North Africa, Morocco, ca. 18th to 19th century CE. A snaphance lock musket that features a stone flint, securely clamped in place, and a striker plate. The wood stock is adorned with brass and silver fittings, which are stamped and etched with decorative stippling and geometric motifs. Additionally, the iron ramrod, also chiseled and etched, protrudes from beneath the lengthy barrel. The snaphance mechanism, prevalent in Western Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, eventually yielded to advancements in firearm technology for improved safety and efficiency. However, European colonies and other regions, including North Africa and the Middle East, continued utilizing snaphances well into the 19th century. This particular piece likely originates from Morocco and embodies the distinctive decorative metalwork associated with Berber and Tuareg culture. Size: 62.75" L x 5.5" W (159.4 cm x 14 cm)

Provenance: private Parker, Colorado, USA collection

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#185583

Not tested for functionality. Heavily used with old repairs and missing 12" of wood from barrel end to tip. Trigger is loose and not functional. Heavy wear throughout, chips and gouges to wood. Loose metal panels and gaps between wood and metal fittings. A metal barrel fitting is loose. Patina to metal areas. A great display piece.