Yemeni Matchlock

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams all...Just a few notes to add... The material wrapping the stock and butt may be a pot metal mixture including aluminium. The condition of the sharply cut split palmette and work on the butt looks fresh...and whilst not unusual it may indicate relatively recent work done in this regard. Some evidence by ICOMAN indicates a possible European / German origin to matchlocks in the region particularly Oman...Please see http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/O...d-viewing-1znc ....however the Indian link for Yemen is clear for this style..since the umbilical chord of trade and close relations has tied the two countries firmly together for centuries. I see various stones used in the decoration to woodwork here including glass beads in the likeness of coral and ageek...(agate.) The huge butt wooden stopper is also typical of Yemeni style. Souks in the region appear to be still picking up through-put items like this from Sanaa and I wondered if this one came via the Sharjah Souk ?

I read an interesting article from [Link removed] where a comparison and link is attributed to Coorg guns in South India because of trade and mercenaries of Southern Arabia operating there...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Andrew]

Ibrahiim, the weapon in the link you provided in your post, above, is for sale. Unfortunately, I must remove the link per forum rules.

Andrew
Vikingsword Staff

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Ibrahiim, the weapon in the link you provided in your post, above, is for sale. Unfortunately, I must remove the link per forum rules.

Andrew
Vikingsword Staff

Regret previous entry....Try this for a sold item illustrating similar style of decoration and a footnote to the Tareq Rajeb Museum in Kuwait... well worth a visit !

http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/19793/lot/51/

A South Indian (Coorg) 20-Bore Silver-Mounted Matchlock Gun
Malabar, 18th/19th Century. Apparently many mercenaries from South Arabia worked in Southern India and thus the link in style in the two regions. Trade of course played an important part in this style of design being copied in Southern India and Yemen.

Footnotes from reference;

Quote'' For a related example see Robert Elgood, Firearms Of The Islamic World in the Tareq Rajab Museum, Kuwait, 1995, pp. 181 and 207-8, no. 124 (illustrated).'' Unquote.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[BANDOOK]

hi liam,have you managed to get this gun into new Zealand,i am based in Auckland,nz and also collect such guns,do email me on rajeshalva@hotmail.com
regards rajesh

[BANDOOK]

Originally Posted by Ibrahiim al Balooshi

Salaams all...Just a few notes to add... The material wrapping the stock and butt may be a pot metal mixture including aluminium. The condition of the sharply cut split palmette and work on the butt looks fresh...and whilst not unusual it may indicate relatively recent work done in this regard. Some evidence by ICOMAN indicates a possible European / German origin to matchlocks in the region particularly Oman...Please see http://www.muscatdaily.com/Archive/O...d-viewing-1znc ....however the Indian link for Yemen is clear for this style..since the umbilical chord of trade and close relations has tied the two countries firmly together for centuries. I see various stones used in the decoration to woodwork here including glass beads in the likeness of coral and ageek...(agate.) The huge butt wooden stopper is also typical of Yemeni style. Souks in the region appear to be still picking up through-put items like this from Sanaa and I wondered if this one came via the Sharjah Souk ?

I read an interesting article from [Link removed] where a comparison and link is attributed to Coorg guns in South India because of trade and mercenaries of Southern Arabia operating there...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

saalam Ibrahim,which is the best souks in Dubai or sharjah to look out for weapons like these,and how much would one expect to pay,can you buy these without a gun licence in the U.A.E
WHATS THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR BUYING GUNS FROM THERE,REGARDS RAJESH

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by BANDOOK

saalam Ibrahim,which is the best souks in Dubai or sharjah to look out for weapons like these,and how much would one expect to pay,can you buy these without a gun licence in the U.A.E
WHATS THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR BUYING GUNS FROM THERE,REGARDS RAJESH

Salaams Bandook, Its not so much the regulations here you need to worry about ...more the regs of the country you want to bring/send them to. Whilst here they may only observe a load of old pipes...but the country you send them on to/ export to may take a very different view. Price I dont get into here... Its down to the bargaining principles... The 3 souks to observe are Yemen-Sanaa, Muscat-Muttrah and Sharjah-Blue Souk... The Yemeni one whilst probably the best for these items is a whole lot different from the security angle but once you have set up a trader there he may be the best way forward... Frankly I wouldnt go there ...Muscat and Sharjah are very safe ...
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.