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Old 19th June 2026, 04:27 PM   #1
Johnathanbb3
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Join Date: Jun 2026
Posts: 4
Default 19th C. Ganga-Jamuni Dual Percussion Pistol Katar (Bundi / Alwar Attribution)

I am reaching out from Colorado, USA, to share images of a highly unusual, fully functional combination weapon from my collection for your appraisal or historical review. Given your exceptional expertise in elite Rajput weaponry, I would greatly appreciate your perspective on this piece.
The object is a Dual-Pistol Katar measuring approximately 18.5 inches overall [doublepistol-katar-dagger]. It features fully functional, internal boxlock percussion mechanisms integrated via brass spelter brazing, with internal lock components stamped with a fitter assembly mark ("7") [doublepistol-katar-dagger].
Key Features & Variations:
Artistry: High-grade Ganga-Jamuni mixed-metal Koftgari overlay [doublepistol-katar-dagger]. The hilt frame and lockplates display dense silver wire filigree depicting poppy-head/lotus bud motifs, while the barrels are decorated with contrasting gold wire botanical trails [doublepistol-katar-dagger].
Iconography: The ricasso features hand-chiseled bas-relief narrative panels [doublepistol-katar-dagger]. Side A depicts a traditional courtly woman in profile within a garden, featuring a horizontal inscription banner in a localized Devanagari/Gurmukhi script [doublepistol-katar-dagger]. Side B features a companion turbaned male noble in profile [doublepistol-katar-dagger].
Based on the figurative art style and localized script, this piece appears to heavily favor the 19th-century court workshops of Bundi or Alwar [doublepistol-katar-dagger, 1.3.3]. I am hoping to learn if you have documented similar paired male/female portrait panels on the ricasso of percussion katars, and if you have any immediate insights into the script variant [doublepistol-katar-dagger].
I have attached high-resolution photographs detailing the overall profile, macro views of the inscription, the Koftgari wirework, and the internal boxlock mechanics [doublepistol-katar-dagger].
Thank you very much for your time and unrivaled expertise. I look forward to your thoughts.
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