Miquelet Gun

Unknown

lock and stock dated A.H. 1172/1758–59 CE; barrel, 18th century · Steel, wood, coral, silver, copper alloy, gold · Arms and Armor

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

lock and stock dated A.H. 1172/1758–59 CE; barrel, 18th century

Medium

Steel, wood, coral, silver, copper alloy, gold

Culture

lock and stock, Algerian; barrel, European

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

The Collection of Giovanni P. Morosini, presented by his daughter Giulia, 1932