I posted this to the flintlocks thread and it was recommended that I post it here with additional pictures to get more information. Member Rick (rickystl) provided this information:
Anyway, your rifle is Caucasian. Possibly made in Dagestan or one of the other gun making centers in the region. The rifle could have been made anywhere from about 1800 to 1870, as flintlocks were still in wide use in this region through at least the 3rd Quarter of the 19th Century. The butt stock and forearm were often both made in two-pieces. Usually of Circassian walnut. Every rifle I've seen has a Damascus barrel that is rifled. Either straight or twist. Though I suppose smooth bore barrels were used, I've never seen one. Their pistol barrels were always smooth bore. The lock is referred to as a miquelet style lock. Generally meaning the mainspring is positioned on the outside of the lock plate versus inside like the typical French style flintlock. The lock on your gun is the most common seen on these guns. Stylistically, it's of Persian origin. An interesting feature of these guns: With the exception of an occasional small decoration, I've never seen one of these guns with brass mounts. It's always iron or silver. The guns were made using a button style trigger, and made without a trigger guard. Caucasian weapons of any kind usually bring a premium at auctions. They are often loosely called "Cossack" guns. Hope this helps.
Please let me know if more pictures are needed. If anyone has an idea of value, that would be appreciated as well. One of the pictures shows some separation between the stock and barrel near the middle of the barrel. I was told it is .69 caliber and it measures 62" overall.
Anyway, your rifle is Caucasian. Possibly made in Dagestan or one of the other gun making centers in the region. The rifle could have been made anywhere from about 1800 to 1870, as flintlocks were still in wide use in this region through at least the 3rd Quarter of the 19th Century. The butt stock and forearm were often both made in two-pieces. Usually of Circassian walnut. Every rifle I've seen has a Damascus barrel that is rifled. Either straight or twist. Though I suppose smooth bore barrels were used, I've never seen one. Their pistol barrels were always smooth bore. The lock is referred to as a miquelet style lock. Generally meaning the mainspring is positioned on the outside of the lock plate versus inside like the typical French style flintlock. The lock on your gun is the most common seen on these guns. Stylistically, it's of Persian origin. An interesting feature of these guns: With the exception of an occasional small decoration, I've never seen one of these guns with brass mounts. It's always iron or silver. The guns were made using a button style trigger, and made without a trigger guard. Caucasian weapons of any kind usually bring a premium at auctions. They are often loosely called "Cossack" guns. Hope this helps.
Please let me know if more pictures are needed. If anyone has an idea of value, that would be appreciated as well. One of the pictures shows some separation between the stock and barrel near the middle of the barrel. I was told it is .69 caliber and it measures 62" overall.
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