Matchlock Rifle

Unknown

second quarter of the 19th century · Steel, wood, silver, gold, copper alloy · Arms and Armor

The deeply curved butt of this hunting gun is characteristic of firearms made in the Sind region of northwest India (now Pakistan). The fine workmanship, particularly the forge-welded barrel with its complicated twist pattern and delicate gold-damascened ornament, reflects the revival of the decorative arts sponsored by the Talpur dynasty that ruled Sind from 1783 to 1843. The barrel is inscribed with the name of one of the ruling family, Sarkar Mir Muhammad Nasir Khan Talpur (d. 1845).

Artist

Unknown

Date

second quarter of the 19th century

Medium

Steel, wood, silver, gold, copper alloy

Culture

Indian, Sind (now Pakistan)

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Bequest of George C. Stone, 1935