Old Muzzle loader

[vivek16sep1969]

Hi All
I am uploading some pics of a very old muzzle loader double barrel
i need to know more about the weapon,,,

Kindly give some inputs,,,,,

Regards

[vivek16sep1969]

few more pics

[Vikram]

Very nice, Vivek. Could you please share some details of the gun? Thank you.

[vivek16sep1969]

Very nice, Vivek. Could you please share some details of the gun? Thank you.

This gun , is our "Khandani Bandook", It was lying in an old trunk at my native place,,,and I believe no one ever bothered to take it out of the trunk,,,,
It was used during the time of mutiny of 1857,as I have been told, by my grand father,and was also told that it belonged to his grandfather..
The gun is not in a good condition,but I have been trying to restore it ,somehow,,,,
The butt ,and the firing mechanism are in working order,but the wooden part ,where the barrel rests,is not in good shape,,
One of its hammer is missing,,,the make is not known,,,It could be Indian
Can I get some inputs from fellow IFG

Reagrds

[inplainsight]

Looks good. Given its history, you should spend some time, money and effort to have it restored to its original glory.

[TC]

Hi Vivek,

I am really touched by your bonding with this gun and your family heritage... thanks for posting the pics.
I am no expert on Muzzle loaders but I have a very strong feeling the gun was not made in India. ML experts will be the best judge.

Cheers
TC

[Safarigent]

I dont think your grandpa could have been around in 1857. Maybe yor grandpas grandpa.
The wood stock can be made by a competent gunsmith. I can give you a name or two should be so inclined.
Regarding the rest of the stuff, i am no expert, but think you should first figure out the right steel to use, and then use the services of a cnc machine and get the piece made.
Regards

[Mark]

First things first- with all ancient muzzle loaders like this, one should verify they are unloaded. Put a rod down the bores of both barrels and make sure it goes to the bottom.

Next thing would be to inspect it very thoroughly to see if you can find any markings on it, especially the maker.

Now, what to do next? If that had been in my family for 100+ years, and in that condition I think I would just have it "freshened" up a bit and put in a glass case on the wall. I strongly suspect that it will be unsafe to shoot, and the only way to confirm that is to have a qualified gunsmith inspect the barrels, which look to be damascus barrels BTW. I suppose should the barrels be found to be sound you could have a new stock made and the metal parts repaired but it will never have its former glory, and you would be losing its unique family history that way. However, with a light cleaning and the missing hammer and various screws replaced it will be a respectable family heirloom for another 100+ years.

[Mark]

In regards to the missing hammer, here are some blanks to give you an idea:

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_in ... ts_id=6506

http://www.dixiegunworks.com/default.ph ... 88_217_219

However, it might be possible to find an original first, so let us know of any markings you find on your gun.

[vivek16sep1969]

Thanks Mark
The gun ,as shown above, has no markings as such , on the barrel,but below the barrel one can see 1769 embossed ,,,and a CROWN is visible

i am posting few more pics,,If you are unable to see the markings,,,,kindly download and enlarge,,,,

Hope to get some inputs soon from fellow IFG
Regards