OTTOMAN TURKISH FLINTLOCK BLUNDERBUSS

Measuring 21” overall with a 10 ¾” barrel, featuring a distinct Damascus twist. The top is decorated with silver splays at both ends and in the middle. The stepped tail lock plate is decorated with scrolling foliage decoration. 

The walnut full stock has a dropped comb carved with flowers and a full relief figure of a gazelle underneath. The gazelle held a special place in Ottoman culture. It was represented in art, poetry and literature, including in the Quran. Gazelle hunting was also a favorite pastime of Ottoman nobility. 

The wrist is carved as a lattice enclosing clusters of raised brass pins. The fore stock is detailed with scalloped borders. The brass trigger guard and side plate have high relief foliage and arms. Along with an iron butt plate with profuse silver koftgari decoration. Good uniform age character with expected blemishes from use.