[Fourfirs]

I have an Omani Abu Fathilah matchlock, missing the actual serpentine but otherwise intact. It has been hanging in a very damp room for many years, and is very rusty.

How hard should I clean it? Back to 'shiny metal' or would this remove any patina?

Were these weapons blued? Mine looks as though it may have been, but I dont want to blue it if it should not be.

Can anyone send em a picture of the serpentine? I'm thinking of getting one fabricated but don't know what it should look like. The barrel is 1M 15 cm long, with a bore of around 12mm. I've seen other threads mention the presence of blockages (old loads?) in the breach - mine has one too, possibly still loaded?

In the under barrel groove (for the ramrod) I found 3 date stones wrapped in old material. Do these have any symbolism?

Any help welcomed!

Thanks!