Gurkha Bira (Gardner) Gun of the Victorian Era
[NB7000]

Original Item: Purported to have been invented by General Sri Sri Sri Maharajah Gehendra Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana (1871-1905) the "Bira" Double Barreled Quick Fire Rifle was no less than a virtual copy of the British Gardner Gun. In Martini-Henry .455/577 caliber fed from a double stacked 120rnd Pan Magazine the weapon was fired by a Crank Handle not unlike the American Gatling Gun. Interestingly, however, it required cranking Backwards (Counter-clockwise) which is supported medically as it is more efficient, apparently, to "pull" than to "push". These remarkable weapons were developed in Nepal in the late 1880s before Great Britain opened the flood gates with gifts of “modern" Military hardware in 1894.Constructed of plate steel festooned with large Rivets, the receiver and wheeled mount resemble the construction of Jules Verne's "Nautilus" from 20,000 Leagues under the Sea. Only ever produced in very small numbers, fewer than 50 is speculated, these are extremely rare and a wonderful example of Victorian firepower. IMA found a very limited number of these exceptionally scarce weapons in the Old Palace of Lagan Silekhana in Katmandu, Nepal which were included with the purchase of over 50,000 Antique Firearms from the Royal Nepalese Army in 2003. Now available, having been restored to cycling condition for the Serious Collector; although mechanically functioning these items are offered as Historical Artifacts and not as shooting weapons. Offered Ex. Warehouse freight collect (Not for sale in New Jersey). Approximate weight 1200 LBS.

Note: This gun was manufactured before 1898 and is therefore legally considered an "antique". It is totally legal to own WITHOUT a U.S. Federal Firearms License and can be shipped to most countries around the world.