Pair Of Spectacular Superimposed Barrel Sliding Pan Ottoman Flintlock Holster Pistols Circa 1820

A Truly Spectacular And Rare Pair Of Silver And Gold Decorated, Gilt Silver Mounted, Superimposed Barrel Sliding Pan Ottoman Flintlock Holster Pistols Circa 1820.

11 and 5/8th inch Spanish form (half round, half octagonal) barrels with ringed cannon muzzles. .52 caliber smoothbore. The barrels Damascened in gold at breech and muzzle (minor wear) and breech tangs. Condition is fine.

Single bolted locks gold Damascened throughout including elaborate trophy of arms, Swan neck cocks Damascened in gold ensuite. Sliding pan allows firing of either top or lower barrel. Pistols are mounted in gilt silver including sideplates cast and chased in high relief with foliage and stylized cannons, triggerguards cast and chased in very high relief with trophy of arms, and spurred gilt silver buttcaps cast and chased in high relief with further trophies of arms.

These spectacular mounts retain 60% or more of the bright gilding. Shaped silver bands retain the barrels, Figured walnut full stocks are luxuriously and elaborately inlaid throughout their length with silver wire, stars, and blossoms. The silver strap work that covers the spines of the stocks is pierced, engraved and is of a quality and profusion never seen on one of these rare sliding pan over under Ottoman pistols.

The actions work and the bores are good. This pair is superior to a similar pistol on exhibit in the justly famed Wallace Collection and would be a major addition to the most advanced collection of Ottoman firearms. These are the best of the best.