A VERY RARE TIBETAN SILVER-MOUNTED MATCHLOCK GUN (ME-DA)

[Cerjak]

Tibet, 19th Century, 162 cm.
With a round, damascus smoothbore barrel with moulded muzzle and sight; The stock, covered with leather and silver and brass plates, partly engraved ,cabochon decorated (missing stones turquoise or coral ? ,). The fore-end fitted with the traditional folding bi-pod formed of two bamboo stakes with a wooden biped with iron and silver mounts. Complete with an early leather sling , in the right side a leather pocket for the match cord and with a leather cover for the pan;
This musket is in original untouched condition and I still don’t know if I will clean it ,at less I will try to protect the leather in order to preserve it

Any comment on it will be welcome.
Best
Cerjak

[Cerjak]

more pics

[Cerjak]

more pics

[estcrh]

Thanks for posting, another rare non European matchlock example, especially hard to find detailed images.

[fernando]

Very nice piece Jean-Luc.
If i were you, i should and should not clean it ... that is; i would just 'wash' that localized topic rust, very very gently; and pass some fat on the leather, or it will deterioriate in the near future. I would also slightly oil the iron parts.
But that is only my idea.

[Cerjak]

Originally Posted by fernando

Very nice piece Jean-Luc.
If i were you, i should and should not clean it ... that is; i would just 'wash' that localized topic rust, very very gently; and pass some fat on the leather, or it will deterioriate in the near future. I would also slightly oil the iron parts.
But that is only my idea.

YES Fernando
My traget is only the preservation so oil and fat would be sufficient.

BEST

Jean-Luc

[Philip]

Congratulations! A fine example that's complete down to the leather pan-cover which is often missing. Nice patina and signs of wear indicating a "working" piece that was nonetheless well-maintained in a harsh environment. I agree that a conservative approach is called for, overcleaning is the worst thing you can give to these things. Just do what's necessary to keep the leather from drying out and flaking, and carefully rub off any spots of visible active rust but leave the underlying patina. A good quality wax is often better than oil on the iron parts since it doesn't attract dust, won't rub off on hands nor get onto the leather and possibly stain or rot it.

[Shakethetrees]

Originally Posted by Philip

Congratulations! A fine example that's complete down to the leather pan-cover which is often missing. Nice patina and signs of wear indicating a "working" piece that was nonetheless well-maintained in a harsh environment. I agree that a conservative approach is called for, overcleaning is the worst thing you can give to these things. Just do what's necessary to keep the leather from drying out and flaking, and carefully rub off any spots of visible active rust but leave the underlying patina. A good quality wax is often better than oil on the iron parts since it doesn't attract dust, won't rub off on hands nor get onto the leather and possibly stain or rot it.

And I would add that instead of fat or oil on the leather I suggest you use a good quality wax, like Renaissance Wax on both the metal and leather. Anything that soaks into the leather in order to "liven it up" will change chemically over the years and turn acidic and degrade it. Once you apply Pecards or some other "restorer" you can't undo it. In time, you or the future custodian, will regret it.

[rickystl]

Hi Cerjak.
Almost overlooked this Post. WOW!! You rarely see these. I've only held one piece myself, and it was in poor condition. Your's is in VERY nice condition with the original stand and pan cover. A great addition to your collection.
As far as any cleaning, I agree with the above recommendations. Again, congrats on a super nice piece.
Rick.

[Cerjak]

Thank you all for your kind comments.
Bellow one more from my collection

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16923
Best
Cerjak

[BANDOOK]

HI JEAN LUC
THATS A BEAUTIFUL AND RARE MATCHLOCK,ALSO READ YOUR OLD THREAD,GOOD RESTORATION FOR PRESERVATION
KIND REGARDS
RAJESH

[Cerjak]

Pictures

[fernando]

Very nice images

[rickystl]

Agreed! Very nice images. Notice the continued use of chain mail.
Thanks, Rick.