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Lot 305:Rajput Gunesh Brunswick Style Rifle

August 25th, 2023|Rock Island, IL
Estimated Price$5,000 - $8,500
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Rare, Cased and Finely Engraved Rajput Gunesh Brunswick Style Rifle with Gold Inlaid Borders and Damascus Barrel

This rare belted rifle was manufactured in Ulwur (modernly spelled Alwar) in what is now the Indian State of Rajasthan circa 1860 during the British Raj. Ulwur was once the capital of the princely state of Ulwur ruled by Rajputs until it joined India in 1949. Belted balls were first designed in the 1830s, and the belted British Brunswick upon which this rifle is based proved to be more accurate at long ranges than the Baker Rifle it replaced. The top of the Damascus barrel at the breech reads "GUNESH. GUNMAKER ULWUR- " and the lock plate is marked "GUNESH". The lock plate, hammer, and upper tang have scroll engraving with gold filled borders. A dog with a small animal in its mouth is on the lock plate just ahead of the hammer which has an animal design with gold filled eyes. The trigger guard is engraved with a bird scene, and another engraved bird is visible ahead of the screw on the upper tang. The buttplate features complementary engraving. The barrel has a gold filled stripe at the breech as well as a rectangular pearl insert and is fitted with a blade front sight and a folding rear sight with two leaves. It has a straight wrist half-stock with horn forend cap, initial plate, and multi-point checkering at the wrist and forend. Includes a wooden case with unmarked round inscription plate and fitted green fabric lined interior containing accessories including two cap tins, powder flask, cleaning tools, rods, oiler, two measures, mold, five belted balls and one expanded ball, patch cutter, and round patches.

ConditionVery fine. The barrel retains 70% of the original brown finished Damascus pattern with some light scratches, oxidation, and a brown patina. 70% of the case colors remain at the breech and on the guard around the nipple. The other components have a dark gray patina with the buttplate and trigger guard retaining 50% of the heat blue finish. 98% plus of the gold fill remains. There are various light scratches throughout particularly on the trigger guard and raised areas of the buttplate. The stock is finely revarnished with a golden tone, glossy varnish, and has crisp checkering. There are some faint scratches and small dings as well as a small chip on the right edge of the forend. Mechanically excellent with a functional half-cock safety lever. Clear markings. The relined case is very good with some light wear and some mild stains on the interior. The exterior is refinished. The patch cutter is a modern replacement; otherwise, the accessories are overall in fine condition.
Details
ManufacturerGunesh
ModelPercussion
TypeRifle
ClassAntique
Caliber / Gauge69
Barrel30 inch octagon
Finishbrown/heat blue/casehardened
Stockwalnut

Item LocationRock Island, IL
Views1120
Catalog page259