A Group of three Mughal rifles, India, 19th century

the long and slender barrel with vegetal motifs in gold overlay at the muzzle and breech clasped to the forestock by four silver bands, the dual flint and matchlock-mechanised steel lock-plate carved with floral motifs, with openwork trigger and silver butt-plate; the barrel of octagonal form with four barrel bands and lock-plate with incised scrolls, dual flintlock and caplock mechanism, elongated trigger-guard with hatched and foliate motifs; the steel barrel decorated with gold-overlaid vegetal design to the flared muzzle, middle and breech, attached to the forestock with applied silver and wire mounts, a further floral repoussé silver mount to the breech with matchlock mechanism and matching butt-plate

The first with some rubbing to the gold overlay at the breech; the second with some losses to the wood halfway down the forestock; the third with small losses to the understock, the applied breech mounts slightly loose with some studs missing, other wise all in generally good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

inscription
to the latter rifle's breech:
'Datia state'