Lot 284
  • 284

A rare Ottoman ivory-inlaid flintlock pistol, Turkey, 17th century

Estimate
10,000 - 12,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Wood, ivory, steel
with tapering eight-sided iron barrel struck with crowned initials 'B,B' and cut with the mark 'MADRIT' between fleur-de-lys, the iron lock grooved, ridged and cut with crescent and scrolls, the steel trigger-guard pierced with lozenge and leaf motifs, the carved and ivory-inlaid wood stock with faceted grip mounted with plain undecorated copper plates flanked by cintamani designs in khatamkari technique with small brass pins, ivory plaques and green- and black-stained wood insets, the faceted ivory butt-end decorated en-suite, the wood ramrod with bone endpiece

Literature

R. Hales, Islamic and Oriental Arms and Armour: A Lifetime’s Passion, London, 2013, p.262, no.639.

Condition

In generally good condition, minor nicks and hairline scratches throughout, minor oxidisation to iron barrel, one or two possible replacements to cintamani ivory/bone inset motifs, 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."

Catalogue Note

The çintamani or 'three ball' pattern on the stock of the pistol is a common motif in sixteenth-century Ottoman art. It consists of two or three circles of different sizes which are stacked in such a way that a crescent form surrounds the smaller circle. The pattern originated in East Asia, where the crescents symbolise the 'three spiritual qualities' of Buddha. However, among the Ottomans, it was regarded as a symbol of power, reminiscent of a leopard’s skin.

A near identical pair attributed to the seventeenth century are in the Dresden Rüstkammer (inv. no. Y308) (See Schuckelt 2010, p.309, no.306).