Helgot

Overall length
170 cm

Materials
steel, iron, hardwood, ivory

Origin
Rajasthan

Dating
late 18th to early 19th century

Provenance
Belgian antique market

A matchlock toradar fitted with a slender twisted barrel ending in a fluted swollen muzzle. The barrel attached to the stock with both wire and rattan capucines. Bilateral steel side plates with lobbed edges. The pricker holder with chevrons. The serpentine misses a jaw. The stock behind the breech is black and inlaid with ivory flowers and foliage bands. (with losses) The butt with a heart shape enclosing two flowers. Two mirrored elegant geese. The butt cap missing some ivory pieces. A tassel with Hindi writing and label. Condition is average. Pieces of ivory missing. The hardwood stock with dents and a few cracks. The barrel needs retightening because it feels a bit wobbly. Evidence of period tampering. A days work in skilful hands can return this piece to its former glory. See pictures. A similar looking piece formerly in the Jaipur arsenal. See Elgood.

- a similar Rajput example in the ballroom of the Sandringham House, Royal Collection Trust, RCIN 37986

- Lord Egerton of Tatton, Indian and Oriental Armour, p. 111 (Pl.IV.,N°, 422), '... Presented by the Rajah of Jaipur'.

- Worcester Art Museum, The John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection, 2014.693

- Robert Elgood, Firearms of the Islamic World, p. 154-155, fig. 103