8th September 2014, 05:12 AM | #1 |
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Yemeni Matchlock
I have recently been given this matchlock. Told it was bought from a store in yemen. I would like to know more about its providence - age of the weapon, type of rifle, place of manufacture, is it an intact piece? Some images are posted including a barrel stamp
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8th September 2014, 09:25 AM | #2 |
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19th c. South Yemen
Hadramawt May be the barrel from Persia, 18th c. Beautiful piece! |
8th September 2014, 05:10 PM | #3 |
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Yes, nice gun. Is the metal work silver, or aluminum? Looks like the latter to me. If so, more like mid 20th century. Or at least, decorated then.
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8th September 2014, 11:23 PM | #4 |
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Nice and interesting piece. I would say either silver or white metal. Testing by a jeweler would determine which. Aluminum wouldn't have any green patina.
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9th September 2014, 05:14 AM | #5 |
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Nice piece but IMHO the decoration is mid to late 20th century, and typical of Yemeni work. Likely white metal rather than silver. The matchlock gun could be older. I would call the style Indo/Arab, and agree that it probably originated from the Hadhramaut region.
It looks to be complete, though an old break in the stock is evident. The older piece of iron/steel band over the top of the comb of the stock is to strengthen the repair. The white metal decorated plate shows no damage and this is why I say that this decoration is a later (and more modern) addition. Also the wound banding down the barrel is not usual, and is likely to enhance "eye appeal" at point of sale. Similar matchlock style from Oman at this link http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18302 and here http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18832 Stu Last edited by kahnjar1; 9th September 2014 at 07:27 AM. |
9th September 2014, 10:07 AM | #6 |
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Thanks
Thanks for the replies and valuable information. The banding looks to be beaten silver to me, although i have not had it tested, and i agree probably added later to enhance its looks
I am interested in the actual gun type/make - if there is one associated with this piece, especially the makers mark on the top of the barrel - if anyone can shed some light on this? If this piece is from a yemen/arab origin - did they also make the base weapon? or could it have been made in europe and transported out to the far east for local sale? Many Thanks Liam |
9th September 2014, 10:19 AM | #7 |
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Thanks Stu - for your reply
Out of interest - I am currently living in Dubai, but am originally from NZ (Hokitika), and lived a long time in christchurch. Any ideas on how to legally bring this gun into the country?? - ie: collectors licence, importing licence?? any info woudl be appreciated. |
10th September 2014, 06:58 AM | #8 | |
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Stu |
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10th September 2014, 07:07 AM | #9 | |
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The gun itself is IMHO unlikely to have been made in Europe, and could have been made anywhere in Arabia or India. Beyond that I can not help, though others may have more concrete evidence as to origin. As stated earlier, the term Indo/Arab is usually applied to this STYLE of matchlock. Stu |
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10th September 2014, 11:35 AM | #10 |
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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. Last edited by Andrew; 10th September 2014 at 03:51 PM. |
10th September 2014, 03:50 PM | #11 |
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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 |
10th September 2014, 06:51 PM | #12 | |
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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. |
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1st December 2014, 11:48 AM | #13 |
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yemeni matchlock
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 |
1st December 2014, 12:04 PM | #14 | |
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rajeshalva@hotmail.com |
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7th December 2014, 08:28 AM | #15 | |
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WHATS THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR BUYING GUNS FROM THERE,REGARDS RAJESH |
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8th December 2014, 05:55 AM | #16 | |
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Hope this helps. Regards Stu |
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8th December 2014, 11:47 AM | #17 | |
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Regards, Ibrahiim al Balooshi. |
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