An Ottoman coral-inlaid flintlock pistol signed Abu'l-Qasim bin al-Bala[d]i and dated 1274 AH/ 1857-8 AD

with rounded steel barrel, the wooden forestock and grip with fine silver-inlaid foliate and scrolling tendrils, set with coral, to one side a long silver-inlaid inscription with date

overall in good conditon, some rubbing throughout, all 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."

inscriptions

Qur'an, chapters XVIII (al-Kahf), part of verse 39; LV (al-Rahman) verses 26-27; XCVI (al-'Alaq), verse 5, followed by:

'amal bu'l-qasim (sic) bin al-bala[d]i (?) sana 1274
'Work of Bu'l-Qasim (sic) bin al-Bala[d]i (?) year 1274 (1857-8)'

Two similar coral-inlaid and silver mounted flintlock pistols were sold in these rooms on 8 October 2008, lot 226 and 228.