Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely Indian Matchlock "TORADAR" gun, measuring 61 ½" in overall length, the barrel itself being 44 ¼". The traditional ignition system of the various Indian States of British India, matchlocks were in use on the Sub Continent from the early 1600's through the 1800s.
With a bore of around .59", this is a highly maneuverable weapon despite its long length. These were always smooth bore, but with such long barrels could in the right hands shoot over considerable distances. The British found this out in the Great Sepoy Rebellion of 1857-1859 better known today as THE INDIAN MUTINY.
This is a truly excellent example in very nice "aged" condition, made around 1780 during the early Georgian era. The fittings are mostly of sheet brass, which has aged to a lovely patina. It has two very large side plates on either side of the action, probably to stabilize the wrist and the stock overall, but there is some cracking on both of these plates. These are held in place by decorative floral fittings.
The barrel has lovely silver-inlay designs on the muzzle and breech ends, with either Hindi or Arab characters, and two small brass pieces on the top of the breech and barrel tang. The barrel has very heavy pitting across, but this does not detract from the silver inlay very much. All four brass barrel bands are intact, but some are loose.
We did not attempt any restoration or cleaning aside from a wipe down, as we feel it presents great as it is. It would require very careful cleaning to avoid damaging the delicate silver inlay. The action is not in any sort of working order and could use some serious restoration, but the musket is in great displayable condition as is.
Absolutely original and a truly marvelous example, ready to display!
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: Circa 1780
Caliber: approx .59 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 44¼ inches
Overall Length: 61½ inches
Action: Matchlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
A toradar is basically an Indian matchlock, first used in the 16th-century. It was a preferred firearm in India well until the mid 19th-century because of its simple and cheap design. They were found mostly in the Mughal-influenced Northern and Central India. Two types of toradar exist: one has a very slim, from 3 feet (91 cm) to 6 feet (180 cm) long, straight stock with pentagonal-shaped section, and a light barrel; the other type is always between 5 feet (150 cm) to 6 feet (180 cm) long, has a curved stock with diamond-shaped section and a very heavy barrel, much enlarged at the breech. Both have the regular Indian type of lock, which is covered with a pan cover that usually swings on a pin. The iron side plates which reinforce each side of the stock extend for some distance on each side of the lock.
The barrel is usually fastened to the stock by wire band or leather thongs which frequently pass over silver saddles on the barrel. The rear sight of the first type have ogival shape, or an open V, while the second usually has a very large open rear sight. Both types' muzzles are generally fastened with molded rings. The front sights are made very long so as to show above them. These front sights were often shaped into figurative forms e.g. the nose of a man, or shaped like a tiger's head. Some toradars have square-shaped barrels, even with square bores. Both types generally have a clevis for a sling strap and some have two.
Compared with the European matchlocks, the stock of a toradar has a more simple shape than the fish-tail shaped butt of the European matchlock. The stock is also too small to be placed against the shoulder, so the Indian toradar were normally held beneath the arm.
A toradar used for sporting gun would often have painting of hunting figures, e.g. birds, other animals, and landscapes.
NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
