Identification and dating of Flintlock pistols

[ozhunter]

OK then. The first one, I think, is an Albanian Miguelet (Rat Tail) flintlock pistol. Have I got this right?

Is there a way to tell a fake from the real deal?

There are no markings that I can find on the pistol.

If it appears to be a legitimate piece, how do you determine what era it is from?

Many thanks

[fernando]

Originally Posted by ozhunter

OK then. The first one, I think, is an Albanian Miguelet (Rat Tail) flintlock pistol. Have I got this right?

Yes, you are right.

Originally Posted by ozhunter

Is there a way to tell a fake from the real deal?

It looks real

Originally Posted by ozhunter

There are no markings that I can find on the pistol.

Markings only appear from time to time; and some times they may not make sense.

Originally Posted by ozhunter

If it appears to be a legitimate piece, how do you determine what era it is from?

second half 19th century ?


... but let others correct me where i am wrong .

[Kubur]

Hi,
Rick is probably the best member to answer.
Yes your first pistol is a very good rat tail.
The second one is a so-called mediterranean pistol, French, Italian for export I dont know... In good condition but not a masterpiece. I prefer your rattail, both 19th c. of course.
Best,
Kubur

[ozhunter]

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to add that they both have the false ramrod. One day I will procure a ramrod that is from the same era, for these pistols.

[Andreas]

Originally Posted by ozhunter

Thanks for the replies. I forgot to add that they both have the false ramrod. One day I will procure a ramrod that is from the same era, for these pistols.

Are you certain the ramrod on the rat-tail is a false one? I can't tell from the picture, but Elgood mentions in The Arms of Greece etc that these Central Albanian pistols have invariably (his word) working metal ramrods.
Andreas

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by Andreas

Are you certain the ramrod on the rat-tail is a false one? I can't tell from the picture, but Elgood mentions in The Arms of Greece etc that these Central Albanian pistols have invariably (his word) working metal ramrods.
Andreas

Hi Andreas,

I have the same and it's impossible to remove.
They did the same fake ramrods in Morocco.
Moroccan pistols have a fake metal ramrod...

Best,
Kubur

[ozhunter]

The ramrod on the Rat Tail, if it was supposed to be a working rod, is stuck fast, and I don't feel inclined to try any harder than I have to extract it for fear of damaging the pistol.

I am still curious about the stamps on the barrel of the wood stocked pistol. I will get some good close ups of it and post them to see if anybody recognises them.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Andreas

Are you certain the ramrod on the rat-tail is a false one? I can't tell from the picture, but Elgood mentions in The Arms of Greece etc that these Central Albanian pistols have invariably (his word) working metal ramrods.
Andreas

Some misunderstanding Andreas .
Ramrods fitted in rat tail pistols are practically always false; sometimes don't even com off. Actual ramrods were (adorned) units that they carried in their belts; just can't remember the name of those ...

[fernando]

See post #14 ...

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19565

[Andreas]

Originally Posted by fernando

Some misunderstanding Andreas .
Ramrods fitted in rat tail pistols are practically always false; sometimes don't even com off. Actual ramrods were (adorned) units that they carried in their belts; just can't remember the name of those ...

Hi Fernando,
You mean a harbi or suma. False ramrods are certainly a feature of Balkan pistols. I quoted Elgood as he explicitly states that Central Albanian brass pistols are an exception, due to assumed Italian influences.
Andreas