This musket is a bit of mystery. It began life as a matchlock which is evident by its profile and the long gap in the butt stock where the lever mechanism would be. Given its profile, especially the upturn of the butt stock, it appears to be an Indian Jezail or possibly an Arabian Abu Fatilah. It most likely was made in the early to mid 1800s as it looks very similar to other examples of that period.
At some point it was converted into a percussion musket with a British Tower Lock dated 1861. This conversion could have occurred at any point after 1861. Whether it was first converted to flintlock then to percussion is unknown. To make things more interesting this musket comes with a very tattered British military sling dated 1918. The sling is sewn together rather than using the clasps.
With the mishmash of evidence as it is we are considering this to be either an Indian or Arab Jezail/Abu Fatilah matchlock converted to percussion cap with a British Tower lock. It’s age being early 1800s to early 1900s.
This Matchlock Percussion Conversion musket is in good condition. The overall length is 53 1/8 inches, the barrel is 39 5/8 inches, the caliber is 15mm (.59 caliber) based on our caliper.
The wood finish of the stock is good but does show some dings and scratches. There is minor but noticeable cracking on both sides of the butt however it is not split apart. The front of the forend has snapped off on one side. It appears the forend itself may have been shortened from its original length at some point in time. The wood at the lock had dried/shrunk over time and it appears there might be some rot under the cock (hammer).
The lock is British, 1861 Tower, and is functional however it is extremely difficult to cock back. There is rust on the inside cock (hammer) as well as on the nipple. Rust is present at rear barrel especially around the nipple. The lock plate shows rust staining as does the cock (hammer). Most of the metal parts of this musket has varying degrees of rust staining. Most importantly the lock has been secured by a metal band that has been shimmed. There are shims on both sides of the barrel and no screws at the lock plate.
The barrel has a very interesting striped finish suggesting Damascus. While there is rust staining on the barrel given the pattern of the finish it is less noticeable than that at the lock plate. The front sight has broken and given the band imprint at the muzzle it appears that there might once have been a more elaborate crown that is now gone. The bore of the musket shows rust, pitting, and fouling throughout.
DISCLAIMER ON FIRING:
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FIRE THIS MUSKET.
While the lock mechanism and trigger are functional (with great difficulty) this is a very old matchlock that was later converted to percussion. It was probably risky to shoot back in the day. Today it would best serve as a display piece or unique example of early firearms in any collection.
