Not currently on display at the V&A

Flintlock Firearm

early 19th century (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is a Kashmiri version of a short barreled blunderbuss often referred to as a 'dragon' from its smoky discharge on firing. It is an early form of shotgun and such weapons were popular for self defence in Europe, often from horseback. The long belt clip on the side of this piece indicates that it was specifically designed for use when riding.
'Sher bacha' or 'young tiger' is a popular term often associated with Ottoman and Asian firearms inspired by European types.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Crucible forged steel
Brief description
Flintlock pistol with a short damascus steel barrel with a bell muzzle, presented by H H Maharaja Gulab Singh, Kashmir, 19th century.
Physical description
Flintlock pistol with a damascus steel barrel with a bell muzzle (musketoon) decorated with chiselled and gilt floriations at the mouth and the breech mounted on a red coloured wooden stock. It is equipped with a steel belt clip.
Credit line
Transferred from the India Museum in 1879
Production
Transferred from the India Museum to South Kensington Museum in 1879
Summary
This is a Kashmiri version of a short barreled blunderbuss often referred to as a 'dragon' from its smoky discharge on firing. It is an early form of shotgun and such weapons were popular for self defence in Europe, often from horseback. The long belt clip on the side of this piece indicates that it was specifically designed for use when riding.
'Sher bacha' or 'young tiger' is a popular term often associated with Ottoman and Asian firearms inspired by European types.
Bibliographic references
  • Egerton, Wilbraham, An illustrated handbook of Indian arms; being a classified and descriptive catalogue of the arms exhibited at the India museum: with an introductory sketch of the military history of India, London, 1880 p.144
  • Lord Egerton of Tatton, Indian and Oriental Armour, London, 1896, p. 144, Cat. No. 761
Other numbers
  • 761 - Egerton Catalogue Number
  • 8561-'55 - India Museum Slip Book
Collection
Accession number
2603(IS)

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Record createdSeptember 25, 2003
Record URL
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