Flintlock Gun

Unknown

second quarter of the 19th century · Steel, ebony, gold, enamel, rubies, emeralds, textile · Arms and Armor

Guns of this type, with sharply curved flaring butts and mounts in enameled gold of Iranian manufacture, are typical of Sind, now a province of southern Pakistan. The British lock is inscribed "H. M.," possibly referring to the well-known London gunmaker Harvey Walklate Mortimer (1753–1817). It may be a remnant of the firearms given to the mirs, rulers of Sind, by the British government. The barrel, possibly made locally, is of boldly patterned Damascus steel. The gilt muzzle is in the shape of a dragon's head, the eyes set with rubies and emeralds.

Artist

Unknown

Date

second quarter of the 19th century

Medium

Steel, ebony, gold, enamel, rubies, emeralds, textile

Culture

Indian, Sindh (now Pakistan); lock, British

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935