- 165
A Pair of Ottoman silver-inlaid pistols, Turkey, 18th century
Estimate
15,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description
the steel barrels with silver inlaid floral motifs throughout the understock and grips, palmette and naturalistic foliage decoration, the sighting plates with gold overlay, an eight point star to the pommels, trigger-guards with gold-overlaid decoration
Condition
overall both are in good condition. both pistols have suffered from patination and rubbing due to their age. both ram rods also have some minor scratches and indentations, 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
These pistols were manufactured during the reign of Sultan Mahmud II (r. A.D. 1808-39, see lot 173 in this sale) in the same period as the westernisation of the Ottoman army took place. At this time the Turks imported or copied rococo and French-style flintlock pistols called kubur. A pair similar to ours can be found in the Tareq Rajab Museum (see Elgood 1995, p.59, cat.no.14/15).