Profusely decorated Persian miquelet pistol from the early 19th Century. Caliber: 16 mm. Some sources identify this type of the rifle-style firearm as a "Knee Pistol". The name came from the way of firing the gun by the horse rider, when the butt was pressed against the knee. The reference books usually identify this weapon as either Azari, or Persian. The pistol is decorated with ornamental motifs. Typical Azari/Persian blunderbuss style stock with carbine buttstock. The stock is decorated with inlaid bone and bronze pins. Bone buttplate. Good quality barrel with maker markings and some engraving. The pistol was either manufactured without the barrel band, or the latter is missing. No provision for the ramrod. CONDITION: The pistol is in overall fine, all original condition. The iron parts of the pistol, including the barrel and the miquelet lock are covered with brown patina. The front counter screw is missing. The stock shows some handling marks and light dings, but no cracks. Some minor wear to the decorations on the stock, with some small pieces missing. The lock needs adjustment, as the hammer does not stay open. The bore is in very good condition. The pistol does not show any repairs. All the parts are original to the pistol. Attractive early 19th century Persian knee pistol! Overall length: 20.75 inch. Barrel length: 13.5 inch. (Ref. "Islamic Weapons. Maghrib to Moghul", by Anthony C. Tirri, p. 203)
