Ottoman Tufuk Carbine

[Kubur]

Originally Posted by estcrh

Kuber, it looks to me that the butt may have been replaced at one time and may not be original, what do you think?

yes the woods are different and they are original. Please, have a look at other Ottoman rifles or tufek you will see always a decoration at 1/2 or 1/3 or the butt. The decoration marks a change in the butt stock. Very often the wood was different, sometimes on the caucasian guns it was a piece of walrus ivory, on the boliya, the butt end is covered with a red textile. On the Arab matchlocks it was another extra piece of wood added around the butt. I don't know the technical reason, I'm sure that Rick will explain that better than me.
Kubur

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by Kubur

yes the woods are different and they are original. Please, have a look at other Ottoman rifles or tufek you will see always a decoration at 1/2 or 1/3 or the butt. The decoration marks a change in the butt stock. Very often the wood was different,

Yes you do see this type with an all wood stock, it just seemed like the butt on this example may not be quite right but with only a photo it is hard to tell, Rick could answer that better as he can see if the butt seems to match the rest of the stock as far as the wear and finish.

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by estcrh

Yes you do see this type with an all wood stock, it just seemed like the butt on this example may not be quite right but with only a photo it is hard to tell, Rick could answer that better as he can see if the butt seems to match the rest of the stock as far as the wear and finish.

Hi Estcrh. How have you been?
FRONT AND REAR WOOD OF THE BUTT STOCK: The wood on the rear of the butt stock is definately different than the wood on the grip area and forearm. but as Kubur mentios, this is quite common. It's a bit hard to tell in the photos because the gun really needs cleaned. But in this case, I believe the butt section was original to the gun. One reason I believe this is that the sharp edges of both pieces are rounded/worn equally. And the brass nails on the brass strap all match with the same patina. What is intersting is the butt cap section being held in by two wood dowels rather than long nails like you usually see. But I've seen many of these with both the same, and different woods used. If it was changed, it was certainly done back in the period sometime. But again, a good cleaning will tell me more.
Rick.

[rickystl]

Actually, it's also missing one of the small brass decorations on the left side, and there are 3-4 small worm lines. But the brass will be easy to replace.
It is nice getting the original ramrod, which rarely shows up on these guns.
Rick

[estcrh]

Originally Posted by rickystl

What is intersting is the butt cap section being held in by two wood dowels rather than long nails like you usually see.

Hey Rick, I have seen some with butts that were added separately like yours, since most have the butt end covered up or you do not get to see images of it I could not figure out how it was attached but maybe the use of wood dowels was common but just how seen, with either a plate or decorations covering it up.

It looks like the butt end was not cut evenly, is that just from the angle?

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by estcrh

Hey Rick, I have seen some with butts that were added separately like yours, since most have the butt end covered up or you do not get to see images of it I could not figure out how it was attached but maybe the use of wood dowels was common but just how seen, with either a plate or decorations covering it up.

It looks like the butt end was not cut evenly, is that just from the angle?

Hi Estcrh.
No, it's just the angle of the photo. There appears a small, old repair on the edge. I'll take another photo so you can see. (as soon as my camera battery is recharged
Rick