These two pistols with the skin bladder were a present from my brother in the late 1960's who was a Foreign Service Officer stationed in Karachi, Pakistan. He traveled often into Afghanistan where he bought these. They were said to be 1800's Navel Pistols. The handle on the flintlock unfortunately fell from my display years ago and cracked. The wood is heavy like ebony or teak, not sure. I have never had them appraised and cannot determine if the symbols mean anything. If you could give me an idea of how old they might be and what the value of both with the powder horn would be and should I look for restoration before selling.. Pictures are attached. Also mention that that the cock spring and trigger release work on both pistols. Very strong.
Dimensions
Acquired From:
Inherited
Dear Joe, Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. My sincere apologies for the delay with the apprisal. The presented object appears to be two Afghan muzzleloading pistols with a cap and ball and flintlock system. This pistol follows the design of Navy pistols used by the British Empire which was at war with the Afghan tribes and the British Troops left this area in the year 1842. The Afghan gunsmiths were talented and copied the well-designed British models from the whole 19th and until the early 20th century. These tribesmen used still partly these guns in the last Anglo-Afghan war in 1919. This gun was probably made in the second half of the 19th or 20th century. This piece is in medium condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided. Fair market estimation for both pistols would be between 150 to 200 USD. This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary. With kind regards, George
