Omani matchlock

trenchwarfare · 11th September 2014, 02:44 AM

Over the years, I've noticed a shield, or house shaped indentation, on the breach area of guns form the Near, and Middle East. Even as far as India. The indentation is usually about 3/8" tall, 1/4" wide, and quite deep. Sometimes there are two, or more. Were these once filled with a gold "amulet", or "talisman" that has since been robbed? There never seems to be any design inside. Just curious.

kahnjar1 · 11th September 2014, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trenchwarfare

Over the years, I've noticed a shield, or house shaped indentation, on the breach area of guns form the Near, and Middle East. Even as far as India. The indentation is usually about 3/8" tall, 1/4" wide, and quite deep. Sometimes there are two, or more. Were these once filled with a gold "amulet", or "talisman" that has since been robbed? There never seems to be any design inside. Just curious.

Good question!! The shape you mention resembles those on Italian barrels, and some barrels seen on ME guns are Italian. It is quite possible that you are right about the insert being removed, but I personally do not have any direct knowledge of this. Perhaps Ibrahiim might respond here with some "local" knowledge.

11th September 2014, 02:44 AM	#1
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	Shield Device Over the years, I've noticed a shield, or house shaped indentation, on the breach area of guns form the Near, and Middle East. Even as far as India. The indentation is usually about 3/8" tall, 1/4" wide, and quite deep. Sometimes there are two, or more. Were these once filled with a gold "amulet", or "talisman" that has since been robbed? There never seems to be any design inside. Just curious.