Original Early 19th Century North African Flintlock Jezail with Carved and Ornamented Stock Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. The Jezail (sometimes Jezzail from the Arabic) 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. It features a somewhat primitive but attractive snaphaunce style lock.

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 Arab 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 example is definitely NOT suitable for shooting anymore, only for display. Probably around 200 years old, this flintlock action Jezail musket was exactly what the North African Arabs used while riding a Camel. 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 utilitarian example has an octagonal barrel 46 inches in length, with a large bore around .67″, drilled a bit off center as these often were. It measures an impressive 58 1/2 inches in overall length. The jezail looks to have seen long service, showing various repairs around the lock area, executed with sheet brass as well as some nails. This both helped to decorate as well as to stabilize the cracked wood, very common on these extremely thin stocks.

The fore stock shows much of the original wood, with some soldered on sheet iron barrel bands, while the rear shows less due to the brass covering. Still, most of the wood is visible, showing carved designs, and there are numerous brass tacks laid out in a decorative pattern. This would also serve to make the checkered wrist area easier to grip. We can see that it probably originally had two sling swivels, now removed, and the butt stock fitting for the swivel probably had mother of pearl inlays on both sides, while only half of the right side remains. The butt stock has a substantial camel bone butt pad, the usual material we see on these North African jezails.

The lock almost looks to be European in manufacture, and very well may have been originally, later decorated in North Africa. It is still functional, though it does not hold securely at half cock. It looks to originally have had a European style brass trigger guard, which later broke off and was partly replaced on the rear with sheet brass, however now the trigger is completely unguarded.

A very nice of the typical Arab Flintlock Jezail from North Africa. Ready to research and display!

Specifications:

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: approx .67 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 46 inches
Overall Length: 58 1/2 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.