19th C. Ganga-Jamuni Dual Percussion Pistol Katar (Bundi / Alwar Attribution)

[Johnathanbb3]

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.

[Johnathanbb3]

Photos of item

[Johnathanbb3]

Here are more photos

Notice the crown above the grid pattern and the number 7 on the hammer

[Johnathanbb3]

Here is the 7

Also. Is there text at the bottom of the blade? I’m scared to clean it

[Rick]

Hi Johnathan,
Welcome to the forums.
I'd like you to do a search of the forums using the term double pistol katar and read some of the posts on katars in general for further information. There is at least one pistol example shown that you will find interesting.

[Patterson25]

Hi Jonathan,

I'm afraid I have bad news. It is very crude work. Not only is the Koftgari basic, but the cutting and steel work are also crude, as is the figure engraved on the blade.

In addition, there are some awkward features on the central bar and the Zulfiqar blade. In sum, it is a mid or late 20th c work.

Your post raises some very good questions for forum members about AI. I suspect that the description you provided was written by ChatGPT. My experience is that AI cannot properly assess antiques.

Sorry for the bad news.