An outstanding decorator, this seldom offered all original and heavily decorated musket will be best described here by our illustrations as to condition and eye appeal. This late 1700’s / early 1800s Jefferdar, Balkan shoulder arm is fitted with a 51 ½ inch, 56 caliber smooth bore barrel and measures a full 65 inches in total length. An early form of the flintlock, which became popular throughout the Ottoman Empire, such elaborately decorated, examples are thought to have been made specifically for the Ottoman Imperial Guard or as high-status arms rather than as military use muskets. (Examples of ivory-inlaid Ottoman guns are included in the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection.) This offering remains in pleasing, un-molested, original condition with good evidence fine but period crude artisan work of the time and place. Due to age and the potential of damage we have not removed the miquelet lock for inspection and while all indications are that it is complete, pulling cock to firing position offers resistance such that we have not done so as a precaution. The frizzen is freely operating and there are no indications that the lock has removed in modern times. Most surprisingly for its age, this highly decorated piece retains all of its elaborate silver wire inlay. A rare and impressive ’wall hanger’, this piece will display well in any number of settings. Buy with confidence! We are pleased to offer a no questions asked three day inspection with return as purchased on direct sales! Just send us a courtesy e-mail to let us know your item will be returned per these provisions and your purchase price will be refunded accordingly. Thanks for visiting Gunsight Antiques!