18th C. Indian Wood / Iron Matchlock Bandukh Toradar

Central Asia, India, British Colonial period, ca. 18th century CE. A lovely long rifle known as a "bandukh toradar" (literally "matchlock gun") of a lengthy form. The rifle has an elongated back stock, an openwork trigger, a hammer meant to hold a lit match or fuse, and a petite flash pan underneath. A parabolic strap loop is attached beneath so the warrior could carry the rifle on his back when not in use. The iron barrel sits within the carved groove of the forestock and features etched floral motifs around the flared muzzle, and an iron ram rod rests in a slot beneath. A maker's mark denoting the British Arsenal is visible on the backstock and reads "SLK 33." Size (rifle): 58.125" L (147.6 cm); length of barrel: 36.7" L (93.2 cm).

For a stylistically similar example with elaborate etchings, please see The Royal Armouries Collections, Oriental Gallery, Leeds, object number XXVIF.98.

Provenance: private Glorieta, New Mexico, USA collection

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#149231
Condition Report: Damage to several areas of forestock, and barrel secured with two lengths of modern metal wire. Chips and losses to areas of forestock and backstock, with bending to areas of iron plates on back stock, one stable fissure on barrel near muzzle, fading to some etched details on barrel muzzle, and light softening to maker's mark. Great patina throughout. Rifle has not been tested for firing functionality.