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LOT 286
Ornate Gold Damascened and Inlaid Percussion Toradar
Musket - NSN, 74 cal., 50 3/4 inch ribbed bbl., bright/gold finish,
hardwood stock. This ornate musket was manufactured c. 1840s-1870s in the classic style of the toradar
matchlock muskets of South Asia which date back to as early as the 16th century and continued to see widespread
use through the mid-19th century. The main difference on this example is that it has a more advanced percussion ignition system and a trigger
enclosed by a trigger guard unlike the typical toradars. The consignor stated this piece was an Indian royal hunting gun. It features highly attractive gold
damascene scrollwork at the muzzle and breech sections of the ornate ribbed barrel with sculpted foliate accents, a post front sight, smoothbore, East India Company percussion lock with the
lion cipher at the center, cap compartment on the underside of the butt, and contrasting inlays on the stock.
CONDITION: Very good with most of the original gold remaining, silver gray and brown patina on the balance, mild oxidation, some missing barrel bands, and moderate wear. The stock is
good and has cracks and chips, moderate wear, and some repairs including a spliced forend. Mechanically fine.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 285
Ornate Indian “Toradar” Matchlock Musket with Very Rare Square Bore Damascus Barrel - NSN, 48 cal., 45 inch rectangular bbl., bright finish, hardwood stock. The
toradar matchlock muskets were major firearms in South Asia into the mid-19th century long after other areas had transitioned to more advanced firearms. They were used both for
both combat and hunting. Though there is little variance in their basic form, there is a wide range of decorative features reflecting the region’s varied cultures, and this example is certainly very ornate and
attractive. It is also particularly of interest for collectors with its highly unusual rectangular barrel and “square bore,” a rare design occasionally found on toradars but rarely seen on any antique firearms. The barrel is of
etched Damascus with lovely patterning and has a blade front sight and a notch rear sight at the breech. The stock has floral accents, “1850” marked on the left, “83” on the right, and antique ivory panels at the breech and
butt. Consignor statements indicate this piece came from Dr. Leo Figiel’s collection of Mogul Arms sold in 1998 and was also previously owned by Bob Hale.
CONDITION: Fine with distinct Damascus patterns and gray and brown patina on the barrel, some oxidation mainly at the breech, absent ramrod and some other pieces including some barrel bands, cracks and chips in the
antique ivory, and minor cracks in the wood. The bore is obstructed towards the breech. Mechanically fine.
Provenance: The Dr. Leo Figiel Collection of Mogul Arms; The Bob Hale Collection; Private Collection.
Estimate: 3,000 - 6,000