Greek Flintlock "Kariophili" dated 1846

[cyten]

Not to be confused with the Jezail from Afghanistan, this is a Kariophili from Greece. These were used extensively during the Greek War of Independence in 1821 all the way up until the early 20th century. They are always covered in brass or iron and with a downturned butt. This example has a 31.5 inch smoothbore barrel that measures out to 12 gauge

Here is a period photo of some Greek "Klephts" with Kariophilis

 

[Sam squanch]

Are these fairly common today in that region?

 

[cyten]

Are these fairly common today in that region?

I've not spent much time in Greece, but I have seen photos of reenactors with them and there is at least one builder making non firing replicas in Greece. I've seen a few in neighboring Bulgaria.

 

[Sam squanch]

I’d like to shoot one to see how it holds.

 

[Sam squanch]

I’ve noticed of all the cultures around the world, the ones where the men wear skirts or kilts are the heavily armed ones….

 

[cyten]

I’d like to shoot one to see how it holds.

On my example, the butt is a little more upturned and I don't find it very comfortable to shoulder and aim straight downrange. However, if pointing upwards, it rests comfortably, may have to take it trap or skeet shooting

 

[Sam squanch]

I can see it now! The new browning over and under-with new Karophili stock! Boost your score!

 

[rickystl]

Don't know how I missed this. Nice Karophili Cyten. Yes, this style seemed popular in Greece and some surrounding areas for a long time. They show up in different barrel lengths. The locks show up about 50/50 using both traditional flintlock and miquelet. Greek guns and accessories often bring a premium in the Eastern collectors market.

Rick

 

[cyten]

Don't know how I missed this. Nice Karophili Cyten. Yes, this style seemed popular in Greece and some surrounding areas for a long time. They show up in different barrel lengths. The locks show up about 50/50 using both traditional flintlock and miquelet. Greek guns and accessories often bring a premium in the Eastern collectors market.

Rick

I was very lucky this was labeled as a "North African Jazail", so I got it for a very good price