Original Item: One of a Kind. 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. This example is all locally made, and probably originates from the North African region, anywhere from Morocco in the West to Saudi Arabia in the East. 

King Philip III of Spain signed an EDICT OF EXPULSION in 1609 to purge the nation of over half a million "Moors" who had arrived in Spain over the previous 500 years. These unfortunates were compelled to return to their ancestor's lands in North Africa. When leaving they took many "Western Skills" learned in Spain with them. Gunmaking was one such skill and a contingent of Muslim Gunsmiths set up in the City of Tetuan in what we now call Morocco.

Most of these that we see utilize primitive SNAPHAUNCE or MIQUELET locks, however sometimes we see these with BRITISH type locks, and this example was in fact built using a British-style Percussion lock! It looks to have a royal cypher on the rear of the lock plate, but we suspect that it is not actually of British Manufacture, just copied from it, possibly coming from the KHYBER PASS region of Afghanistan. Even more interesting, this example has a RIFLED barrel! We have only had a few that had rifled barrels, and those usually look to have used rifles from other guns. 

Also, while Jezails often have rather minimal very slim stocks, this example has a very sturdy stock made from highly figured wood, which looks to have a fitting close to the front for some type of swivel yoke, possibly for a bipod, or maybe for use with some type of fortress mount. Unfortunately whatever was fit there is now missing, but it definitely makes this a very interesting piece!

Remember the Movie "BEAU GESTE"? Modeled after those Spanish 17th Century examples, these were made up until almost the end of the Victorian era and most of those encountered returned with Colonial Soldiers returning from overseas assignments.

This very interesting example has a heavy cannon style barrel octagonal barrel 44 inches in length, with a rifled bore of around .43", and measures an impressive 59 3/4 inches in overall length. The jezail is in very good condition, with minimal decorations, as the highly figured stock barely needs it. The lock is functional, though it does not hold correctly at half cock. We checked the bore, and the rifling is still apparent, however it definitely has a good amount of fouling and oxidation on the interior.

A very interesting example of a North African Jezail with loads of research and display potential! Ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1850
Caliber: approx .53 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 44 inches
Overall Length: 59 3/4 inches
Action: Snaphaunce Lock
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.