Original Early 19th Century North African Kabylia Style Snaphaunce Lock Jezail Camel Gun c.1800 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 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.

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 appears to have an Armorer’s mark or stamp so the lock itself might have Spanish 17th Century origins. The rest of the gun was made in North Africa, probably in northern Algeria, around 1800.

The barrel is 54″ long and the gun’s overall length is a very impressive 69″. It has a very 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 stock and barrel are beautifully inlaid with silver wire in areas giving a very attractive effect.

The lock is very well made, though currently does not hold at cock. The barrel looks to be spiral forged, as indicated by the seams, and is definitely one of the better barrels we have seen on a Jezail. The stock is very attractive, though it definitely has some damage and repairs. The butt stock is coming apart somewhat, and the fore stock is missing some chunks, underneath the brass barrel fittings.

Truly attractive with understated elegance! Fully cleaned and looking its best, ready to display!!

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.

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1800
Caliber: approx .63 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 54 inches
Overall Length: 69 inches
Action: Snaphaunce Lock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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