Original Magnificent Niello Silver Fitted Cossack Miquelet Ball Butt Pistol with Gold Inlaid Barrel and Lock - circa 1760

Original Item: Only One Available. Probably dating to 1760-1800, this is a drop dead gorgeous ball butted MIQUELET lock pistol fitted with a "ball" trigger. It measures a substantial 18 1/2" in overall length with an 13" barrel, so it definitely is a bit larger than a typical "holster" pistol. This is a truly magnificent example. featuring a figure flamed wood stock and fittings that are all of Niello decorated sheet silver, held in place in some areas with small brass stud adornments. The barrel bands are all Niello, and there are decorative panels surrounding the lock and trigger. Additionally, the miquelet lock is COVERED in gold inlay work, and there is a fair amount of the Damascus laminated steel barrel as well! Truly amazing and very attractive! Niello is a black mixture, usually of sulfur, copper, silver, and lead, used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal, especially silver. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts or at least softens, and flows or is pus