Torador or Bandook (Matchlock Musket)
Full Description:
An unusual and fine matchlock musket with sighted barrel, deeply chiselled in low relief over its entire surface with flowers and foliage, finished with chased decoration detailing the plants. The breech and muzzle are similarly chiselled and enriched with gold koftgari, the breech end incorporating an inscription, perhaps in Telegu or Kannada. A slender, wooden full stock with a beautiful grain structure and a leather-like finish, embossed along the edges with a simple floral pattern.
A large iron panel on each side of the action is chiselled en-suite with the barrel and flanked with peacock heads. It has a pair of gilt brass belt-swivels and iron ramrod.