Lot 174: A NORTH AFRICAN MIQUELET FLINTLOCK MOUKAHLA LONG GUN, 19TH CENTURY

A North African long gun, commonly known as a Moukahla, dating from the late 18th or 19th century. This firearm features an exceptionally long, tapering steel barrel secured to the full-length wooden stock by a series of approximately twenty-six wide white metal bands, known as capucines, each decorated with engraved scrolling foliage and geometric patterns. The lock is of the miquelet flintlock type, featuring a heavy steel hammer and separate frizzen. A small rectangular stamped cartouche containing the initials MB is visible on the lock plate behind the hammer. The wooden stock is of the traditional fishtail form with a wide, flared butt. It is extensively decorated with ornate white metal wire filigree inlays and plaques. The butt and wrist are further embellished with circular inlays, likely of bone or ivory, some of which feature central metal pins. A series of small metal studs runs along the top of the wrist. The barrel breech is decorated with engraved floral scrollwork.

L: 150cm