Jezail Pistol ???

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Guys,
For sale locally described as a Jezail Pistol, is this on balance liable to be a tourist piece or not, there are other pieces in the photo for comparison of scale. Am going to see it tomorrow but just want some opinions on the possibilities. Ward if you're about?
Regards,
Norman.
P.S. Am not looking for opinions on value.

[LPCA]

Hi, Norman.
Never seen such a short jezaïl...the stock seems to be in proportion with the size of the barrel. The flintlock would talk more. It seems to be a rifle lock. A pity we cannot see it. They often are war spoils from HEIC or EEIC or VEIC with appropriate markings (heart or lion).... or a reproduction.
So, have a good glance at this lock.
Louis-Pierre

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Louis-Pierre,
Thanks for your reply, my first instinct from the photograph was 'repro wallhanger' but my knowledge does not extend very far in this area so I just wasn't sure. :o This particular saleroom is generally pretty good at identifying and saying if something is repro or not but they don't always get it right. I will, as you suggest, take a good look at the lock that should reveal if it is 'right' or not. Maybe it's the Jezail equivalent of a 'sawn off shotgun' !!!!
My Regards,
Norman.

[TVV]

Maybe it's the Jezail equivalent of a 'sawn off shotgun'

That was my impression from the photo as well - a shortened rifle.
Regards,
Teodor

[ward]

There are smaller pieces made for children, but I can not commit without seeing a few more detailed pics. mainly from the lock side and the barrel end. It is a late piece either way 1880-1990. I know this is a huge range but I need some more detailed shots to give a better opinion

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Teodor after a longer look that was the impression I got. Ward I will take some photos tomorrow when I see the gun, hopefully they'll give a better idea of what it is. Is there any evidence of these types of weapon being modified for concealment or is this just fanciful.
My Regards,
Norman.

[kahnjar1]

My two pennies worth says it would not have been made for concealment, as the decoration is too nice. The Arabs generally like to show off their decorated weapons.
Regards Stuart

[LPCA]

Bonjour,
Never really easy to judge a Jezaïl. The fancy way they use to adorn the stock let us think (after a cleaning) that we face a tourist model.... In fact, they are great craftmen, the John Galliano of firearms and they are genious to produce a musket with a patchwork of components. Most of the time, only the stock is really afghan. Barrels and stocks used to be imported from Persia, but remember they collect a vasr spoils of war after the 3 Anglo-afghan wars. For the moment, only the Jezaïl of Sind appears to me as a locally fully-made musquet.

Have a glance to a part of a study to come on my website in french (I am sorry, no one perfect).

http://blade.japet.com/12-asie.htm
http://blade.japet.com/B-afghan.htm
http://blade.japet.com/B-afghan1.htm
http://blade.japet.com/B-sind.htm

Don't hesitate to ask me details if you need it.
May i ask you your opinion on:

- the pattern of the barrel of Aghan1 - i guess an old one - maybe indian or persan???
- Ward, will you please see the arabic ou persian inscription on the Barrel of Afghan.

Thanks and see You.
Louis-Pierre

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
'Jezail Pistol' complete rubbish I'm afraid. Many thanks to all who took the time to post their thoughts.
Regards,
Norman.

P.S. Louis-Pierre, nice muskets, are they yours?

[LPCA]

Norman, happy to have with other friends contributed to inform you before you have it in hands...
Yes, they are mine.
Louis-Pierre