Miquelet Rifle of Ali Pasha

lock and stock, dated A.H. 1224/1809–10 CE; barrel, 18th century
Not on view
Algerian firearms are typically very long and fitted with smoothbore barrels imported from Europe. The finest guns have stocks inlaid with silver (and occasionally gold), pierced and engraved with meandering floral and geometric designs. This example is unusual in bearing the name of the maker, his patron (an aga, probably an official at the court of the dey of Algiers), and the date. The silver is struck with an Algerian hallmark.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Miquelet Rifle of Ali Pasha
  • Date: lock and stock, dated A.H. 1224/1809–10 CE; barrel, 18th century
  • Culture: lock and stock, Algerian; barrel, European
  • Medium: Steel, wood, silver, copper alloy, textile
  • Dimensions: L. 67 in. (170.3 cm); L. barrel 50 7/8 in. (129.2 cm); Cal. .70 in. (18.0 mm); Wt. 10 lb. 9 oz. (4800 g)
  • Classification: Firearms-Guns
  • Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. William E. S. Griswold, Mrs. William Sloane and John Sloane, 1943
  • Object Number: 43.82.3
  • Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor

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