Middle Eastern Flintlock? - The Firearms Forum

jbradshaw3 · 07-24-2010, 08:44 AM

I am trying to help my parents ID a wallhanger that was given to my dad over 20 years ago. It seems to be all handmade and complete. It appears to be of middle eastern origin. It is very ornate with brass banding. I cannot find a marking anywhere on this rifle. I know this isn't much info, but that's all I know. Any help would be appreciated.

Alpo · 07-24-2010, 10:17 AM

Appears to be a jezail.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezail

jbradshaw3 · 07-24-2010, 01:44 PM

Thanks. Looking at your link, it does match the characteristics of the jezail. The only thing that doesn't match up to the description is the butt stock. It is a shoulder fired stock, whereas the jezail is said to be curved and fired from under the arm. Maybe just a modification? Wish I could find some sort of marking. Description said they were often made from parts of British Brown Bess.

Jim K · 07-24-2010, 02:46 PM

Those guns were made from anything available, but FWIW, I think that one was intended as a firearm, not one of the tourist souvenir dummy guns sold in North Africa and the Middle East. The shape of the stock depended on the area of origin; I think that is from the Morocco area, but will defer to anyone more expert than I. It is (IMHO) not of high dollar value, but its value as a gift cannot be measured in money.

(An interesting commentary: http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_arith.htm . Of course, Americans are also on "the frontier" and AK-47's and IEDs have replaced the jezail and tulwar, but the whole thing sounds all too familiar.)

Jim

jbradshaw3 · 07-24-2010, 03:32 PM

Thanks for the info. Yeah, I didn't figure it was worth a whole lot. Like I said, it is my dad's, and he was just wondering about it's history.

07-24-2010, 08:44 AM	#1
jbradshaw3 Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 4	Middle Eastern Flintlock? I am trying to help my parents ID a wallhanger that was given to my dad over 20 years ago. It seems to be all handmade and complete. It appears to be of middle eastern origin. It is very ornate with brass banding. I cannot find a marking anywhere on this rifle. I know this isn't much info, but that's all I know. Any help would be appreciated. Attached Images -->

07-24-2010, 10:17 AM	#2
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,658	Re: Middle Eastern Flintlock? Appears to be a jezail. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jezail __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-24-2010, 01:44 PM	#3
jbradshaw3 Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 4	Re: Middle Eastern Flintlock? Thanks. Looking at your link, it does match the characteristics of the jezail. The only thing that doesn't match up to the description is the butt stock. It is a shoulder fired stock, whereas the jezail is said to be curved and fired from under the arm. Maybe just a modification? Wish I could find some sort of marking. Description said they were often made from parts of British Brown Bess.

07-24-2010, 02:46 PM	#4
Jim K Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 6,408	Re: Middle Eastern Flintlock? Those guns were made from anything available, but FWIW, I think that one was intended as a firearm, not one of the tourist souvenir dummy guns sold in North Africa and the Middle East. The shape of the stock depended on the area of origin; I think that is from the Morocco area, but will defer to anyone more expert than I. It is (IMHO) not of high dollar value, but its value as a gift cannot be measured in money. (An interesting commentary: http://www.kipling.org.uk/poems_arith.htm . Of course, Americans are also on "the frontier" and AK-47's and IEDs have replaced the jezail and tulwar, but the whole thing sounds all too familiar.) Jim Last edited by Jim K; 07-24-2010 at 02:55 PM..

07-24-2010, 03:32 PM	#5
jbradshaw3 Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Fort Worth Posts: 4	Re: Middle Eastern Flintlock? Thanks for the info. Yeah, I didn't figure it was worth a whole lot. Like I said, it is my dad's, and he was just wondering about it's history.