Tufek/Tufenk/Shishane Identification

cyten · 12th June 2020, 05:35 PM

double post

rickystl · 14th June 2020, 07:06 PM

Hi Kubur

I totally agree. The locks, stocks, and barrels - of this type - are all Turkish designs. Even if many were made at one of the many gun shops in the Balkans, they were probably made under contract to the Ottoman Empire anyway. But yes, these shashanes and tufuks are originally of Turkish design I believe.

Rick

cyten · 15th June 2020, 07:39 AM

In trying to do some online research, I came across THIS VIDEO from Antiques Road Show. I'd like the input of you folks on the "experts" assessment. Personally I took everything with a spoonful of salt after stating that this example was smoothbore when they just did a close up of the rifling. Though, being an amateur in this subject, who am I to doubt the other claims?

rickystl · 17th June 2020, 02:47 PM

Hi Cyten

Thanks for posting that video. First time I've ever seen it. Interesting.

My personal (non-expert) opinion of the analyst's opinion: The gun is indeed of Turkish origin. And the stock design, decorations are very similar to other Turkish rifles from the period. Even the old silver decoration is of a similar pattern done by Turkish lock makers. But it is not 17th Century. It's more likely from the late 18th or early 19th Century. Also, as you note, the barrel is rifled, not smooth bore. (Wonder if he even bothered to look at the muzzle end ? LOL).

Thanks again for posting.

Rick

cyten · 19th June 2020, 03:19 AM

I've come across several articles from Bulgaria stating that (in Bulgarian) the town of Sliva was a major manufacturer of (specifically) shishane rifles, no mention of boyliya.
I also came across this shishane with the barrel marked by a maker in Vienna!

12th June 2020, 05:35 PM	#1
cyten Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Caucasus Posts: 94	double post Last edited by cyten; 13th June 2020 at 07:55 AM. Reason: double post

19th June 2020, 03:19 AM	#5
cyten Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Caucasus Posts: 94	I've come across several articles from Bulgaria stating that (in Bulgarian) the town of Sliva was a major manufacturer of (specifically) shishane rifles, no mention of boyliya. I also came across this shishane with the barrel marked by a maker in Vienna! Attached Images

14th June 2020, 07:06 PM	#2
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Hi Kubur I totally agree. The locks, stocks, and barrels - of this type - are all Turkish designs. Even if many were made at one of the many gun shops in the Balkans, they were probably made under contract to the Ottoman Empire anyway. But yes, these shashanes and tufuks are originally of Turkish design I believe. Rick

15th June 2020, 07:39 AM	#3
cyten Member Join Date: May 2020 Location: Caucasus Posts: 94	In trying to do some online research, I came across THIS VIDEO from Antiques Road Show. I'd like the input of you folks on the "experts" assessment. Personally I took everything with a spoonful of salt after stating that this example was smoothbore when they just did a close up of the rifling. Though, being an amateur in this subject, who am I to doubt the other claims?

17th June 2020, 02:47 PM	#4
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Hi Cyten Thanks for posting that video. First time I've ever seen it. Interesting. My personal (non-expert) opinion of the analyst's opinion: The gun is indeed of Turkish origin. And the stock design, decorations are very similar to other Turkish rifles from the period. Even the old silver decoration is of a similar pattern done by Turkish lock makers. But it is not 17th Century. It's more likely from the late 18th or early 19th Century. Also, as you note, the barrel is rifled, not smooth bore. (Wonder if he even bothered to look at the muzzle end ? LOL). Thanks again for posting. Rick