An Ottoman coral-inlaid flintlock rifle, signed by 'Umar, Turkey or Algeria, dated 1273 AH/1856 AD

the slender faceted barrel with silver geometric designs, clasped by six chased silver capuchines, the wooden stock with gold-damascened mount set with corals on an engraved ground, the forestock also coral-set within finely engraved silver flowing tendrils, the lock and trigger with chased foliate motifs, inscribed with maker's name and date beneath lock

In generally fair condition, some of the silver mounts bent and with minor losses, one or two of corals missing, some scratched and few missing, some oxidisation to the barrel and notably to silver-design, some marks of discoloration where piece was once cleaned, few sections of silver-clasps and mounts bend or missing, old floral designs on wood barrel with missing original inset mounts, 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

sahib bin 'Umar, 1273

Ottoman gun makers were remarkably artistic in their designs of weaponry, particularly evident on the barrels and stocks of rifles such as the present example which features corals mounted within a foliate silver setting. Rifles and guns played a particularly important part in Ottoman warfare, notably as the conquest of Constantinople in 1453 marked one of the earliest widespread use of rifles. A flintlock rifle with similar coral decoration is in the Topkapi Palace Museum, see Huygens 2007, p.149.