Please tell me, what was this rifle before it got "decorated"

[RedcoatFromAoEIII]

I got it off of an auction for pretty cheap, it's missing the lock and has been absurdly covered by brass tacks. The brass tacks are square-point, meaning they were most likely added in the 19th century, presumably by some african Bedouin tribe (auction said it's an Arabic rifle). The whole gun is pretty weathered, but it still holds together pretty good. There is a Belgian Liege proof mark from 1817, so my best guess is that it was a trade gun for the Belgian colonies. I am asking you people if you do know the exact model of the rifle, and where could I get a replacement lock for it?

 

[thomas]

Can't help with your gun. but Welcome to the forum.
Thomas

 

[nit wit]

Welcome from Maine. You will get more responses if you post in the other sections.
Nit Wit

 

[Rudyard]

He got replies & one I sent but these appear to have dissapeared I suggest he make an outline pattern indicating the side nails holes' the tumbler center' & the Vent position & take it to gun shows as its not a rare lock so he has a fair chance of finding one . I did just that with a template of a Baker rifle that had its lock robbed by some Bubba shed 'Restorer" read vandal. I found one at Allentown gun show & it fitted perfectly & it was a pre 1805 lock with detent ..Way longer odds than the Posters gun. There where jillions of such arms an incidently the decoration is the only redeeming feature of the gun just think of the starlit adventures that guns seen. In my guess East Africa .
Regards Rudyard

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Welcome from Alberta.

 

[TNBandit]

Has the Liege proof mark on the barrel for being a Belgian gun. Knowing the caliber might help also. Looks like it's always been a flintlock. Probably military since it has a provision for a sling swivel on the trigger guard. More pictures with better detail might pin it down. Of course it could also be something built by some long ago farmer using bits from a variety of old guns.

 

[UndeadPoet]

Welcome, from North Carolina!