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26th July 2015, 04:13 PM
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#1 |
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO area.
Posts: 1,632
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Hi Trench.
That is the most fantastic looking set I've ever seen. The gun and accessory belt are so complete, and in such wonderful condition. Don't think it gets any better than this. Yes, I'm still wiping the drewl from my mouth. LOL  A quick question before I forget, which may answer another question: Is the barrel rifled or smoothbore? GUN: A great looking Jazail. With typical English trade lock (not a locally made copy), and does not seem to be missing anything. I REALLY like the triggerguard on this one. The 36" barrel length would have been more convenient for use on horseback. A great looking example!!! My opinions on the accessory belt pieces: COMBINATION TOOLS: The "pick" looking piece was used to re-knap a dull flint. The other end is a flat blade screwdriver for removing the lock plate screws to clean and maintainence the inside of the lock.The other tapered metal tool is used to tighten/loosen the top screw of the hammer to replace/adjust the flint. This method actually works better than a screwdriver slot on top of the screw. COTTON/WOOL MOP HEAD: Could be used to clean the lock pan area and frizzen face after shooting. But there doesn't seem to be any black powder residue on it. So I think it's primary purpose was to keep an EMPTY pan and vent hole dry between shootings. The frizzen was partially lowered on the mop head to keep it in place. The barrel could stay loaded. SMALL POUCH ATTACHED TO SLING: Could be used for pre-greased/lubed shooting patches. It looks like grease/lube has soaked the leather in the past. Very cool. METAL HOOKS: As others have said, I think these are simply hooks for the gun accessories, swords, knives, rope, etc. POWDER FLASKS: The leather powder flask is done in the typical Arab style. If the opening is large enough, it could be used to carry primary barrel powder - or lead balls. The wooden flask is most interesting. It looks like a seperate priming flask with it's lever. But it also looks like it has a seperate shut-off at the tip (?). Would really like to see some more close up pics of this flask to determine how it works and the size of the hole at the tip. TWO PART WOOD WAND WITH DIVIDER: Actually, I have no idea.  Never seen one before. Someone mentioned it could be for two different sizes of buckshot. If the gun is a smoothbore, that is possible. But if it's a rifled bore, it has to be for something else. A real mystery.TWO CURVED HORN PIECES: Never seen these before either. But I've been thinking about these for a few days now since the post. Due to the shape and location of both at the ends of the belt, I think these may have been used to "cradle" the gun in a horizonal position while riding on horseback. That way the gun was rested in a "ready" state should an immediate need arise. This, with the slightly shorter 36" barrel length would distribute the weight of the gun more evenly. And I believe many riders would use horse blankets only, with no saddles, or saddles lacking horns. Just my best guess.  It almost seems that the gun and all the accessories were all thought of and built at the same time. It's certainly the coolest looking set I've ever seen. And a fantastic addition to a collection. Trench: Let me know about the barrel, and if you have any more close up pics of the wooden flask. And thanks for posting this amazing set. (Still drewling) Rick. |
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26th July 2015, 05:03 PM
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#2 |
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 385
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Thanks for the comments, and compliments Rick. Given the smooth patina on the gun, I feel that it is contemporary to the age of the lock. Barrel is smooth bore, so my "shot flask" theory is plausible. The little pouch on the sling, does contain patches. The "wood" flask, is actually horn. Probably Ram. The leaver on the side, has a natural spring effect, opening, and closing with pressure. The plug is internal. The curved horn thingys are probably as you said, a rifle rest, or multiple other uses. The flask, has the same carved "birds head" device, the horn thingys have. Will try to take more pictures. Yes, this the most beautiful, and complete weapon of it's type, I have ever seen. Makes me want to build a mannequin around it. I have a sword, and dagger.
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26th July 2015, 05:10 PM
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#3 |
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 637
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usually there is only 1 of these odd horn pieces in the back. Since I am not sure what it is used for I do not understand why yours has 2 towards the buckle. It is the 1st time I have seen a belt with 2 horn pieces.
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26th July 2015, 06:42 PM
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#4 | |
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO area.
Posts: 1,632
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Quote:
Thanks for these additional photos. There's those horn things again. Hmmm... Now these look like they had some type of rope or twine inter-wrapped around them (?) I still A real mystery.Rick. As long as we're talking Jazails, I'll post another today. |
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26th July 2015, 08:31 PM
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#5 |
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 637
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I found a couple more of this type in another pile of belts.
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26th July 2015, 11:07 PM
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#6 |
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Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 385
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Ward, that must be one impressive box-o-belts you have!?
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26th July 2015, 11:12 PM
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#7 |
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Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 637
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I got into collecting belts for a number of years. I think they are interesting. The brass chains on those things act as suspenders. Probably a idea copied off the British soldiers
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26th July 2015, 06:38 PM
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#8 | |
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Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO area.
Posts: 1,632
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Quote:
OK. A smoothbore. That makes the "shot" theory a little more plausible as you say. That rams horn flask is probably a seperate priming flask. But I don't think the gun is too contemporary per say. Possibly newly stocked in the late 19th Century utilizing an older lock and/or barrel. That would have been quite common. I think it's ALL the genuine article. Rick. |
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