Unit Marked Matchlock ??

Rikkn · 11th January 2010, 11:17 PM

It looks like I found the forum for info on my latest acquisitions !! I recently bought several pieces from a gentleman who move to the US from England several years ago. It had seven military rifles from the 1870's to early 1900's, all in great original condition, a number of swords ( 5 Wilkinsons, 3 others ), 2 aircanes, and three real oddities, a very massive snaphaunce (?), one unknown, and the one that is the subject of this post. It is in great shape, seems to bear military unit markings, looks a lot like a military version of one I found on the collector firearms website. Here are some pictures of it. I would appreciate any info on it, age, origin, value, etc. The others I will post over the next few days as I take pictures of them.

kahnjar1 · 12th January 2010, 03:38 AM

Hi Rikkn and welcome to the Forum.
Your gun is not a Snaphaunce, but is a matchlock and most probably of Indian origin. The marks shown are likely to be armory marks. Can you please post a clearer pic of these? Other Members will no doubt expand on, or correct my comments.

Regards Stuart
Sorry Rikkn, I misread your text regarding this being a Snaphaunce.

Would like to see pics of that one though when you get a moment.
Regards S

Rikkn · 14th January 2010, 12:24 PM

Better picture coming this morning. Any opinion of value ?

kahnjar1 · 15th January 2010, 05:38 AM

No, and anyway its not the function of this Forum to give values. Be careful of the rules Rikkn.
Regards Stu

Atlantia · 16th January 2010, 04:46 PM

Hi Rikkn

I have a similarly marked matchlock that needs a rebuild.

I always assumed that these stamps were added by the British making an inventory and recording the contents of the local armouries.
Mine is marked SLK 126 with a reversed swastika above

BTW, Should really be in the ethno forum. Might get more replies there too.

kahnjar1 · 16th January 2010, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Atlantia

Hi Rikkn

I have a similarly marked matchlock that needs a rebuild.

I always assumed that these stamps were added by the British making an inventory and recording the contents of the local armouries.
Mine is marked SLK 126 with a reversed swastika above

BTW, Should really be in the ethno forum. Might get more replies there too.

Hi Gene,
I agree on Armoury mark rather than unit mark. The Brits were (usually) orderly thinkers!
Stu
P.S.Any comment on those other marks sent by email?

Rick · 16th January 2010, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rikkn

Better picture coming this morning. Any opinion of value ?

We don't give values here .
Appraisers are for that .

Rikkn · 25th February 2010, 12:14 AM

Kahnjar, what do you know about yours ? I have found out very little about mine so far. Sure would be nice to know what the SLK stands for.

Rikkn · 2nd January 2011, 11:31 PM

Finally narrowing this one down, see if you guys agree with either of these opinions I have received.

1. From the Kingdom of Mysore, likely used during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, possibly British capture, marked, then re=issued.

2. Ottoman Janisarry use, 17th / 18th century.

Opinions ??

11th January 2010, 11:17 PM	#1
Rikkn Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ormond by the Sea, Fl Posts: 50	Unit Marked Matchlock ?? It looks like I found the forum for info on my latest acquisitions !! I recently bought several pieces from a gentleman who move to the US from England several years ago. It had seven military rifles from the 1870's to early 1900's, all in great original condition, a number of swords ( 5 Wilkinsons, 3 others ), 2 aircanes, and three real oddities, a very massive snaphaunce (?), one unknown, and the one that is the subject of this post. It is in great shape, seems to bear military unit markings, looks a lot like a military version of one I found on the collector firearms website. Here are some pictures of it. I would appreciate any info on it, age, origin, value, etc. The others I will post over the next few days as I take pictures of them. Attached Images

12th January 2010, 03:38 AM	#2
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	Hi Rikkn and welcome to the Forum. Your gun is not a Snaphaunce, but is a matchlock and most probably of Indian origin. The marks shown are likely to be armory marks. Can you please post a clearer pic of these? Other Members will no doubt expand on, or correct my comments. Regards Stuart Sorry Rikkn, I misread your text regarding this being a Snaphaunce. Would like to see pics of that one though when you get a moment. Regards S Last edited by kahnjar1; 12th January 2010 at 07:14 AM.

16th January 2010, 04:46 PM	#5
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Hi Rikkn I have a similarly marked matchlock that needs a rebuild. I always assumed that these stamps were added by the British making an inventory and recording the contents of the local armouries. Mine is marked SLK 126 with a reversed swastika above BTW, Should really be in the ethno forum. Might get more replies there too. Last edited by Atlantia; 16th January 2010 at 07:09 PM.

14th January 2010, 12:24 PM	#3
Rikkn Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ormond by the Sea, Fl Posts: 50	Better picture coming this morning. Any opinion of value ?

15th January 2010, 05:38 AM	#4
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	No, and anyway its not the function of this Forum to give values. Be careful of the rules Rikkn. Regards Stu

25th February 2010, 12:14 AM	#8
Rikkn Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ormond by the Sea, Fl Posts: 50	Kahnjar, what do you know about yours ? I have found out very little about mine so far. Sure would be nice to know what the SLK stands for.

2nd January 2011, 11:31 PM	#9
Rikkn Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Ormond by the Sea, Fl Posts: 50	Finally narrowing this one down, see if you guys agree with either of these opinions I have received. 1. From the Kingdom of Mysore, likely used during the Anglo-Mysore Wars, possibly British capture, marked, then re=issued. 2. Ottoman Janisarry use, 17th / 18th century. Opinions ??