Item Description
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 originates from the Kabylia area of Northern Algeria, home of the Kabyle people. It is part of the Tell Atlas mountain range and is located at the edge of the Mediterranean Sea. It features a very attractive snaphaunce style lock and brass fittings.
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.
They continued to make the latest style of firearms then dominant in Spain which was the SNAPHAUNCE system, a forerunner of the traditional FLINTLOCK soon to be introduced in France. These North African made long guns intended for use from the saddle of a Camel were smooth bored but surprisingly accurate and production of the same ignition system continued for over 200 years and more even through the late Victorian era.
This gun has a true quality lock mechanism, which might have Spanish 17th Century origins, as it is very well crafted. The rest of the gun was made in North Africa, probably in northern Algeria, around 1800. The barrel is 38 1/4" long and the gun's overall length is a very manageable 52 7/8", definitely a bit shorter than we often see. It has a tall butt which was designed to be supported on the chest of the Camel rider to absorb the recoil. This example is of true quality without being garish. The top of the barrel and lock are fully engraved, making this a real showpiece.
It does however feature many brass components, which is unfortunately not the best material for longevity when it comes to locks. As we often see, there is no provision for a trigger guard on the stock, and the trigger itself is just a small tab. It is also currently not connected to the lock as far as we can tell, and as such we have not attempted to cock it. The stock is in very good shape, with some lovely brass fittings, and there is a nice ramrod stored under the barrel.
Truly attractive with understated elegance! Ready to research and display!!
Specifications:
Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: approx .68 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 38 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 52 7/8 inches
Action: Snaphaunce Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded
History of the Snaphaunce Lock:
A snaphance or snaphaunce is a type of lock for firing a gun or is a gun using that mechanism. The name is Dutch in origin but the mechanism can not be attributed to the Netherlands with certainty. It is the mechanical progression of the wheellock firing mechanism, and along with the miquelet lock and doglock are predecessors of the flintlock mechanism. It fires from a flint struck against a striker plate above a steel pan to ignite the priming powder which fires the gun. Examples of this firearm can be found through Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
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.
- This product is available for international shipping.
IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.
These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.
Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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