Bidspirit auction | RARE EARLY 19TH C. INDIAN

RARE EARLY 19TH C. INDIAN SINDH GOLD-DECORATED MATCHLOCK RIFLE TORADAR - Rare antique Indian Sindh matchlock rifle (toradar or bandook), early 19th century, displaying the distinctive elongated proportions and dramatically curved stock associated with firearms produced in Sindh, then northwestern India and now Pakistan. The rifle is constructed with an exceptionally long steel barrel secured to a dark hardwood full stock by multiple brass barrel bands. The breech and muzzle sections are richly embellished with gold floral and foliate decoration, including elaborate scrolling arabesques and geometric devices. The barrel additionally bears a struck maker's or arsenal mark, visible within the gold-decorated panel. Fitted with its traditional matchlock mechanism with serpentine match holder, pan and cover, together with a simple iron trigger. The dark hardwood stock terminates in the characteristic broad, deeply curved Sindh butt and is ornamented with applied brass rosette-form bosses. Additional engraved brass mounts decorate the fore-stock. The pronounced curved butt is particularly associated with Sindh matchlock firearms. Closely related examples were produced during the Talpur dynasty (1783–1843), a period noted for exceptionally fine Sindhi decorative metalwork and gold-damascened firearms. The Metropolitan Museum of Art preserves a closely related Sindh matchlock of the second quarter of the 19th century with a similarly curved stock and gold-damascened barrel. Total length: 65”. For additional images please visit sofedesignauctions.com Detailed condition reports are not included in this catalog. For additional information, including condition reports, please contact us at info@sofedesignauctions.com ***All lots are sold as-is and where is. No statement regarding age, condition, kind, value, or quality of a lot, whether made orally at the auction or at any other time, or in writing in this catalog or elsewhere, shall be construed to be an express or implied warranty, representation, or assumption of liability. All sales are final, and SOFE AUCTIONS do not give refunds. SOFE AUCTIONS ARE PLEASED TO OFFER IN-HOUSE PACKAGING AND SHIPPING SERVICES. PACKAGING SERVICE ONLY: start at $25 and up depending on your item/s. Available IN-HOUSE shipping is within the USA of small, medium, semi-large, NON-FRAGILE items. PLEASE SELECT IN-HOUSE SHIPPING FOR FAST, PROFESSIONAL PACKING AND SHIPPING.SOFE WON'T ship items in glass frames, large fragile items or large sculptures. After paying for your item/s please call SOFE at 469-268-1177, or email us at info@sofedesignauctions.com to request a shipping quote. All item/s will be shipped via UPS or FedEx, FULLY insured, unless insurance declined in writing by the buyer. SOFE AUCTIONS do not use USPS. We do have a list of suggested third-party shippers. Please visit our webpage for a list of recommended shippers.