Philip: You may be on to something here. So, could it be possible that the origins of the Omani fluted barrels were from Italy in the 16th Century ?
That fluted barrel on the top in the photo is strickingly similar.
It's always been assumed that the Omani fluted barrels had some type of European origin. But it seems to have been about a century earlier than previously thought. Great information. Thanks for posting this.
Richard: Yes, that's the gun from Matchlock's collection that I remembered. The swamped muzzle with the flutes. And also Italian.
This Thread is turning out better than I expected. LOL Thanks for everyone's input. Super interesting.
Rick
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