Afghan/Kyber Pass Pistol

[rickystl]

Hello again.
Here is a pistol that has all the hallmarks of a Kyber Pass made gun. There is too much work in this to be a tourist item. And, I cant believe all the inlays are still present. To me, this gun was made to copy the English belt pistols that were popular from the 1840-1860 era. There is light engraving on the lock, trigger guard, and butt cap. I even has the tiny hinged door on the butt cap to store percussion caps. Very cool. There was a piece of red cloth (looks old) in the cavity which I removed. Have no idea why it was there. On the inside of the grip area of the stock there is an attempt at checkering, which is worn and hard to photograph. Back action style lock which is mostly in working order, but a weak mainspring. 13/16" full octagon barrel in an odd .57 caliber. The swival parts to the ramrod are original, but the ramrod is a make-shift item made by the seller. There is a barrel wedge vs a pin. And, most interesting, it appears to have a hook style breach for the barrel. There is evidence that there was originally a muzzle cap of some kind. Probably iron or horn. But the evidence shows it has been missing for a long time.
This is a good example of this type of gun. Comments welcome, and thanks for looking.
Rick

[rickystl]

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[Kubur]

Hi Rick,
It's an excellent example, with a good cleaning the barrel will look amazing.
I have no idea about the small compartment... maybe for cleaning??
Best,
Kubur

[Jim McDougall]

If not mistaken the hinged butt cap compartment is for percussion caps

[rickystl]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

If not mistaken the hinged butt cap compartment is for percussion caps

Hi Jim.
Yes, you are correct. It is to store percussion caps.
Just as a comparison. here is a typical English belt pistol of the 1840-1860 period, all silver mounted. Notice the similarities of design - including the compartment for percussion caps.
Rick.