Lot 25
25
A parcel-gilt and niello-mounted flint-lock pistol
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VA… Read more
A parcel-gilt and niello-mounted flint-lock pistol

BY GIUSEPPE MERLI, CIRCA 1818

Details
A parcel-gilt and niello-mounted flint-lock pistol
by Giuseppe Merli, circa 1818
The pommel with knop finial, the pommel and upper stock mounts decorated with parcel gilt mounts and niello stylised masks within niello scrolls on stippled ground, the barrel with gilt initials 'BA' , and date 1818 and the Russian inscription 'Grosnaia Fortress,' marked on the lock plate
21 in. (53.3 cm.) long
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 15% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

1818 was the year that the Groznaia Fortress was erected and when the forest around the fortress was cut down. It was also during the pacification of the Caucasus, developed by General Ermolov who was Commander of the region from 1816. The main guidelines were a methodical pacification by the sword, followed by an internal pacification acheived by subjugation, firm and at the same time kind.
The pacified parts of the Caucasus were unified with the building of fortresses such as Grosnaia and Vnezapnaia which constituted the 'Line.'

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