Pair of flintlock pistols

Indian (Sikh), probably Lahore, early 19th century

• This is one of a pair of Sikh flintlock pistols probably made in Lahore in the early 19th century.
• The matchlock musket was probably introduced into India during the Mughal invasion of the 16th century.
• It continued in use until the end of the 19th century, despite the introduction of the flintlock and later percussion firearms by Europeans in the 18th and 19th centuries.