Fine Russian or Caucasian Pistol with gold, silver and niello work

A very nice quality Russian or Caucasian pistol dating to the 19th century. The stock covered with black asshide and embellished with extremely fine niello inlaid silver plaques. The barrel and back iron mount beautifully damascened with gold including a deeply stamped makers mark to the top of the barrel. Gold decoration also remains on the trigger and rivets, and the face plate of the firing mechanism. The butt formed from a polished ball of walrus ivory. The mechanism on this gun was originally flintlock/miquelet but  as with many guns at this period that were well used, it has been upgraded to the more modern percussion lock by altering the hammer and pan section. The barrel with chiselling and bands of niello inlaid silver.    middle eastern