Original 19th Century North African Inlaid Miquelet Lock Pistol with Ball Butt c.1820 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. We rather suspect that the decorated Miquelet lock and the barrel date to about 1800, and the ball butted stock is somewhat younger. The pistol has a ball trigger that suggests the Caucasus, but more likely this is from Morocco in North Africa. The Migulet system was adopted from Spain in the 17th century but was still being made up until Queen Victoria’s time of 1840.

The stock is also inlaid with silver “leaves” and brass wire and there is no provision for a ram rod which was traditionally carried on a cord around the neck. An interesting Miquelet Pistol that may very well have seen service with the Barbary Pirates.

Fully cleaned and ready to display!

History of the Miquelet Lock:
Miquelet lock is a modern term used by collectors and curators, largely in the English-speaking world, for a type of firing mechanism used in muskets
and pistols. It is a distinctive form of snaplock, originally as a flint-against-steel ignition form, once prevalent in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Balkans, North Africa, Ottoman Empire and throughout Spain’s colonies from the late 16th to the mid 19th centuries.

The term miquelet lock was not recorded until the 19th century, long after the appearance of the mechanism in the 16th century, and is of uncertain origin. One commonly held view is that it was coined by British troops in the Peninsular War to describe the style of musket used by the Miquelet (militia) that had been assigned to the Peninsular Army of the Duke of Wellington.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: c.1820
Caliber: .67″ Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 10 inches
Overall Length: 18 Inches
Action: Miquelet Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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