Unusual Indian Gun- knife

[Kumarnishith]

Hi all,

Today, while surfing on net I came across a unique combo of gun and knife. Requesting learned members to shed light on its history, authenticity etc..

http://www.nannu.info/forum/showthread.php?t=42422

-Nishith

[Hammerhead]

I wonder if that thing is real.

Never seen double guns and how possibly you are going to shoot black powder from upside down position - Haji

[Moin.]

I wonder if that thing is real.

Never seen double guns and how possibly you are going to shoot black powder from upside down position - Haji

Hi Haji; Given the value, it probably is. I saw a similar Khanda with flintlocks in the hilt in one of the museums...

Best
Moin.

[ckkalyan]

Ah! Very unique find Kumarnishith - wonderful workmanship on the piece; thanks for sharing!

I am wondering though, how the two barrels would be fired? One at a time or both together, while thrusting the blade of the Katar home? Triggers built into the 'thrust' handles of the weapon? Or, maybe even used as just a firearm from a short distance? Intriguing!

[Safarigent]

The triggers are seen along the inner handles.
Its a damn good weapon if you ask me!

[ckkalyan]

The triggers are seen along the inner handles.
Its a damn good weapon if you ask me!

I see what you mean now from a closer look at the imge Safarigent - the top barrel is fired by perhaps the fore finger and the lower barrel is fired by the little finger; can't make out out much of the dimensions of the grip though from the image - but nevertheless, as I said earlier, an intriguing weapon - totally fascinating! Thanks again Kumarnishith for sharing!

[pistolero]

This is a Flint Lock Katar, and from the looks of it, most probably meant to be worn in the Darbar than in battle

There are quiet a few examples of such Katars, the blade is usually a high quality Faulad, with the point being "bulged" to ensure penetration through chain mail. Off late there are not too many to be seen, so if you have one hold on to it

At close quarters in IMHO it would a decisive weapon!

A long time ago I had the good fortune to see 2 similar Katars, one was made entirely in Faulad, without Ornamentation, just a practical weapon for battle, the other was a similar piece, with amazing work and beautifully engraved blade.

These katars are definitely "Neighbours Envy, Owners Pride"

Regards,
Adi

[Kumarnishith]

Thanks guys for showing so much interest in the above find. I did a quick google search and guess what the Gun-Katar combo is not a one off piece there are so many interesting combos from all over the world...Even before the success of James Bond movies I guess the people were fond of amazing military gadgets.. However, I am not sure about their effectivness in a close combat scenario..

There is a mention of katar-Pistol combo in wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katara_(dagger))
In another modern katar design, single-shot pistols are built into either side of the weapon. In the 18th century, some traditional katar were refurbished with this innovation. The pistols are meant to deal the killing blow after the katar has been thrust into the enemy. Like most combination weapons, the effectiveness of the pistol-katar is doubtful


Here are few more interesting finds from an auction site:

Belgian revolver-Sword combo
http://collectorebooks.com/gregg01/Lot-143.htm

Minature Knife-Pistol combo
http://collectorebooks.com/gregg01/Lot-143.htm

U.S. made Pocket Knife-Pistol combo
http://collectorebooks.com/gregg01/Lot-37.htm

Indo-Persian Katar With Mounted Flintlock Pistol
http://collectorebooks.com/gregg01/Lot-102.htm

Spanish Miquelet Sword Pistol
http://collectorebooks.com/gregg01

Key-Pistol combo
http://www.collectorebooks.com/gregg01/Lot-125.htm

And, My favorite...
Apache Knuckleduster Pocket Knife/Revolver
http://www.collectorebooks.com/gregg01/Lot-130.htm

-Nishith