AN OTTOMAN TRANS-CAUCASIAN TUFEK FLINTLOCK RIFLE, 18TH C.

AN OTTOMAN TRANS-CAUCASIAN TUFEK FLINTLOCK RIFLE, 18TH C.

This Ottoman Trans-Caucasian Tufek has a Damascus steel barrel with a strikingly beautiful pattern and is inlaid with gold at the breach and muzzle. The front sight is gilt, both for decoration and for visibility, and the rear sight is a large wall of sorts with three apertures vertically aligned, likely for firing varying ranges. The gun is rifled, and its bore is 18mm in diameter. The barrel is held to the wooden stock via three engraved brass bands. All other metal fittings aside from the lock mechanism are brass as well, including the end cap of the stock, the trigger plate, a band around the center of the butt stock, the area around the breech and tang, and two floral fixtures around the pins that hold the lock mechanism to the stock. The lock mechanism itself is iron and is of the typical Caucasian style.

L: 45 in. (114.3 cm.);

Condition: The barrel is in good condition. The gold inlay at the breach and muzzle are well preserved. The rifle still cocks. The lock is lightly rusted but may be cleaned. The stock has expected signs of wear and age. The ramrod is missing.