Two Arab ex-Enfield Pattern 1853 guns

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Absolutely fascinating examples, and I think these now tribally associated guns are exciting as they were in use over such a long time, even into recent times. As always I am ever interested in the motifs and potential symbolism imbued in the decoration of these. I wonder if the 'claw' representation might be related to the talons of the falcon, I think a well established predator bird in the Arab world.
I am interested in the tacks used in motif as well, and while definitely not suggesting any connection, cannot help noticing the similarity to the decoration found on American Indian guns of the 19th century. I would presume these may be 'furniture' type tacks which were present in trade and 'settler' type situations. It seems that the cross was convergently present in many circumstances and often represents the four cardinal directions, a tribal representation of universal power.

Salaams Jim, Tacks were used as ballast in Victorian times on ships bound for India and adorn many artefacts such as chests of furniture ... and in this case guns. Amazing claws in the butt !
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi

[Jim McDougall]

Ouch!!! claws in the butt!!
Im was hoping you would come in on this Ibrahiim!
Great note on the use of these materials as ballast. Interestingly the enormous volume of the glass beads which became trademark items in American Indian crafts were also ballast material.This again seems to represent the profound use of these otherwise common items from utility to decoration.
I wonder if there are characteristic motif in the decorative bands which might suggest any regional affinity?
Also, were there regions in Arabia which may have had more access to British guns than others? I have always been under the impression that flintlocks and even matchlocks were more prevalent in the more remote Bedouin tribes due to accessibility of ammunition and supplies. As we have discussed, trade from the Indian coastal regions in Sind brought considerable trade weapons to Muscat..perhaps obsolete British guns as well?

All the best,
Jim

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Ouch!!! claws in the butt!!
Im was hoping you would come in on this Ibrahiim!
Great note on the use of these materials as ballast. Interestingly the enormous volume of the glass beads which became trademark items in American Indian crafts were also ballast material.This again seems to represent the profound use of these otherwise common items from utility to decoration.
I wonder if there are characteristic motif in the decorative bands which might suggest any regional affinity?
Also, were there regions in Arabia which may have had more access to British guns than others? I have always been under the impression that flintlocks and even matchlocks were more prevalent in the more remote Bedouin tribes due to accessibility of ammunition and supplies. As we have discussed, trade from the Indian coastal regions in Sind brought considerable trade weapons to Muscat..perhaps obsolete British guns as well?

All the best,
Jim

Salaams Jim ~ I think you are correct on all counts however it is a fact that the old and tested systems ruled longest as put by the late Anthony North in his Islamic Arms treatise .. For that reason we still see a lot of abu futtila (the one with the match) matchlock gun barrels though there are a lot of Martini Henrys and Enfields some in very good order... favoured by Palace guards and the various official Muscat gendarmeries often under British control in the late 19th C. The Bedouin preferred Martini Henrys; barrels cut back about a foot removing nicely the bulky bayonet fitting whilst retaining the accuracy(amazingly) and lessening the weight! Ajman and Muscat star highly as import points; therefor in addition to weapons entering the market as palace guards weapons became obsolete(ie their old weapons were sold by the authorities to the souk) Muscat also attracted Martini Henrys, Enfields similar to the ones at thread and the later 303 black powder versions and other marks from all points of the compass.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Jim McDougall]

Thank you so much Ibrahiim, excellent information which gives good perspective on appreciating these ruggedly outstanding guns!

All the best,
Jim

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Thank you so much Ibrahiim, excellent information which gives good perspective on appreciating these ruggedly outstanding guns!

All the best,
Jim

Salaams Jim ~ Interesting guns. The pin patterns may have some meaning to the originator and certainly on furniture chests there are set patterns so why not on guns?.. I feel that the pins may represent the round ball ammunition. I noticed that on the black weapon forward of the trigger there is a plate resembling a coat of arms and except from this that the two weapons have almost identical markings from the trigger forward. I note a strengthener of different material on the same weapon behind the trigger wrapped round the narrow part of the Butt as it has split previously.
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Mefidk]

Not sure if it helps your discussion of the patterns and their significance, but here are a couple of pictures of the patterns you could not see before. One which is duplicated on all barrel bands on both guns, the other is forward of the trigger guard. The third picture is the non-studded gun same location - the best angle I have. If we need more pictures we will have to ask the new owner.

Chris

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by Mefidk

Not sure if it helps your discussion of the patterns and their significance, but here are a couple of pictures of the patterns you could not see before. One which is duplicated on all barrel bands on both guns, the other is forward of the trigger guard. The third picture is the non-studded gun same location - the best angle I have. If we need more pictures we will have to ask the new owner.

Chris

Salaams Mefidk ~ I have to say Im about out of ammo at this point ! Interesting thread thanks..

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.