Unusually Large Khyber Pass Flintlock Jezail (Most Likely Rampart Gun) circa 1830

About 40mm/1.75" bore. 45.5" barrel length. SN: NSN. Browned metal finish. Curved grip hardwood stock that is profusely inlaid with mother of pearl pieces overall and five wide brass barrel bands. Flintlock rampart-style gun with a primitive notch rear, and lock that is marked with East India Company rampant lion to center as well as an 1810 date to tail. Includes a chiseled iron ramrod. Muzzle of barrel is chiseled with simple bands and what appears to be two large eyes, while crown of muzzle is also chiseled, possibly to resemble an open mouthed fish. Item does not appear to have any maker's marks. The gun weighs in at approximately 17 pounds. Extra shipping costs will apply. Includes a wax sealed letter of provenance from importer Conway of Asia, dated 1982.

Details of the provenance suggest that this rifle was "most likely captured by Afghan tribes along the Khyber Pass, and later adapted to its current form with a Sheisham (ironwood) stock that is inlaid with Mother of Pearl. According to tribal folklore, mother of pearl is believed to bring providence and justice in battle." Provenance also states that these types of rifles were originally "used by the ill-fated Khyber Pass Regiment, stationed at Jamrud Fort northwest of Peshawar, Pakistan."

This rifle in particular was most likely captured following the 1842 Retreat From Kabul, during the First Anglo-Afghan War, from British and East India Company forces. Provenance further states, "The British troops were horribly massacred in 1838-1842 by Afredi and Waziri tribesmen of the Afghan Emir Dost Mohammad, losing approximately 35,000 men and caissons of artillery." As of 1982 when this letter of provenance was written, it was believed that these types of guns were still being used by tribesmen of the Khyber Pass and Karakoram Mountain range.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.