*Indian, Late 19th Century, Four-Barrel Percussion Pepperbox Pistol with Inlaid Decorated Grip, Obsolete Calibre*
A distinctive Indian or North-West Frontier four-barrel percussion pistol dating to the late nineteenth century, featuring a clustered four-barrel arrangement, rotating striker mechanism, and an elaborately decorated inlaid grip. Multi-barrel percussion pistols of this type were produced across the Indo-Persian frontier during the nineteenth century and were popular as travelling or personal defence arms, providing multiple shots before reloading.
The pistol is built around a cluster of four smoothbore barrels arranged in a square configuration. These barrels are forge-joined and brazed together in typical frontier fashion and terminate in rounded muzzles. A small raised front sight is fitted between the upper barrels. At the breech the pistol is fitted with four percussion nipples mounted in a square block, allowing the pistol to be loaded and fired sequentially.
Ignition is provided by a single hammer acting on a rotating indexing plate. This knurled circular plate features four indexing positions corresponding to the four barrels. By rotating the plate the hammer can be aligned with each nipple in turn, allowing the pistol to fire four shots before requiring reloading. This system represents a practical multi-shot design used in a variety of indigenous pistols from the Indian subcontinent.
The frame is of simple forged steel construction secured with screws and fitted with a curved trigger within a round guard. Metal surfaces show an attractive aged grey patina with scattered areas of oxidation consistent with age and use.
Particularly attractive is the pistol’s carved hardwood grip. The grip is decorated with cross-hatched geometric carving and numerous small white metal or bone dot inlays, together with a central diamond-shaped inset panel. The grip also features decorative brass or gold-coloured wire inlaid scrollwork panels along the spine and sides. The base of the grip is fitted with a fluted metal pommel cap terminating in a lanyard ring, another characteristic feature seen on Indo-Persian and North-West Frontier pistols.
Approx. Measurements – Barrel length: 9 cm. Overall length: 22 cm.
History Note:
During the nineteenth century the armourers of northern India, Afghanistan, and the North-West Frontier produced a wide variety of locally made firearms drawing inspiration from European percussion weapons while incorporating traditional regional decorative styles. Multi-barrel percussion pistols such as this example provided a practical solution to the slow reloading time of muzzle-loading firearms, offering several shots in rapid succession.
These pistols were commonly carried by travellers, merchants, and mounted fighters throughout the frontier regions. Their distinctive combination of multiple barrels, rotating firing mechanisms, and decorative grips makes them a recognisable and collectible category of Indo-Persian arms.
*Condition*
The pistol remains in good antique condition. The metalwork displays an even aged patina with areas of surface oxidation and wear consistent with age. The barrel cluster remains solid with visible forge seams typical of period manufacture. The hammer, trigger, and rotating indexing plate remain present. The carved wooden grip is structurally sound and retains its decorative inlays and wirework. Some light wear and small losses to the surface finish are present from handling and age. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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