Afghanistan matchlock musket

AHite · 30th September 2024, 11:38 PM

I just acquired this matchlock in a trade. A local gun shop had three old firearms displayed on their wall, which according to the owner were found by a US Marine in a cave in Afghanistan. One is the matchlock I am showing here, the other is a shorter barreled matchlock, and the third is a French M1874 Gras rifle. I traded an American percussion long rifle from my collection as the shop owner wanted to still have a "cool old gun" on display.

The matchlock is in very good condition, with minor damage to stamped metal pieces on each side of the receiver. The barrel is 48 inches long, and appears to have a pattern to it. Hopefully this is evident in one of my photos. Ramrod seems to be original. The buttstock cushion is leather, maybe camel? One the receiver resin was used to embed what look to be claws and some red beads. On the left side there is an emblem, a palm tree with crossed swords, that looks a lot like the Saudi Arabian emblem.

There was a newer crack in the stock, near the receiver that I glued and repaired. I stabilized other cracks and loose wood but otherwise just did a careful cleaning. The barrel looks to be about .75 caliber. The style reminds me of the Indian Torador matchlocks, so I wonder if this matchlock came from there or maybe just the barrel. Open to comments and questions.

Regards, Andrew

30th September 2024, 11:38 PM	#1
AHite Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 49	Afghanistan matchlock musket I just acquired this matchlock in a trade. A local gun shop had three old firearms displayed on their wall, which according to the owner were found by a US Marine in a cave in Afghanistan. One is the matchlock I am showing here, the other is a shorter barreled matchlock, and the third is a French M1874 Gras rifle. I traded an American percussion long rifle from my collection as the shop owner wanted to still have a "cool old gun" on display. The matchlock is in very good condition, with minor damage to stamped metal pieces on each side of the receiver. The barrel is 48 inches long, and appears to have a pattern to it. Hopefully this is evident in one of my photos. Ramrod seems to be original. The buttstock cushion is leather, maybe camel? One the receiver resin was used to embed what look to be claws and some red beads. On the left side there is an emblem, a palm tree with crossed swords, that looks a lot like the Saudi Arabian emblem. There was a newer crack in the stock, near the receiver that I glued and repaired. I stabilized other cracks and loose wood but otherwise just did a careful cleaning. The barrel looks to be about .75 caliber. The style reminds me of the Indian Torador matchlocks, so I wonder if this matchlock came from there or maybe just the barrel. Open to comments and questions. Regards, Andrew Attached Images