{"product_id":"long-barrelled-balkan-rat-tail-miquelet-pistol","title":"Long Barrelled Balkan \"Rat Tail\" Miquelet Pistol","description":"\u003ch3\u003eLate 18th, Early 19th Century Ornate Brass Covered Miquelet Lock Rat Tail Pistol\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very handsome piece completely covered in engraved brass panels with a long decorated steel barrel with two barrel bands, a \"rat tail\" type grip and a miquelet lock.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steelwork both on the lock and the barrel have pitting in most places, but due to the locks rugged construction the mainspring feels smooth and strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately due to wear on the studs for half and full position the cock will not hold in place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe brasswork is decorated across its entirety and has a nice aged patina.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no trigger guard, which is unusual in this style of pistol and it may simply be missing, however, the patina and engraving is even and unbroken around this area, which leaves me thinking, was it removed early on it its life, or did it simply never have one?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall the stunning decoration more than makes up for the condition of the steelwork on this attractive piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRat tail pistols were a style that originated in the Balkans, primarily Albania, Macedonia and Greece and unlike other styles of the Ottoman Empire they are feature the Miquelet lock, are heavily or all \"metaled\" and commonly have a removable ramrod (as this one does).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBarrel length 34cm, Overall length 52.5cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis antique pistol is considered obsolete and non functioning, and is sold as a collectable ornamental item. This product is available for purchase in the UK without a license\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Flintlock \u0026 Black Powder","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52466678563144,"sku":"365","price":595.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0808\/6962\/2088\/files\/365.01_8067f4c5-a02d-4417-82be-ee076a369777.jpg?v=1770913640","url":"https:\/\/flintlockblackpowder.co.uk\/products\/long-barrelled-balkan-rat-tail-miquelet-pistol","provider":"Flintlock \u0026 Black Powder","version":"1.0","type":"link"}