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.

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

Better picture coming this morning. Any opinion of value ?

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

Hi Rikkn

I have a similarly marked matchlock that needs a rebuild.
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c5...IM000107-1.jpg
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?

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

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.

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 ??

Look under Indian Toradar.

Regards.

Exactly, Anandalal,

And nice to hear from you again. ;)

This indeed is an Indian torador or toradar, 18th century. The style of course was copied from German predecessor Landsknecht arquebuses of the early 16th c.

Best,
Michael

What do you make of the unit marks ?

I have no idea what the SLK marks are on my gun. I always assumed that they were the British counting guns in native armouries. I just don't know which one.
BTW, yours is a rather good example. Congratulations.

Similar Indian armory marks can be found on many matchlock guns on the market, many of them said to come from the arsenal of Raipur. Gene is probably right in assuming that they were struck by the British.

Best,
Michael