How far should I restore?

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Fourfirs

Thanks Ibrahiim, my gun is just like the one restored in the article.

Rick, my gun is missing the entire assembly, trigger and serpentine. I used to think that this was just a curved piece of metal, but it sounds as though it's more complex than this. Anyone got a diagram?

Somewhere on the Forum I seem to remember seeing a drawing of how it looks, but cannot find it now. I am sure though that Rick will have an example in his "spares" collection which he could post here.
Stu
Google gave me this which shows how the linkage works. It is from a much earlier gun than yours where the serpentine strikes backwards, but you will be able to fabricate one to suit using this as a guide.
Stu

[Fourfirs]

Thanks Stu, I'm hoping to re-assemble the gun next week, I've de-rusted the barrel and now need to glue & clamp the bits of stock.

[rickystl]

Hi Fourfirs

While I don't own an Omani matchlock, I have viewed/handled several. However, I do own a couple of Indian Torador muskets (one a restored shooter, the other a broken "parts" gun). To me, the design of the trigger/serpentine assembly for both guns are VERY similar. (not surprising considering both Indian and Omani matchlock history). And operate the same way.

Here is a pic of a trigger assembly (less serpentine) for an Indian Torador musket. There is very little spring tension since all you're doing is lowering the serpentine to the pan back and fourth with hand action (similar to the drawing Stu posted above). The only difference I can see with these trigger/serpentine assemblies would be the difference in length from the trigger to the serpentine itself depending on who originally built the gun. But this would be fairly easy to make (or alter an original) once you know what it is supposed to look like.
I'll check the other broken Torador and see if it has it's complete assembly and let you know. (I received your PM). In fact, I was just thinking, a new spring could probably be made using one of the springy type blades from a garden rake. LOL

Rick

[Fourfirs]

That's really helpful, thanks!

[Fourfirs]

Progress! I've got the rust of the metalwork, glued the broken stock & ram-rod, and re assembled the weapon. Still a few things to do, some of the brass barrel-bands need attention, and I have to fabricate (or acquire) a trigger mechanism & serpentine. The gun will never fire, it still has a blockage in the breech area (possibly a charge?) and it is frail, as you'd expect of a weapon this old.

I don't know much about it, other than what I've read on this site, which suggests (which has been really informative). My late father brought it back from Oman in the late 1960s, he was with the Sultan's army fighting the insurgency. Sadly, its been neglected for a while, but not any more!

[kahnjar1]

Good job. Looks much better and with the missing barrel bands replaced will be very nice indeed.
Interesting that it came out of Oman in the same way and at the same time as this Martini. The original owner also was with the Sultan's Armed Forces.
Stu

[Fourfirs]

Nice rifle, condition looks good!