Original Item: One of a Kind. This is extraordinary, a fantastic Indian matchlock "TORADOR" musket, hand painted top to bottom with Tiger hunting scenes and other ornate designs. This almost certainly came from JODHPUR or JAIPUR, both legendary cities of the Rajasthan region of India. The name literally means “Land of Kings”, and this region in Northern India is full of magnificent palaces and other ornate locations, such as the Amber / Amer Fort (Palace) outside of Jaipur.

This torador musket measures an impressive 62 1/2 inches long, the barrel being 44 inches with a "cannon" style muzzle. The traditional ignition system of the various Indian States of British India, these long matchlocks were in use on the Sub Continent from the early 1600's through the 1800s, until almost the end of the Victorian era. 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.

The musket is beautifully executed, and has the characteristic copper wire barrel binding in three locations. The match lock mechanism is fully functional, with the only issue being the missing cover on the pan, which kept the powder in placed until the weapon was to be discharged.

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 phenomenal painted stock.

One of the most remarkable hunting weapons to come out of British India. Reputedly used only by the Indian nobility. Absolutely original and a truly marvelous example, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa1840
Caliber: approx .59 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 44 inches
Overall Length: 62 1/2 inches
Action: Matchlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

A toradar is basically an Indian matchlock, first used in 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 moulded ring. The front sight are made very long so as to show above them. This front sights were often shaped into figurative forms e.g. the nose of a man, or shaped like tiger's head. Some toradar have square-shaped barrel, 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 had 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.