Afghan Jezail I just picked up in Afghanistan

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by kahnjar1

Hi Matt and welcome to the Forum. This, (from what can be seen) is a typical piece from the general area---Khyber Pass/Afghanistan. The lock looks to be definately genuine and is from a British India Pattern musket. It bears the correct date and the British East India Company heart shaped cypher. Also also has the name of the (private) maker. If you can tell me what that name is (not clear in pic) I can probably give you some dates as to when he was in business. The barrel LOOKS old, though it may not NECESSARILY be the one which went with the lock originally. (Barrel length?) Any markings of any sort that you can see? Also replacement bits like bands are quite common on this type of firearm,but also COULD have been added recently to make things "look more attractive" for the buyer. More pics would be great including a full length.
Keep safe.
Regards Stuart

Hi again Matt,
Had a couple of minutes so had a look at makers. Most likely I think is W.HENSHAW 1780-1820 Made Flintlock weapons under contract to the British East India Company. Shop in The Strand London
If the name is not HENSHAW, I will have another look. As previously stated, locks and other parts from British (and other) military weapons were commonly used by "the natives" to make up their own guns (if of course they could not steal them from the colonial powers!
Regards Stuart

[mattf33]

The lock is labeled Henshaw and is dated 1799. I believe the stock probably is new. I slid the barrel bands down and lifted the barrel and looked at the side of the barrel and the demascas is much more defined where it was protected. I am trying to post more pics but I have to figure out how to reduce the res on the photos so they can be posted. I dont have the barrel length as I am still in afghanistan and sent the rifle home before it got damaged or they change thier mind about letting us send antique weapons home. I appreciate all the info.