1 / 6
Premium Karl Benz
252
-
Rare coral-encrusted SILEX MUKAHLA
Ottoman Empire, probably …
See original version (French)
252
-
Rare coral-encrusted SILEX MUKAHLA
Ottoman Empire, probably …
See original version (French)
Estimate €6,000 - €8,000
Voluntary lot
Description
Rare coral-encrusted SILEX MUKAHLA
Ottoman Empire, probably Algeria, 18th century
A fine flintlock rifle with a long steel barrel of octagonal cross-section, the woods entirely covered with an inlaid decoration of orange-red coral cabochons cut in the shape of teardrops, petals and radiating floral motifs set in a network of cut and chiselled silver plates forming scrolls and rosettes. The flintlock lock is engraved with scrolls; The flintlock lock is engraved with scrolls; the straight stock is highlighted with a chased copper plate and a row of mother-of-pearl cabochons; chased silver junction rings attach the barrel to the stock.
Condition: beautiful old patina; one side has lost most of its coral cabochons, probably due to exposure to damp; the other side has well-preserved inlaid decoration; hammer damaged.
Total length: 175.5 cm.
Provenance: former Georges Carrus collection (1902-1967), then through family descent.
Red coral, prized for its rarity, was one of the most distinctive decorations in Ottoman luxury armoury, particularly developed in Algerian workshops. Similar coral weapons were among the diplomatic gifts presented by the Dey of Algiers to George IV, Prince Regent of Great Britain, in 1811 and 1819; they are kept in the Royal Collection Trust (see RCIN 61450). Thomas Jefferson, President of the United States, also received a similar rifle in 1805-1806 from the Tunisian ambassador Mellimelli, on behalf of the Bey of Tunis; this piece is now in the Smithsonian Institution (AF.16084).
The technique of inlaying coral on a blackened wooden stock is one of the most distinctive features of luxury Ottoman and Algerian gunmaking in the 18th and 19th centuries.
This rifle is similar to no. 72 - Ottoman miquelet rifle with coral decoration, Ottoman Turkey, 18th century, L. 125 cm - published in Robert HALES. Islamic and oriental arms and armour: a life's passion. Butler Tanner and Dennis Ltd. England, 2013. p. 277, fig. 674.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Lot description modified on 06/05/2026 at 6:50 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
You may also like