Spanish 32-Bore Miquelet-Lock Silver-Mounted Pistol - Late 18th Century

Spanish 32-Bore Miquelet-Lock Silver-Mounted Pistol - Late 18th Century

A fine and decorative example of a Spanish silver-mounted miquelet-lock pistol, dating to the late 18th century, exhibiting traditional craftsmanship and rich ornamentation characteristic of Iberian firearms of the period.

Caliber: 32 bore

Barrel: 12.2 cm, two-stage configuration, turned and chiselled at the girdle, secured with a reeded, vertically slotted barrel band.

Breech: Octagonal, inlaid with copper alloy motifs, including a small crucifix, a typical religious emblem often seen on Spanish arms.

Lock: Classic Spanish miquelet lock, crisp and well-formed, displaying regional character.

Stock: Figured, moulded full stock carved with a flower-head motif ahead of the trigger guard and foliate carving around the tang.

Butt: Rounded form featuring a tapering silver backstrap, finely engraved with hatched double scrollwork. The pommel displays raised roundels on either side, each set with an engraved silver flower-head.

Mounts:

Side-plate: Scrolled and foliate silver design

Escutcheon: Vacant, bordered with engraved petalled motif

Trigger-guard: Finely engraved with foliate finial and flower-head on the bow

Trigger-plate & Fore-end Band: Reeded silver, tastefully proportioned

Ramrod: Retains its original wooden ramrod with silver tip

This pistol is an excellent example of the artistic and functional balance found in 18th-century Spanish arms, blending military purpose with regional decorative traditions. The silver mounts and detailed embellishments speak to its likely ownership by a person of rank or means.

A fine collector's piece, representative of Spanish miquelet craftsmanship during its late flourishing period.