MASSIVE**ORNATE**C1790 Indian North West Frontier Match Lock 22 Bore Musket Wrapped With Mother Of Pearl Plates & Ram Rod. A 1120 / 21897 Muzzleloader None Rifle

**MASSIVE**ORNATE**C1790 Indian North West Frontier Match Lock 22 Bore Musket Wrapped With Mother Of Pearl Plates & Ram Rod. A 1120 / 21897

The matchlock was the first mechanism, or "lock" invented to facilitate the firing of a hand-held firearm. This design removed the need to lower by hand a lit match into the weapon's flash pan and made it possible to have both hands free to keep a firm grip on the weapon at the moment of firing and more importantly, to keep both eyes on the target. These weapons were prized by Native Warriors, and heavily personalised with ornate decoration. This is a C1790 Indian matchlock musket as used against British troops on the North West Frontier. It has a 45 ¼” long barrel with flared muzzle (approx. 22 bore) and measures a massive 5’ 5 ¼” overall length. The barrel has a ‘v’ notch block rear sight. The bore has typical heavy residue and staining consistent with age & use. It has a wood stock fully wrapped with hand crafted plates of Mother Of Pearl. The barrel has white metal wire barrel bands and typical wood block butt. It has a metal bar press trigger on the underside of the stock which correctly moves the 'match holder' arm to the metal powder pan and it has its iron ram rod. The metal has even patina to be expected of a native Indian weapon of its age. The barrel is numbered ‘96’ and the underside of the stock has later hand applied ink numbers ‘1016’ most likely an armoury number. As an antique matchlock musket no licence is required to own this item in the UK if retained as part of a collection or display. NB Due to length delivery of this matchlock will be by arrangement & at cost. A 1120 / 21897

£375