SIGNED NUR MUHAMMAD, DATED AH 1324/1906-07 AD

Details

A RIFLE GIFTED BY HABIBULLAH KHAN AMIR OF AFGHANISTAN
SIGNED NUR MUHAMMAD, DATED AH 1324/1906-07 AD
With long watered-steel barrel with six silver clamps with floral openwork, wooden stock with ivory fitting, steel ramrod, butt with mother of pearl inlaid band of interlocking quatrefoils set between bands of inlaid brass, end of butt with alternating stripes of dark stained wood and ivory inlay, with gold scrolling floral decoration on base and mouth of barrel, engraved floral decoration and gold overlay decoration on lock and on trigger guard, attached leather shoulder strap, gold overlay maker's inscription with date and dedication on either side of the base of the barrel
59 1/8in. (150.2cm.) long

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

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Lot Essay

The inscription on the barrel of this gun reads, az huzur-e 'alahazrat siraj al-milla wa al-din amir-e afghanistan jehat-e nur muhammad khan valad-e malik shahdad khan-e nijrabi saken-e darre-ye nijrab bakhshesh shod dar sana 1324 hijri, 'It was presented as a gift from His Excellency Siraj al-Milla wa'l-Din, Amir of Afghanistan, to Nur Muhammad Khan, son of Malik Shahdad Khan Nijrabi, resident of the valley of Nijrab in the year 1324 hijri'.

Siraj al-Milla wa'l-Din was one of the titles used by Habibullah Khan, Amir of Afghanistan

Habibullah Khan was the 15th Amir of Afghanistan (r. 1901-1919). Viewed largely as a reformer, he did not rule without opposition. Gifts and favours were made in order to maintain tribal allegiances. This finely crafted rifle was probably given to Nur Muhammad, a local leader in the Nejrabi district, in a bid to secure his support for the reigning Amir. It is ironic that Habibullah Khan was himself assassinated while out hunting.

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