like yours, a carving on the stock, to give the impression of a ramrod. It is still a mystery why they even bothered to do this. In any case, it was simply a styling exercise. The engravings on the locks, barrels, trigger guards, etc. are usually done in a generic fashion, with simple religious symbols. That might be to offer appeal to a broad spectrum of prospective customers. Overall, many of the styling features of these pistols some what copy the early French style of pistols. Throughout a 200+ year period there must have been thousands of these pistols made. All one at a time. There is always one or more for sale at the Internet sale/auction sites. And the amazing thing is, unless made as a pair, I've never seen two exactly alike. Very similar, but not identical. Hope this helps. Rick. In the near future, I'll post two of these pistols that were restored to firing condition.

1st May 2015, 01:06 AM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,184	Hello Rick and thank you for your indepth response. I'm actually glad we can clearly pin it down to Turkish, as it still fits the mold for my pirate collection. Looking forward to seeing your guns! Mark