Balkan Flintlock pistol

Circa late 18th to early 19th Century Balkan miquelet flintlock pistol from Southeastern Europe, Ottoman Empire area. Wood stock covered in brass sheet with tack decoration and extensive decoration to the brass surface and rat tail grip. Steel trigger guard and hexagonal to round barrel. Top of barrel has intricate scroll decoration.The miquelet flintlock action is interesting with all external lockwork.. No cleaning rod, only decoration. Overall length 21 inches (53cm), barrel length 12 ½ inches (32cm). Bore diameter appears to be about 62 calibre smoothbore with corrosion evident. Action cocks and works but not recommended as spring is very strong and this puts extra stress on the pistol. Complete with flint. Fascinating ethnological artifact. Antique, no licence required to purchase or own.