Combination of katar and two percussion pistols

Ian · Yesterday, 03:41 PM

This item recently finished at auction. Mid-19th C would be my guess on age. An unusual pairing.
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Jim McDougall · Yesterday, 04:47 PM

Very interesting Ian!! The innovation of Indian armorers is truly fascinating and in the 19th century when the durbars of the Raj became great events that became akin to todays 'gun shows' on the periphery...these guys always tried to impress .
The dual gun actions are percussion, suggesting probably 1840s, but unusual seeing them paired. Flintlock gun actions are well known on hunting swords of 18th century, and the gun production innovations did not escape armorers trying to impress the dignitaries in the princely states.

"Firearms Curiosa", Lewis Winant, 1955, is a good read pertaining to these kinds of unusual weapons.

Thanks for sharing this Ian.....I hope my response doesnt 'kill the thread'.

Tim Simmons · Yesterday, 07:47 PM

Curious about the rough finish. Also the pracitcality. I wonder if is a 19th centruy curio so to speak.

Jim McDougall · Yesterday, 08:04 PM

Good point Tim. This looks pretty rough, and seems like most examples are pretty high end, more for the courts and officials. Apparently Maharaja Raja Ram Singh (1811-1889) was a big fan of combination weapons and BUNDI in Rajasthan a key area for these kinds of weapons.

"Splendors of the Subcontinent: A Princes Tour of India 1875-76" K. Meghani is a good reference for anyone caring to pursue further.

Edster · Yesterday, 08:26 PM

Here's a Youtube that discusses this type of weapon in detail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FJ_RdKYd5A

Ed

Tim Simmons · Yesterday, 08:47 PM

Although better made I still have doubts this is really a weapon. Just think of carriage pistols. Also how fine real Indian metalwork can be.

Yesterday, 03:41 PM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,449	Combination of katar and two percussion pistols This item recently finished at auction. Mid-19th C would be my guess on age. An unusual pairing. . Attached Images

Yesterday, 04:47 PM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,443	Very interesting Ian!! The innovation of Indian armorers is truly fascinating and in the 19th century when the durbars of the Raj became great events that became akin to todays 'gun shows' on the periphery...these guys always tried to impress . The dual gun actions are percussion, suggesting probably 1840s, but unusual seeing them paired. Flintlock gun actions are well known on hunting swords of 18th century, and the gun production innovations did not escape armorers trying to impress the dignitaries in the princely states. "Firearms Curiosa", Lewis Winant, 1955, is a good read pertaining to these kinds of unusual weapons. Thanks for sharing this Ian.....I hope my response doesnt 'kill the thread'.

Yesterday, 07:47 PM	#3
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,874	Curious about the rough finish. Also the pracitcality. I wonder if is a 19th centruy curio so to speak.

Yesterday, 08:04 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,443	Good point Tim. This looks pretty rough, and seems like most examples are pretty high end, more for the courts and officials. Apparently Maharaja Raja Ram Singh (1811-1889) was a big fan of combination weapons and BUNDI in Rajasthan a key area for these kinds of weapons. "Splendors of the Subcontinent: A Princes Tour of India 1875-76" K. Meghani is a good reference for anyone caring to pursue further.

Yesterday, 08:26 PM	#5
Edster Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 418	Here's a Youtube that discusses this type of weapon in detail. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FJ_RdKYd5A Ed

Yesterday, 08:47 PM	#6
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,874	Although better made I still have doubts this is really a weapon. Just think of carriage pistols. Also how fine real Indian metalwork can be.