Indian Matchlock with sprung flashpan cover

stenoyab · 5th February 2016, 04:17 PM

A preservation project, Indian matchlock of good quality with a very unusual sprung loaded flash pan released by a catch on the rear of the stock.

Sadly someone at some time had taken it apart, so one side plate, the trigger guard plate and another plate were missing, the trigger is a later blacksmith addition to repair a broken trigger. Stock was snapped in two and various parts of the wood work were missing. So I've just tried to put it back together so it can survive another 200 years.

When the catch on the stock is lightly touched the pan springs open.

What's also interesting is the fake flash pan on the top, perhaps to allow you to appear to have any empty pan or to have a fake flash in the pan.

The barrel is decorated with fine bands of silver and copper/gold inlay very similar to a Indian Flintlock shown in Firearms of the Islamic World by Robert Elgwood as fig.94, attributed to the maker Seetaram and Sons, from Rajasthan?.

thinreadline · 5th February 2016, 05:16 PM

most unusual , I like this feature.

Pukka Bundook · 5th February 2016, 10:50 PM

This arrangement doesn't look Indian. I Think it was designed by an English chap, (working up in Rajasthan) but have to re-check the details.

First time I have seen it though!

Can't say more at present, as I Will get the facts wrong! Be back later though.
Thanks for showing it!

It looks good and solid, you should sort is as a shooter. :-)
I believe the upper pan was to try your match. that's the only thing that comes to mind as plausible.
Very interesting set -up.

rickystl · 6th February 2016, 07:34 PM

Hi Stenoyab.

Just when I thought I've seen everything. LOL.

That is the most unusual - and interesting - feature on a Torador matchlock that I've ever seen.
As Richard says.....it does look like an invention/addition to the gun at the time of manufacture. (?).

But it is certainly cool !!! Never seen/heard of one before. Richard's guess as the reason for the fake pan is as good as I can guess for the moment.

This highly unusual feature alone would be justification for restoration IMHO.
Speaking of restoration: If possible, could you provide some photos of the complete gun as well as photos of the areas of missing parts? I might have some original parts you could use (?) such as this original trigger assembly

PM me if you prefer.
Thanks for Posting this really unique feature on a common gun.

Rick.

stenoyab · 6th February 2016, 09:14 PM

Thanks for the kind comments,

It was certainly new made like this, not modified.

The top side plate in the photo below is original, the other three plates I made to match the cutouts in the stock. Trying to tone the new steel down takes some time.

Whats also very interesting is the pattern on the barrel is etched, while very worn/pitted along the top of the barrel, the half of the barrel in the stock came out looking like its new, showing the barrel was always in the bright. They clearly etched the barrel in the round and then put the best half facing up.

The matchlock is only partially back together, I'm having lots of trouble trying to find a suitable material to replace the rawhide bindings. But will try to take a photo tomorrow.

The trigger is a hard call, I could have made one in typical style for a matchlock, but I'd really be guessing, so in the end decided to leave it as it came to me, I've not altered or repaired any of the original parts. In the end I just felt it was right to get it back together with all the original parts I have so it survives for future generations.

stenoyab · 7th February 2016, 10:27 AM

As requested heres an overall and a few other photos.

55" overall with 37" barrel.

5th February 2016, 04:17 PM	#1
stenoyab Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 43	Indian Matchlock with sprung flashpan cover A preservation project, Indian matchlock of good quality with a very unusual sprung loaded flash pan released by a catch on the rear of the stock. Sadly someone at some time had taken it apart, so one side plate, the trigger guard plate and another plate were missing, the trigger is a later blacksmith addition to repair a broken trigger. Stock was snapped in two and various parts of the wood work were missing. So I've just tried to put it back together so it can survive another 200 years. When the catch on the stock is lightly touched the pan springs open. What's also interesting is the fake flash pan on the top, perhaps to allow you to appear to have any empty pan or to have a fake flash in the pan. The barrel is decorated with fine bands of silver and copper/gold inlay very similar to a Indian Flintlock shown in Firearms of the Islamic World by Robert Elgwood as fig.94, attributed to the maker Seetaram and Sons, from Rajasthan?. Attached Images

6th February 2016, 07:34 PM	#4
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,621	Hi Stenoyab. Just when I thought I've seen everything. LOL. That is the most unusual - and interesting - feature on a Torador matchlock that I've ever seen. As Richard says.....it does look like an invention/addition to the gun at the time of manufacture. (?). But it is certainly cool !!! Never seen/heard of one before. Richard's guess as the reason for the fake pan is as good as I can guess for the moment. This highly unusual feature alone would be justification for restoration IMHO. Speaking of restoration: If possible, could you provide some photos of the complete gun as well as photos of the areas of missing parts? I might have some original parts you could use (?) such as this original trigger assembly PM me if you prefer. Thanks for Posting this really unique feature on a common gun. Rick. Attached Images

6th February 2016, 09:14 PM	#5
stenoyab Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 43	Thanks for the kind comments, It was certainly new made like this, not modified. The top side plate in the photo below is original, the other three plates I made to match the cutouts in the stock. Trying to tone the new steel down takes some time. Whats also very interesting is the pattern on the barrel is etched, while very worn/pitted along the top of the barrel, the half of the barrel in the stock came out looking like its new, showing the barrel was always in the bright. They clearly etched the barrel in the round and then put the best half facing up. The matchlock is only partially back together, I'm having lots of trouble trying to find a suitable material to replace the rawhide bindings. But will try to take a photo tomorrow. The trigger is a hard call, I could have made one in typical style for a matchlock, but I'd really be guessing, so in the end decided to leave it as it came to me, I've not altered or repaired any of the original parts. In the end I just felt it was right to get it back together with all the original parts I have so it survives for future generations. Attached Images

7th February 2016, 10:27 AM	#6
stenoyab Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 43	As requested heres an overall and a few other photos. 55" overall with 37" barrel. Attached Images

5th February 2016, 05:16 PM	#2
thinreadline Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Wirral Posts: 1,204	most unusual , I like this feature.

5th February 2016, 10:50 PM	#3
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	This arrangement doesn't look Indian. I Think it was designed by an English chap, (working up in Rajasthan) but have to re-check the details. First time I have seen it though! Can't say more at present, as I Will get the facts wrong! Be back later though. Thanks for showing it! It looks good and solid, you should sort is as a shooter. :-) I believe the upper pan was to try your match. that's the only thing that comes to mind as plausible. Very interesting set -up.