BALKANS, MID-19TH CENTURY An ornate Kubur-type pistol belonging to a high-ranking officer or dignitary. Iron flintlock lock Iron barrel, round, with remnants of decoration featuring a scroll-adorned cartouche with a thunderbolt, continuing as a band toward the muzzle. Smoothbore. Caliber 13 mm. Long frame entirely sheathed in silver (low hallmark) with chiseled foliage decoration, punctuated by a few flowers, and broad nielloed fillets. Trigger guard and trigger tail decorated in the same style. Pommel knob chiseled with a leaf motif. Small ring on the inside of the stock. A metal strip securing the barrel to the frame, added later (replacing a more ornate element that was lost). Circa 1840–1860. Gross weight: 738 g. - Barrel length: 26.3 cm - Overall length: 37.5 cm. As is. Corroded lock and barrel; hammer spring does not hold the hammer cocked; scratches and dents; wear and chips in the blackening; tear in the metal band at the muzzle.