Original 19th Century Antique Indian Matchlock Wall Gun c.1800/1850 - 91 Inches Long

Original Item: Only One Available. This is rather LARGE, but not too bad, measuring 91" in overall length, the barrel itself being 68".

The traditional ignition system of the various Indian States of British India matchlocks were in use on the Sub Continent from the early 1600's. This example almost certainly was released from the great Armory of JAIPUR in RAJASTHAN in North West India during the 1970's.

With a bore of .70 the size of this weapon made it really only useible as a Wall Gun, needing to be supported on top of the battlements. These were always smooth bore but with such long barrels could, in the right hands shoot over considerable distances. The British found this out in the Great Sepoy Rebellion of 1857-1859 better known today as THE INDIAN MUTINY.

A fine clean example dating to early Victorian times, ready to display.

The matchlock was the first mechanism invented to facilitate the firing of a hand-held firearm. Before this, firearms (like the hand cannon) had to be fired by applying a lit match (or equivalent) to the priming powder in the flash pan by hand; this had to be done carefully, taking most of the soldier's concentration at the moment of firing, or in some cases required a second soldier to fire the weapon while the first held the weapon steady. Adding a matchlock made the firing action simple and reliable by a single soldier, allowing him to keep both hands steadying the gun and eyes on the target while firing.

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800-1850
Caliber: approx .70 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 68 inches
Overall Length: 91 inches
Action: Matchlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these.