Slightly OT: The Lost Guns of Nepal

Svashtar

Svashtar

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Dec 28, 2003
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Great article in the new 2005 Gun Digest "The Lost Guns of Nepal". Very interesting from an historical point of view, going back to the 18th century, but also illuminating as to insights into the Nepalese gun builders. Seems they were able to take existing British and French designs and creatively alter them almost overnight to their own needs, but at the same time added lots if individual artistic touches. Even guns that were supposed to be identical had different dimensions and touches depending upon the man who made it.

Author also comments that there were an astonishing amount of marks, proof marks, signatures and symbols inscribed on each gun, so much so that things could get confusing trying to track their histories. :)

The more things change, the more they stay the same! Good background into the same creative and artistic mindset of the Nepalese craftsmen that we sometimes see today, (and Uncle Bill sees all the time!)

Regards,

Norm
 
Every kami at BirGorkha has made and can make a very respectable shotgun or pistol. I've often toyed with the idea of having Bura make a nice pistol and have it sent over piece by piece and reassemble it here. Sending it complete is too much red tape to make it worthwhile.

I'll bet I could sell a few to gun buffs, too. A real hand crafted gun is not something you run across everyday.
 
What kind of action on the shotguns? Also what gauges do they make? I probably have more fun shooting skeet, ducks and quale than hunting deer :). I think I might be willing to save up a bit of money to order one of those.
 
I'll take a short barrelled (18 ", both modified choke) side by side in 12 Ga. please Bill. Please have it made by Sher with inlays to match the YCS now on order. Have the village sarki provide a soft sheath like with the Kumar Karda for it.

I'm good for it! ;)
 
The current Rifleman has an article on a cache of guns being found in Nepal and for sale here. Atlanta Cutlery was a contact, though when I looked there was not yet mention I could see.

At any rate, the Nepalese made a copy of the Martini single shot that is interesting.


The idea of having a Kami make one for sale here is ludicrous unless you have another lifetime to devote to same.



munk
 
International Military Antiques is a partner with Atlanta Cutlery. Their website is http://www.ima-usa.com/index.php
It was listed wrong in the America Rifleman article. They only have a few items on the website. If you wanted one of the cannon you could probably call them up and get one. :eek:

Steve
 
Bill Martino said:
I'll have to tackle this project next life.
Click to expand...

I'll wait Bill...I'm good for another 30 years or so... :confused:
 
The idea of having a Kami make one for sale here is ludicrous unless you have another lifetime to devote to same.>>> munk






I'll have to tackle this project next life. >> Bill


I cannot believe anyone asked you. Sure- why not? Smuggle some opium while you're at it- Afganistan needs the money. (the poppy growing Kamis are out of work)
You know, on a good note, they must think you have magic in your hands to suspend the laws of man and nature like that....Good magic. You're associated with dreams; nothing better than that.

munk
 
I think my American Rifleman has something similiar to this. I don't those older rifles much, but it was pretty kewl. :cool:
 
munk -

Pay attention son - Ah keep pitchin 'em and you keep missin 'em. Any of this gettin' through to ya son? You're built too low-- the fast ones go over your head!! Ah say, That's a joke, son!!

With full voice here

;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
 
Nah, Nasty, the fast ones don't go over munk's head, they riccochet (sp?) off of it. :D :D :D

I can say that cause he's too wore out about now to come after me! ;)
 
Nasty did not expect firearms from Kamis. Nasty understands guns and gun law.

IN my dottage, it is less and less important who said what and who was right.

There was a thrust, you see, a movement in a thread for guns. And why not? Guns are good. Good guns are better- and Sher would make a great good gun, albeit a little heavy. A real skull crusher at the Alamo.

Now that we all understand how sharp we all, except for me, of course, who has been struck in the head by too many fast balls, fists, concrete and coffee mugs, we can open the throttle of the thread safely once more.


Nasty- that was a great Rooster impression..what's his name? Foghorn Leghorn?
munk
 
Yeah Nasty, now that Munk has mentioned it I heard ol' Foghorn leghorn myself. Great minds think in the same direction.
 
A *great* character...one of Mel Blancs best I think...

BTW, can you imagine what we'd get from our kamis? Ask for a 12 ga shotgun and probably get a 2 bore punt gun! Holy Toledo!!!
 
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