An Ottoman coral-inlaid flintlock rifle signed Mustafa, Algeria, 18th century

the circular steel barrel with central ridge stamped with maker's mark and embossed with foliate and palmette designs with gold overlay at the muzzle and breech, clasped to the forestock with four chiselled silver bands, the sides and underside of the stock decorated throughout with applied scrolling, split-palmette and latticework silver mounts set with coral roundels and teardrops, corresponding butt-plate of gilt-copper with coral, the lock-plate and cock ensuite with floral chiselling, ramrod with vegetal-motif copper casing

Some minor damage to the silver mounts on the underside of the breech and forestock towards the muzzle, small segment of wood missing at end of forestock, coral intact, as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

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Mustafa

Signed as: 'Work of Mustafa'