Original Item: Only One Available. 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. The design would eventually spread into North Africa, Middle Asia, and into the Indian Subcontinent, with each area developing their own distinctive style.

Offered here is a most attractive and relatively unusual percussion lock Jezail Musket, originating from the Western Indian Subcontinent region of Sindh, also spelled Sind or Scinde. Today one of the provinces of Pakistan, during the Victorian era some leaders of Sindh were still hostile to the British Indian Empire following the First Anglo-Afghan war. At that point the British Indian Army, led by Major General Sir Charles Napier, were dispatched to put down the rebels in the area, but they ended up far exceeding their mandate, and conquered the entire region. Napier supposedly sent a one word message back to England: "Peccavi"  translating from the Latin "I Have Sinned", a pun on the name of the region, or “I have Sindh”.

Just like any good story that isn't even true, turns out this was actually thought up by a London School girl named Catherine Winkworth in 1844 during a conversation with her teacher. She submitted it to the then new publication of "PUNCH", who so loved it that they printed it as FACT, and so another untrue legend was conceived.

In "attic found" condition, this lovely jezail dates from the 1840s, and most likely was then upgraded to percussion later in the 19th century. Like most we see, it is quite ornate, and the fittings are of sheet brass, many of them embossed with lovely designs. These cover much of the stock as well, and all have a lovely oxidized patina to them. There are also some small circular nickel ornamentations as well. The lock is finely engraved, and actually is still functional, though it does not have any provision for a half cock position.

The Jezail measures 62 1/4" in overall length, and the barrel alone is 47 1/4" long. It still has a ramrod, though it is frozen in the stock, or possibly just for decoration. There are not any markings on the gun indicating a manufacturer. The barrel looks to be spiral forged, somewhat similar to Damascus steel, but definitely a somewhat cruder implementation. The lamination lines can clearly be seen on the exterior.

In all a very romantic long gun that were said be be very accurate despite being smooth bore. It has however definitely seen better days, and there are cracks throughout the stock, some of which show attempts at pas repair with either glue or sheet metal. This item is definitely for DISPLAY ONLY and should not be fired. It could possibly be restored somewhat, but we think it displays just fine as is.

Truly impressive and a great Display piece, probably 180+ years old, with a lock that was replaced sometime in the late 19th century. Ready to hang on the wall!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: Circa 1840
Caliber: approx .58 inches
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 47 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 62 1/4 inches
Action: Percussion 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.

IMA considers all of our antique guns as non-firing, inoperable and/or inert. Title 18, U.S. Code, Section 921(a)(16) defines antique firearms as all guns made prior to 1899. This law exempts antique firearms from any form of gun control or special engineering because they are not legally considered firearms. No FFL, C&R or any license is required to possess, transport, sell or trade Antique guns. All rifles and muskets sold by IMA that were manufactured prior to 1899 are considered Antiques by the US BATF (United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms). Therefore, all of IMA's Antique guns may be shipped to all US States and most nations around the world.

These antique guns are not sold in "live" condition, and are not tested for the the ability to feed or load any type of cartridge. They are sold as collector's items or as "wall hangers" not for use, and we make no guarantees regarding functionality aside from what is stated in the description. Any attempt at restoring an antique gun to be operational is strongly discouraged and is done so at the risk of the customer. By purchasing an antique gun from IMA you thereby release IMA, its employees and corporate officers from any and all liability associated with use of our Antique guns.

Pre-1899 Manufacture, no licenses required, allowed to ship to almost any deliverable address across the globe. Please note that for international shipping, these MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.