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

Tim Simmons · 1st October 2024, 11:33 AM

I do not know anything about guns but are those pigs teeth, look like pig teeth. That to me would suggest this is not from Afghanistan? Is that the Saudi emblem? Not adopted until 1950 is is not allowed to be used to decorate personal items.

corrado26 · 1st October 2024, 02:12 PM

I think that this item is from Saudi Arabia

AHite · 1st October 2024, 11:29 PM

Thanks for your comments. After doing more research I determined that this gun is an Indo-Arab matchlock, and I doubt it was obtained in Afghanistan. There's a saying among vintage gun collectors, "Buy the gun, not the story". I found it odd that a French Gras rifle was part of the three guns supposedly found in a cave in Afghanistan. Gras rifles were heavily distributed in Yemen and Arabia and some are still in use. I suspect someone collected all three weapons when visiting those regions in the past. Doesn't really matter, I'm happy to get it and add to my collection.

30th September 2024, 11:38 PM	#1
AHite Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 48	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

1st October 2024, 11:33 AM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,807	I do not know anything about guns but are those pigs teeth, look like pig teeth. That to me would suggest this is not from Afghanistan? Is that the Saudi emblem? Not adopted until 1950 is is not allowed to be used to decorate personal items. Last edited by Tim Simmons; 1st October 2024 at 11:57 AM.

1st October 2024, 02:12 PM	#3
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,204	I think that this item is from Saudi Arabia

1st October 2024, 11:29 PM	#4
AHite Member Join Date: Dec 2022 Posts: 48	Thanks for your comments. After doing more research I determined that this gun is an Indo-Arab matchlock, and I doubt it was obtained in Afghanistan. There's a saying among vintage gun collectors, "Buy the gun, not the story". I found it odd that a French Gras rifle was part of the three guns supposedly found in a cave in Afghanistan. Gras rifles were heavily distributed in Yemen and Arabia and some are still in use. I suspect someone collected all three weapons when visiting those regions in the past. Doesn't really matter, I'm happy to get it and add to my collection.