what kind of gun is this?

Question

My boyfriend obtained a flintlock rifle while in Afganistan. It has mother of pearl inlayed all over it. It also has a lion imprinted in above the trigger. I have never seen anything like this in my life. IT is a beautiful gun but we would like to know what it is and can't find anything if you think you can help us I can send you pics of the gun. Thanks in advance.

I don't know how to post a pic. Sorry kinda computer illiterate. To David P Send me your e-mail address and I will send you the pictures.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/mammasthree/lawnmowersleding023.jpg

Answer 1

The Afghan's (Nomad's) have had hand made flintlock rifles for 100's of years..Though they are primitive in manufacture they are very ornate and each is considered a work of art. The different designs and inlays on these guns tells a story, usually about the tribe it came from and it's history. Some have been made with precious stones encrusted into the wood areas as well as fine silver & gold inlays, and Mother-of-pearl. These weapons are handed down in famalies from generation to generation as symbols of wealth and religion as well as cultural backgrounds as well as the tribal history I mentioned earlier. Some of these are quite valueable, and are collectors items popular thrroughout the world. Like the others, I could tell you more if I was to see a picture........

Answer 2

by the way I saw an example of this type of gun for sale in a gun show in Maine once and the asking price for the gun was in the UPPER thousands (6 to 9 thousand) and this in 1980 so IF your gun is legitimate, IF your gun has the right stuff applied to it, and IF your gun is not a "tourist" copy then you could expect anything from 4 to 8 Thousand -- if your gun has any of the above miscues then it could drop the price drastically (pardon me for bad spelling lol) BEST advice is to take it to a gun collector or two who specalize in Mid-Eastern weaponry // and your gun could have been made anywhere from Afganistan to India or maybe even China or Taiwan so be very careful about selling and DON'T SHOOT THIS WEAPON as this may be dangerous because of faulty workman ship or bad for the gun's price /// even if the gun has no value on the market it is a beautiful peice of work and would be a wonderful wall-hanger above the fireplace mantle or in a den so I hope this will help you decide what you want to do with it>

Answer 3

It is most likely produced by locals. These type of guns are known among gun collectors as "Khyber Pass" specials. Typically they are made in crude workshops from materials laying around. Quality ranges from very nice to absolutely poor. I have heard of people firing Kyhber Pass Martini Henry or Enfield knock offs, so it can be done, but it can be very risky. I would strongly advise only using it as a conversation piece, but a gunsmith could tell you if it could be shootable. It would take a unique gunsmith, I couldn't even imagine how the local gunsmith would react if I took something like that in. He typically does just drilling and tapping for scope mounts, some trigger work, and the ocasional barrel change. I would probably be banned for life for bringing in something obscure. :)

Answer 4

OK from what i can discern it look,s like a 50 cal Gizela rifle flintlock however as other have said it all-so could be a wall hanger however the lock and frizz-en look to be about 1875 \ but as other have said it could be a family piece passed down for one gen ration to the next best you can do is look around a bit and have it appraised by someone in your area

Answer 5

The general name given to this type of weapon is jezzail and good luck finding it listed in most dictionaries.

I can't guarantee it's authenticity or value, but if it is authentic, it should not be shot. If it is a poor quality imitation, it should not be shot. If it is relatively modern in construction, it should still not be shot until checked by a competent gunsmith.

Answer 6

There is a small town in Pakistan that is noted for making knock off copies of almost every kind of gun you can name. The quality is not very good and many of the guns are unsafe. I would hang that thing on a wall over a fireplace and never shoot it. If you are tempted to shoot it, take it to a gunsmith first as it is just as likely to blow up in your face as to fire properly.

Answer 7

Post a pic on photos.yahoo.com and repost link. I am sure some one might be able to ID.

Answer 8

Contact the Antiques Road Show that is on TV*...

Answer 9

its a flint lock like u said its just specially made with tthose designs

Answer 10

A musket or flint rifle maybe?