Info sought on (Afghan?) Blunderbuss?

Jim McDougall · Yesterday, 01:59 AM

There is really no way to find out exactly who the weapon belonged to, most of these kinds of decoration were purely ornamental. The markings on the lock are typically interpretations of those often seen on British examples. There were many authentic locks from captured British muskets from East India Co. in circulation through the 18th into early 19th c.

While these were used widely, they were also copied later in later years, and the position of this 'name' (?) seems to follow the typical positioning fashion of the locks of latter 18th early 19th c.

These guns often ended up in the sales bazaars, best known on 'chicken street' in Kabul and other locations. It is as far as I know blunderbuss types are far from commonly seen as I have mentioned. This is flintlock, which were preferred in tribal settings long after percussion systems arrived because of the simplicity. Muzzle loading blunderbusses did not requite ramrods as far as I know as they were loaded with loose shot etc.

Slings were not a standard feature tribally, but mostly a military related attachment. They might have been used more by tribal warriors who were among the levy's and auxiliary forces for the British military.

Im not much on restoration and maintenance beyond WD40, leather conditioners and wood polish.

Its a pleasure to have actual discussion on this!

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Yesterday, 01:59 AM	#9
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,865	There is really no way to find out exactly who the weapon belonged to, most of these kinds of decoration were purely ornamental. The markings on the lock are typically interpretations of those often seen on British examples. There were many authentic locks from captured British muskets from East India Co. in circulation through the 18th into early 19th c. While these were used widely, they were also copied later in later years, and the position of this 'name' (?) seems to follow the typical positioning fashion of the locks of latter 18th early 19th c. These guns often ended up in the sales bazaars, best known on 'chicken street' in Kabul and other locations. It is as far as I know blunderbuss types are far from commonly seen as I have mentioned. This is flintlock, which were preferred in tribal settings long after percussion systems arrived because of the simplicity. Muzzle loading blunderbusses did not requite ramrods as far as I know as they were loaded with loose shot etc. Slings were not a standard feature tribally, but mostly a military related attachment. They might have been used more by tribal warriors who were among the levy's and auxiliary forces for the British military. Im not much on restoration and maintenance beyond WD40, leather conditioners and wood polish. Its a pleasure to have actual discussion on this!