| 79 A fine Algerian silver-mounted miquelet rifle, set with corals, 2nd half of the 18th century Heavy, probably European barrel of fine rose Damascus steel with flared muzzle. Rifled with eight grooves in 14 mm calibre. Distinctive barrel rib cut with arabesques at the lower end. Engraved silver-plated tang set with coral cabochons. Iron miquelet lock, the obverse applied with engraved sheet silver and iron and set with two decorative table-cut stones. The hammer richly set with coral cabochons. Engraved signature on the underside. Silver button trigger. Half stock of blackened hardwood with fine openwork silver mounts (minor imperfections) and several large inlaid coral pieces. Engraved brass butt-cap and nose set with corals. Original wooden ramrod, the finely engraved brass tip set with coral cabochons. Length 145 cm. Rare luxury weapon from the Algerian court. During the Ottoman reign, western delegations received comparable weapons as official gifts from the Dey of Algier. In 1805, for example, such a rifle was given to the American President Thomas Jefferson during a state visit. A similar rifle is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum in New York (inv. no. 32.75.274). 329179 II € 10.000 10079
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