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Home Home » Asia » Axe-pistol (1930.73.5)
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Axe-pistol (1930.73.5)
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Axe-pistol (1930.73.5) 

The ambitious King Ahmad Shah (1747–1772) consolidated various territories to establish the Durrani Empire (modern Afghanistan and Pakistan). In his bid to subdue India in 1757, his soldiers may have used weapons like this: a combined axe and rudimentary matchlock pistol, all made of steel. The pan and its sliding cover are visible and it was probably lit with a hand-match. The chain may have held this match or a pricker with which to clean the touch-hole.