Strange matchlock pistol for ID CHINA ?

Gavin Nugent · 14th December 2012, 10:54 PM

A very beautiful and unusual firearm, I like it a lot.

At face value, although a wide net, I would suggest French Indo China as a region of origin, where exactly within I couldn't say but a guess would lead me to the Laos Tonkin border regions.

Gav

Richard G · 16th December 2012, 03:07 PM

To what does the forum think "T" over "A" refers?
Regards
Richard

Atlantia · 16th December 2012, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard G

To what does the forum think "T" over "A" refers?
Regards
Richard

We have an old saying here in England about 'A over T'

David R · 16th December 2012, 06:40 PM

Check out South America, Amazonian area. They were using matchlocks there as late as the 19thC. I have seen some pics and they were quite original in design.

Cerjak · 26th November 2015, 10:40 AM

At last I found the origin from this very scarce matchlock pistol .
It will be nice if a member couls post one scan from “Islamic Weapons - Maghrib to Moghul" di Anthony C. Tirri", pag. 371, fig. 268” AS I don’t have this book
Best
CERJAK

dating: 18th Century
provenence: Ceylon
Round iron barrel completely engraved with wave design, breech brass plate with monogramm "AT" and floral engravings, 13 mm cal.; interesting leftside iron lock with brass pan and automatic pan cover mechanism; wooden full stock with engraved brass mounts and wooden ramrod.Illustrated in "Islamic Weapons - Maghrib to Moghul" di Anthony C. Tirri", pag. 371, fig. 268.
Most probably Portuguese craftmanship. The Only one known to exist.

rickystl · 26th November 2015, 04:01 PM

Hi Cerjak.
I have a copy of Tirri's book but never really noticed this pistol. So I just read about it. Has to be the most unusual matchlock mechanisms I've ever seen.
It's mentioned that most of the locks were mounted on the Left side of the gun. I wonder why? Usually, this was reserved for a left hand shooter that would make a custom order. Super unusual build and design. Thanks for posting this Thread. I need to look through this book more carefully. LOL
Rick.

Cerjak · 26th November 2015, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Cerjak.
I have a copy of Tirri's book but never really noticed this pistol. So I just read about it. Has to be the most unusual matchlock mechanisms I've ever seen.
It's mentioned that most of the locks were mounted on the Left side of the gun. I wonder why? Usually, this was reserved for a left hand shooter that would make a custom order. Super unusual build and design. Thanks for posting this Thread. I need to look through this book more carefully. LOL
Rick.

Hi Rick

Thank you for your comment I hope you could post one copy from this mentionned page.

Best

Cerjak

26th November 2015, 10:40 AM	#5
Cerjak Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: FRANCE Posts: 1,065	very scarce matchlock pistol At last I found the origin from this very scarce matchlock pistol . It will be nice if a member couls post one scan from “Islamic Weapons - Maghrib to Moghul" di Anthony C. Tirri", pag. 371, fig. 268” AS I don’t have this book Best CERJAK dating: 18th Century provenence: Ceylon Round iron barrel completely engraved with wave design, breech brass plate with monogramm "AT" and floral engravings, 13 mm cal.; interesting leftside iron lock with brass pan and automatic pan cover mechanism; wooden full stock with engraved brass mounts and wooden ramrod.Illustrated in "Islamic Weapons - Maghrib to Moghul" di Anthony C. Tirri", pag. 371, fig. 268. Most probably Portuguese craftmanship. The Only one known to exist. Attached Images

14th December 2012, 10:54 PM	#1
Gavin Nugent Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,818	A very beautiful and unusual firearm, I like it a lot. At face value, although a wide net, I would suggest French Indo China as a region of origin, where exactly within I couldn't say but a guess would lead me to the Laos Tonkin border regions. Gav

16th December 2012, 03:07 PM	#2
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 409	To what does the forum think "T" over "A" refers? Regards Richard

16th December 2012, 06:40 PM	#4
David R Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 1,119	Check out South America, Amazonian area. They were using matchlocks there as late as the 19thC. I have seen some pics and they were quite original in design.

26th November 2015, 04:01 PM	#6
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Hi Cerjak. I have a copy of Tirri's book but never really noticed this pistol. So I just read about it. Has to be the most unusual matchlock mechanisms I've ever seen. It's mentioned that most of the locks were mounted on the Left side of the gun. I wonder why? Usually, this was reserved for a left hand shooter that would make a custom order. Super unusual build and design. Thanks for posting this Thread. I need to look through this book more carefully. LOL Rick.