Miquelet Gun
Coral-inlaid firearms were a specialty of Algerian and Tunisian gunmakers in the eighteenth century. Shaped coral plaques were fitted into a silver framework to create a colorful decoration. The dey of Algiers presented examples to European rulers as part of his nation’s trade negotiations, and the bey of Tunis presented one to President Thomas Jefferson in 1805. The barrels of these guns are of European manufacture intended for the North African market.
Artwork Details
- Title: Miquelet Gun
- Date: lock and stock dated A.H. 1172/1758–59 CE; barrel, 18th century
- Culture: lock and stock, Algerian; barrel, European
- Medium: Steel, wood, coral, silver, copper alloy, gold
- Dimensions: L. 76 1/2 in. (194.4 cm); L. barrel 60 1/4 in. (153.0 cm); Cal. .64 in. (16.3 mm); Wt. 10 lb. 9 oz. (4799.0 g)
- Classification: Firearms-Guns-Miquelet
- Credit Line: The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932
- Object Number: 32.75.274
- Curatorial Department: Arms and Armor
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