Blunderbuss, Sumatra, Aceh Or Batak People, Circa 1865-1880

Large and heavy blunderbuss rifle from the Sultanate of Aceh, in northern Sumatra. The flintlock is marked Tower and stamped GR crowned for George Rex, George III (1760-1820) or George IV of England (1820-1830). The barrel and the inside of the stock are marked in Chinese, which can be interpreted as two interlocking characters 十三 or 13, then corresponding to an assembly or production number. Other examples bear Chinese characters at this location, which supports the hypothesis of a Chinese factory, probably established locally. Finally, the stick displays a characteristic engraved decoration on one side, while the other is engraved with an undeciphered Arabic inscription, the Acehnese and Batak are then predominantly Muslim.

Very good condition, flint lock, steel rod, functional mechanism. Very interesting piece entirely original with its mentions in English, Chinese and Arabic. Comparable examples in the Metropolitan Museum in New York (36.25.2195) and in Dutch museums such as the Bronbeek Museum in Arnhem (1881-01-05 / 1883-01-01) are all smaller and do not bear an inscription in Arabic.

Steel, brass, wood.

Total length 109.5 cm
Diameter at the muzzle of the barrel 5 cm
Width at the base of the stock 12 cm
Length of the barrel 71 cm
Length of the ramrod 68.5 cm