A FINE MATCHLOCK RIFLE MADE FOR MIR FATH ALI KHAN, SIND, PAKISTAN, late 18TH CENTURY

with octagonal sighted barrel, with traces of silver-damascened foliage over its entire length, the barrel set in a rosewood stock, the breech and muzzle both with damascened floral designs and a calligraphic cartouche, with match-holder and ramrod

Made for Mir Fath 'Ali Khan Talpur, ruler of Sind

inscriptions

On the barrel:

'amal-e hajji mir khan, sarkareh mir Fath 'Ali khan talwar'

'The work of Hajji Mir Khan, the humble servant of Mir Fath 'Ali Khan Talpur'

This is one of a group of guns made for various members of the Talpur family. It was for Mir Fath 'Ali Khan, the founding father and most pre-eminent member of the Talpur dynasty, that this particular piece was made. Mir Fath 'Ali Khan took power from the Kalhora kings of Sind in 1783, establishing himself in Hyderabad in Sind, where he was ruler until his death in 1801.

The Mirs of Sind were famed for their love of fine arms. They were perhaps the last great patrons of sword and gunmakers in the East and were also avid collectors of important historical arms (Paris 1988, p.125). The rulers of the Talpur dynasty were heavily reliant on Persian mercenary support and two of their prime ministers, Ibrahim Shah and his son Ismai'l Shah, were Persian. As a result the Talpurs were exposed to Persian craftsmanship, of which they became great admirers, and after which the current rifle takes its inspiration.

Two guns of this form, but with enamelled-gold mounts, were sold through these rooms, 8th May 1997, lots 72 & 73, and another two are in the Khalili Collection, one of which is also signed by the artist Hajj Mir Khan (Alexander 1992, p.202, nos.136 & 137).