Middle Eastern/Indian Jezail Jezzail .65 Cal Flintlock Musket, Antique
Sold For: $4,025
LSB#: 200804MB32
Make: Unknown
Model: Jezail
Serial Number: None
Year of Manufacture: Unknown, ATF Antique
Caliber: Approximately .65 Caliber
Action Type: Single Shot, Muzzle Loaded Flintlock Musket
Markings: The stock and barrel bands have decorative molding and inlays. There are two brass decorations mounted on the top-rear of the barrel.
Barrel Length: 44″
Sights / Optics: The rear barrel band has a groove on the top which could be used as a sighting plane.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock appears to be a one-piece brass full-stock with nosecap, five barrel bands, down-swept comb, crescent butt and sling swivels on the left in front of the second barrel band and opposite the lock. The stock has some scattered light wear and verdigris, showing slight discoloration throughout. The front barrel band appears to have been repaired on the bottom. The decorative molding and inlays show good detail. The LOP measures 11 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the stock. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition if Antique.
Type of Finish: Likely originally finished Bright.
Finish Originality: We don’t see signs of refinishing.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with moderate-heavy erosion throughout.
Overall Condition: The metal surfaces have mostly gone to a light-moderate patina with surface oxidation scattered throughout. There are some nicks, scuffs and scratches. The lockplates forward mounting screw is missing. The lock appears to have been reinforced by a band of some sort of tape between the hammer and pan. The trigger guard is loose at the front. Overall, this jezail is in about Fair-Good condition if Antique.
Mechanics: The hammer does not catch the sear at any position. The forward lockplate mounting screw is missing. The lockplate has play to the stock/barrel. The front of the trigger guard appears stripped, loose to the stock. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is a ramrod stored under the barrel.
Our Assessment: The Jezail is an arm seen from the Middle East across Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent. They saw use in domestic conflicts as well as against foreign invaders, perhaps most notably against the British Empire. While Jezails tend to be hand-made and very personal items, they do fall into a general category of long-barrel, large-caliber, match or flintlock muskets. Frequently intended to be used from a Camel or using some form of rest, the stocks tend to have a short length of pull, a downward sweeping comb and a crescent or sometimes flat butt. Frequently, locks would be harvested from captured British weapons to craft the Jezail and their production likely continues to this day, with many sold as trade guns for display. We suspect that this is an older example and that it was made with a captured lock, though there are no markings or references we could use to confirm. It has an interestingly decorated one-piece brass stock with five barrel bands which are also thoroughly decorated. It will certainly make a great addition to any collection of muzzle-loaders or arms from the Middle East to India. Please see our photos and good luck!
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable: This muzzle loading rifle can be transferred/sold in California.
