Original Indian - Afghan Frontier Flintlock Jezail Musket with British EIC Brown Bess Rampant Lion Lock Dated 1814

Original Item: Only One Available. The Jezail (sometimes Jezzail from the Arabic / Pashto جزایل, for "long [barrels]") is a simple, cost-efficient and typically handmade muzzle-loading long arm commonly used in the Middle East region in the past. These were all highly personalized, so no two were alike. They were often made with locally available locks, so it was common to see locks on these that were of varied origin.

Offered here is a most attractive and relatively unusual Flintlock Jezail Musket. Often used by the Mountain Bandits of the Balkans, these Miquelet Jezail Muskets were used all over the Greek peninsula and across the Middle East. This particular example is from the North-West Frontier region of the British Indian Empire, bordering the Afghan regions. This area, present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is s mountainous region was on the border between the Indian regions and what today is Afghanistan, and home to the famous Khyber pass through the mountains. There were many skilled artisans in this area, who later in the 19th century would produce many replicated British weapons, based on examples captured from British forces.

This jezail actually features a genuine British East India Company flint lock from Brown Bess, which is rare in its own right. It features the EIC "Rampant Lion" in the center of the lock, and close examination shows that it is definitely a British made example. It is also dated 1814 on the lock plate tail, and has a CROWN / 2 proof mark under the flash pan. The lock does have the frizzen support bridle, and has a "Ring Neck" cock, which were done away with shortly before the lock was made.

Like many jezails of the area, many of the fittings are made from decorative sheet brass. While it is not really "clad" in the material, it does feature 6 barrel bands, as well as a large band around the grip, and some further ornamentation behind the barrel tang. There is another decorative ring close to the butt stock, which also has some camel bone inlays, as well as what look to be layers of wood or horn. The butt is also highly curved as per the pattern, and features a thick horn butt pad on the end. There are two hand made sling swivels, one made from brass on the fore stock and one from iron on the trigger guard. Attached to this is an original sling, which is quite aged and stiff.

The Jezail measures 48" in overall length, and the barrel alone is 34" long. It still has a ramrod, which can be removed but is most likely just for decoration. There are not any markings on the gun aside from those on the lock. There are some patterns on the barrel near the breech and the muzzle, which could be worn embossed designs. In all a very romantic long gun that were said be be very accurate despite being smooth bore. The lock is still functional, holding correctly at half cock and firing at full. This item is for DISPLAY ONLY and should not be fired.

Truly impressive and a great Display piece, probably 180+ years old, with a lock that is even older. Fully cleaned and ready to hang on the wall!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1820-1830
Caliber: approx .56 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 34 inches
Overall Length: 48 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.