Museum Quality 18th C. Mysore South Indian Toradar Matchlock Rifle with two type damascus barrel and Tipu Sultan symbols

Status: Sold · Region: Islamic Antiques · Type: Antiques

A truly beautiful rifle, one of two we are proud to offer, that is one the best Indian rifles we've handled. This example is long at 68 in length with a barrel 51 in length of two types of twisted damascus displaying its original finish. The decoration is silver and gold damascening of fine rich quality. The lock plate is silver with a small silver cup to cover the opening for the match.The trigger is chiseled in the shape of a tiger and damascened gold and silver. This symbolism likely places it to South India and to the time of Tippoo Sultan, or the Tiger of Mysore who fought the British and paid with his life in 1798 at Seringapatam. A piece of such quality very likely may have been used in his army fighting against the English in the late 18th C. Museum quality investment.