ORNATELY HAND DECORATED**19th Century Indian 16 Bore Matchlock Muzzle Loading Musket With ‘JPR/EXR’ Jaipur Arsenal Export Marks. Sn 21489 Muzzleloader 16 Bore/gauge Rifles

**ORNATELY HAND DECORATED**19th Century Indian 16 Bore Matchlock Muzzle Loading Musket With ‘JPR/EXR’ Jaipur Arsenal Export Marks. Sn 21489 - 21489

The matchlock was the first mechanism, or "lock" invented to facilitate the firing of a hand-held firearm. This design removed the need to lower by hand a lit match into the weapon's flash pan and made it possible to have both hands free to keep a firm grip on the weapon at the moment of firing, and, more importantly, to keep both eyes on the target. This Indian matchlock has a fully functioning action. It has a 30 ¼” long steel barrel which is 16 Bore. The smooth bore has staining & residue consistent with age & Use. The barrel is sighted and has Indian Jaipur arsenal marks 'JPR/EXR’ marks alongside numbers (illustrated) indicating that this gun at some point passed through the Indian arsenal most likely when being authorised for export. The gun measures 49” overall length. It has a wood stock which has attractive ornate hand painted decoration depicting hunting scenes and mounted Indian noblemen. The butt of the stock is numbered 509. It has a metal bar lever trigger on the underside of the stock. The 'quick match' arm moves to the pan when the trigger bar is pressed. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique matchlock musket no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. Sn 21489

£375.00