2 matchlocks from Oman

Jim McDougall · 9th March 2008, 05:46 PM

You're very welcome Hommine! I really enjoyed learning something about these Omani guns, and researching them in the Elgood book with your great examples to picture the topic. The Elgood book is indeed a fantastic and lavishly illustrated book on the firearms of the Islamic world, which was subsequent to the book on Arabian arms. What is amazing about it, like all of Elgood's work, is the treasure trove of footnotes that serves students of virtually all forms of ethnographic arms and armour in one degree or another. I dont have it with me at the moment, but wish I did!

While the Martini-Henry's were indeed supplanting other guns throughout Great Britain's colonies in the latter 19th century, mostly with the military of course, and were falling into other hands as they were either captured or in some degree traded and smuggled as you note. These early matchlocks remained in use by 'dyed in the wool' tribesmen however, much in the way the rapier remained in use by the Spaniard well into the 19th century. I would not be surprised if in remote regions they are still used.

There are a number of good books that hold markings, typically of armourers in general.
One huge book I know of, if I recall, "One Hundred of the Worlds Greatest Guns", has a large section of markings in the appendix (possibly this can be found interlibrary or book search, I dont recall more details, but think the title is right. Its size is incredible and its heavy.
Also makers marks books by Gyngell, Lenciewicz are excellent (I can find the titles). Some of the old references like "Arms and Armour" by Boeheim (is in German) has great markings section. Search online and a lot can be found as well.

Good luck on your research on these.....they're excellent examples, and thank you for sharing them!

All the best,
Jim

9th March 2008, 05:46 PM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	You're very welcome Hommine! I really enjoyed learning something about these Omani guns, and researching them in the Elgood book with your great examples to picture the topic. The Elgood book is indeed a fantastic and lavishly illustrated book on the firearms of the Islamic world, which was subsequent to the book on Arabian arms. What is amazing about it, like all of Elgood's work, is the treasure trove of footnotes that serves students of virtually all forms of ethnographic arms and armour in one degree or another. I dont have it with me at the moment, but wish I did! While the Martini-Henry's were indeed supplanting other guns throughout Great Britain's colonies in the latter 19th century, mostly with the military of course, and were falling into other hands as they were either captured or in some degree traded and smuggled as you note. These early matchlocks remained in use by 'dyed in the wool' tribesmen however, much in the way the rapier remained in use by the Spaniard well into the 19th century. I would not be surprised if in remote regions they are still used. There are a number of good books that hold markings, typically of armourers in general. One huge book I know of, if I recall, "One Hundred of the Worlds Greatest Guns", has a large section of markings in the appendix (possibly this can be found interlibrary or book search, I dont recall more details, but think the title is right. Its size is incredible and its heavy. Also makers marks books by Gyngell, Lenciewicz are excellent (I can find the titles). Some of the old references like "Arms and Armour" by Boeheim (is in German) has great markings section. Search online and a lot can be found as well. Good luck on your research on these.....they're excellent examples, and thank you for sharing them! All the best, Jim