Original Item: One of a Kind. Here we have a lovely Ottoman "Pirate Style" flintlock blunderbuss pistol, very much of the type used by late 18th and early 19th century pirates in the Mediterranean Sea area. Styled like a very short rifle, it features a very compact stock profusely inlaid with silver wire. The mounts of trigger guard, side plate and butt plate are all of iron as is the short wide mouthed iron barrel, which has some engraved and embossed decoration.

The most interesting aspect however is definitely the gold inlaid name on the top of the barrel:

This would be the standard abbreviation for famous privateer and slave trader Robert Surcouf. He was very successful in the Indian Ocean, bringing his prizes to Isle de France, today known as Mauritius, and received rewards from the French Government. We previously had another pistol named to Surcouf, and this example came from the same collection.

Born in and later based at Saint-Malo in Brittany, Surcouf lived from 1773 - 1827. A major thorn in the side of the British Royal Navy, he is credited with taking over 40 prizes during his personal crusade against Great Britain. In October 1800 he captured the "East Indiaman" Kent, for which the French Revolutionary government awarded him the "Legion of Honour". After this he "settled down" as a ship owner, and managed a number or privateer ships. Extensive write ups on Surcouf can be found on Wikipedia and elsewhere. He died in retirement in 1827 and is buried in Saint-Malo. A real French national hero!!!

We rather suppose this truly lovely ottoman flintlock blunderbuss pistol was a "prize" Surcouf had taken at sea, and had his name put on it as a personal trophy.
The blunderbuss pistol itself has a 6" barrel, 12 1/2" in overall length, with a fabulously inlaid wooden stock. Most looks to be silver wire, but there also are dull gray spots that may be tin or zinc inlays, possibly dripped into holes on the stock. The amount of time this must have taken is hard to imagine.

Condition is very good, with the expected wear from long age and use. There is some oxidation to the iron components, as is to be expected for a pistol of this age. Still, the lock works correctly, holding at half cock, and firing at full.

A lovely petit example of the ottoman firearms art of the period, ready for display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1790-1800
Caliber: Blunderbuss about 2 3/8" at the muzzle - very flared
Ammunition Type: Ball / shot & Powder
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Overall Length: 12 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock Side Action
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.