Omani Matchlock

kahnjar1 · 21st March 2014, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

As for their rarity, I cannot comment really! as I do see SIMILAR ones around! but I am looking at it from the eyes of someone with zero experience with those guns.

Last long one I saw was at antique shop here, it had a broken part near the trigger but otherwise was in excellent condition... but is it abu fatila? I am not sure as I do not collect these. Will snap photos of the collections I know of though :-)

Hi Lofty,

The shape of the stock is one of the telling things about Omani Matchlocks. There is a SIMILAR matchlock attributed to Yemen, but the stock shape is different. I suspect that one who is not "into" these things, would perhaps not readily identify the difference. Bit like me who knows nothing about European Armour, trying to identify an old helmet!!
IF you can get pics of the one you have seen, that would be great.
Also with reference to the link kindly supplied by Eftihis, I note that the term "Father of the Match" once more appears in relation to the Omani Matchlock.

Stu

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 22nd March 2014, 05:52 AM

Salaams All.. The terminology in Oman is interesting for these long guns.. There is as discussed the quite correct term of Father of the Match; Abu Futtila... Expertly pointed out by A.alnakkas who also draws the other Abu forms in as proof ... Also include Abu Shabak (the gigantic spider)...Father of the net meaning "The one with the net". Another is a rifle that has 5 rounds in the magazine called Abu Hamsa... The One with five. There are many more examples though the reference by Eftihis does not elaborate.

The other name for the long gun is Ruomi; This is taken from the Omani long leaf shaped spear of Rome fame...It would appear that with the non requirement of spears once guns took favour (though it was a favourite Omani weapon pre gunpowder) the name carried on...logically in an odd way giving the name of the spear to these long guns as well...Equally used in Oman as a term.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

22nd March 2014, 05:52 AM	#2
Ibrahiim al Balooshi Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE Posts: 4,408	Salaams All.. The terminology in Oman is interesting for these long guns.. There is as discussed the quite correct term of Father of the Match; Abu Futtila... Expertly pointed out by A.alnakkas who also draws the other Abu forms in as proof ... Also include Abu Shabak (the gigantic spider)...Father of the net meaning "The one with the net". Another is a rifle that has 5 rounds in the magazine called Abu Hamsa... The One with five. There are many more examples though the reference by Eftihis does not elaborate. The other name for the long gun is Ruomi; This is taken from the Omani long leaf shaped spear of Rome fame...It would appear that with the non requirement of spears once guns took favour (though it was a favourite Omani weapon pre gunpowder) the name carried on...logically in an odd way giving the name of the spear to these long guns as well...Equally used in Oman as a term. Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi.