Haki Bey gun

Content Description

Gun made of wood, metal, and silver. 50" long. Richly decorated with silver on the butt end and along the barrel. Crescent and star representing Turkish origin on the barrel in silver. From Turkey. According to the old Pacific Museum records, it belonged to a Turkish officer named Haki Bey, likely with the full name of Ismail Hakki Bey. The gun was taken by the British for Bey being convicted of atrocities during World War I at the city of Attion Kara Hassar. A letter in the donor file in the Pacific Museum states: "The gun...was probably made in Damascus (likely in Syria) a hundred and fifty and perhaps 2 hundred years ago. The metal parts are made of forged wire check[?] where twisted wahes[?] a very strong barrel...gold and silver are deeply embellished in the barrel, sights, stock...probably ordered by this semi-king of the Arab Tribe." An alternate old Pacific Museum records describes the gun as a percussion sporting rifle. It was possibly manufactured by the Arabs in 1830-1840. Later labeled on the record as inaccurate, it could be a golden age Kentucky Rifle, known by the half moon and eight pointed star on underside of forearm, 54 caliber, and 2 bands and groves. Made of maple stock, gold and silver inlaid, and an iron lock. Barrel is octagon (tapered) 35". Breech section is relieved and engraved with gold, same with muzzle. Barrel is iron with a Damascus twist. Silver inlay patterns at butt, or stock, of flower and olive designs. Lock plate retainer on left side of stock made of solid gold. Lock is 5" by 1" percussion. Shot a non-patched round ball with band around ball.

Acquisition Type

Gift

Restrictions Apply

No