A visually striking early 19th century Indo-Persian matchlock musket, the long forged steel barrel measuring approximately 105 cm, secured by hand-forged iron barrel bands and retaining its original sighting pin. Overall length approximately 154 cm.
The full-length stock is extensively decorated with geometric and rosette-pattern mother-of-pearl inlay, arranged in dense repeating panels along the butt, wrist and fore-stock. The decoration displays consistent age-related wear, minor losses and shrinkage commensurate with period manufacture.
The musket retains its traditional matchlock mechanism with serpentine arm and pan, reflecting continued Indo-Persian use of match ignition for prestige and presentation arms well into the mid-19th century.
The barrel and ironwork show an even aged patina throughout, with no evidence of modern manufacture.
The form, materials and decoration are consistent with Indo-Persian workshop production, possibly from a northern Indian or Persian-i
...nfluenced region, produced as a high-status or presentation firearm rather than utilitarian military issue.
Condition:
Good antique condition overall. Expected age-related wear to metal and inlay, with small losses to the mother-of-pearl panels and surface oxidation to the barrel consistent with age. No modern repairs observed.
Collectors’ Note:
Indo-Persian firearms with extensive original mother-of-pearl decoration are increasingly scarce and occupy an important crossover between arms & armour and Islamic decorative arts.
Measurements
Length of barrel: 105cm ( 41.25'')
Length: 154cm
Peter Harris Clocks & Militaria, Portobello Road
WE are open every Saturday between 9.30 - 3.30pm in Chelsea Galleries 67 Portobello Road London.
We are at the front of the gallery, on the 1st aisle.
Web page:-
https://peterharrisclocks.com/welcome/
Internal Reference: 2-022-6
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1196991
Dateline of this antique is 18th Century
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