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To: Diogenesis
Re the "Antique Guns" shown at the bazzar in Afghanistan;

If I'm not mistaken, those muzzle-loaders our Troops are examining are M-1853 British Enfield .577" caliber rifle-muskets, which were used both in the Crimean War as well as our American Civil War by both Union and Confederate forces. They were second in numbers and popularity only to the US Springfield M-1861 .58 cal. rifle-musket.

If they are original 1853 Enfields and not replica reproductions, and in the condition they seem to be in (amazingly good for 145 years +), they would fetch around $1,000 apiece back here in the States - perhaps more. I sure hope that these guys are allowed to bring or ship some of these home as "war Trophies". I wonder how much the locals are asking for them?

Shucks; I reckon these guys deserve a great "deal" if anyone does, eh?

If, on the other hand, the muskets are "repros" made of rather dubious quality in the Middle-East in various places for reenactors or people who just want a funny-looking old musket to hang over the mantle, they'd be worth around $200 tops. But these look too good to be home-industry repros.

Now what the Afghanis are doing with 140 year old British muskets is beyond me - but I sure wouldn't mind getting my hands on one of them!
16 posted on 12/09/2002 3:58:30 PM PST by Uncle Jaque
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To: Uncle Jaque
That's what I was thinkin' . . . Civil War flint lock stuff. Man! Oh well, our boys deserve all they can bring back after what they've done for our country. I hope no one gives 'em grief bringing them back.
18 posted on 12/09/2002 4:05:00 PM PST by LibWhacker
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To: Uncle Jaque
The troops are allowed to purchase "relics, and curio's". We are allowed very limited approval, and it has to be collector's items, with a receipt, etc...

Nothing like our fathers did in WW2, but for a nice muzzleloader from Revolutionary War times....damn!
31 posted on 12/09/2002 11:19:45 PM PST by anti-commie_federalist
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