i would say the one with the tag is older than the other one but I would personally place a wallhanger or decorater value on them. They are both interesting but from the pictures are in poor to fair shape. I would NOT load and fire either one, the hand you save is your own.

 Stan

Stan, excellent advice, and, correct assesement. WALI........................

DESCRIPTION: Profusely decorated early 19th Century Albanian miquelet "rat tail" pistol. Albania was a part of the Ottoman Empire at the time. The region was famous for a large number of gun makers, who manufactured this kind of pistol in big quantities for the Ottoman army. The entire stock is covered with lightly engraved brass plates, which is a characteristic feature of Albanian pistols. The pistol is decorated with ornamental motifs. The barrel displays light engraving and a combination of letters (please, see pictures). Half-octagonal, half-round barrel. One brass barrel band decorated in oriental motifs. The ramrod is missing. The pistols of this pattern were used extensively in many wars in Balkans, including the Greek uprisings. CONDITION: The pistol is in overall fine, all original condition. The barrel shows some patina and handling marks (please, see pictures). The stock is solid and nicely preserved. The bore is in very good condition. The pistol does not show any repairs. All the parts are original to the pistol. Overall length: 20 inch. Barrel length: 11.25 inch. Nice example of the Albanian "Rat Tail" miquelet pistol. (Ref. "Islamic Weapons. Maghrib to Moghul" , by Anthony C. Tirri, p.159) The asking price on this one which seems to be in much better condition is $1175

The percussion may be a cane handle. What are the markings on it? It also, may be a flintlock conversion.

I will get close up photos of any markings, and yes these are wall hangers for sure. My first thought was to offer about $500 for the pair and unless I am missing something, that seems like a fair offer.

Once I get the marking photos I will post them.

Thanks!

John

Sounds very fair to me, actually more than fair.

I worked for a pawn shop for a few yrs and we took in a rifle with a lock like the hand gun flint lock. It sat around for years and is still standing in the corner. Last time I was in there it seemed like they had a price tag of $150.00 on it. One thing you want to do with ANY front loader is run a ram rod down her throat and make SURE its not already loaded. It is surprising how many of the old guns were left loaded with the pan empty or cap removed, and sat around for a houndred yrs that way.