Very old flintlock pistol - can anyone identify?

Hello All,

Just received this flintlock and learned that it's been in our family for YEARS.

Anyone have any clues as to its origin? There's arabic writing on it in several places and appears to have a small gold inlay on the top of the barrel. All other inlays are silver.

Thanks in advance!

 

[arilar]

Cacique 500,
I take the first shot! Mostly it resembles Turkish style (bands for example), I dont like the form on the grip though. Has it been altered? Has also similarities to Moroccan or Algerian (but no trace of corals I guess?)
ARILAR :: :thumbsup:

 

[ed zeransky]

cant help but, cool piece!

 

[Rat]

I believe that used to belong to Ahab the Arab, sheik of the burning sands. He carried it in a saddle holster on his camel named Clyde.

Is it functional? Looks like the cock is sitting kind of "funny". Interesting flint, and how it's in the jaws.

Rat

 

[Wes/Tex]

10-4 on Ahab! Appears to be one of the many Middle Eastern pistols that pop up made from surplus gun parts that are usually English in origin. You'll note the lock has a "water-proof" pan of English styling. The bottom of the triggerguard shows the Arabic inscription was either stamped or engraved into an existing criss-cross design. Most of these pistols are not stamped with proofs unless it already existed on the various parts when assembled. They vary from really nice to really nasty and I wouldn't pull the trigger on any of them unless a really competant gunsmith checked it over carefully! Even then, I'd make sure I'd put a lot in the offering that Sunday!! :imo:

 

Thanks for the responses. The flint is held in place with a really old piece of leather - sorry that pic is so fuzzy. The parts all move as they should but there's no way I'll ever try to shoot this one.

I'm going to try and take it out to Colonial Williamsburg and see if I can get one of those guys to ID it for me...supposed to be a couple master gunsmiths out there who are very knowledgeable about flintlocks. Will keep y'all posted & Happy New Year!