Lot 173: AN OTTOMAN ALGERIAN SILVER FILIGREE AND CORAL INLAID MIQUELET-LOCK LONG RIFLE (BOYLIYA), 19TH CENTURY

This 19th-century Ottoman long rifle, frequently referred to as a boyliya or karanfil (carnation) rifle, is a characteristic example of Balkan manufacture, likely from the master silversmithing centres of Epirus or Albania. The rifle features a dark-stained walnut stock with a sharply downturned and flared butt, extensively embellished with intricate silver or white-metal filigree inlays. These inlays form elaborate scrolling floral patterns and are inset with numerous polished red coral cabochons. The steel miquelet-lock mechanism is decorated with engraved foliate scrollwork and retains traces of gilding on the lock plate and hammer. Inset into the right side of the stock, forward of the lock, is a silver cartouche bearing an embossed inscription in Ottoman Turkish script which reads Amal Muhammad Bar’i (The work of Muhammad Bar’i). The long, octagonal iron barrel is held to the forestock by a series of wide white-metal barrel bands (capucines), each featuring high-relief repoussé work with foliate and geometric motifs typical of Ottoman Balkan styles. The butt is finished with a bone butt plate secured by small pins. The rifle is complete with its original iron ramrod and features a small, ball-ended trigger.

L: 171cm