8th March 2008, 11:30 AM | #1 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 21
|
Powder boxes from Oman
Hi I have have listed some powderboxes, firestriekers etc. I bought in Oman. I believe they are quite old. I am particularly interested in any comments on the letter belt with the several wooden powderboxes , these little "pipes" have geometric designs on them that have been burned in the wood. The leather is strung with a lace around the piepes so the powder stays inside. Actually one of them is a bone... Has anyone seen one of these before any idea how old.
There is also a curieus silver firestriker with a nice silver chain. Does anyone know if this was only for decoration or did it have another purpose? Hielke |
8th March 2008, 05:55 PM | #2 |
Arms Historian
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Route 66
Posts: 9,868
|
Hi Hommine,
As in the matchlock post, I found information on these in Elgood (op.cit, p.47, fig.4.9 and 4.10) as well. The silver powder flask are termed 'talahiq' and are of 19th c. and the wood powder flasks are 19th c. also. I'm not sure on the powder boxes, but do know these carried measured charges, and wonder if the markings might denote quantity? The chain on the firestriker probably prevents its loss, but chains were highly favored decoratively as well. The decoration on accoutrements signify the extreme importance of weaponry to the machismo and image of the warrior. Best regards, Jim |
9th March 2008, 12:09 AM | #3 |
Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
Posts: 2,731
|
NICE PIECES
Hi Hielke,
Very nice items. If you are ever interested in parting with any please let me know. I have a small selection of Omani items including a Talahiq and an Omani decorated Martini Henry rifle. Also 2 nice Khanjar shown in attached pics. The comments about the matchlocks follow what I understand about them. Those ones though, are as far as I am aware, are definately Omani in origin--not Indian. Regards Stuart |
9th March 2008, 03:42 PM | #4 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 637
|
nice pieces the charger tubes are a common way of loading matchlocks and flintlocks. you will find these in afghanistan russia turkey etc. I have a number of these belts. decoration of tubes is common by file work or burn. the silver in many of these pieces was done by the jewish silver smiths. 18-19th century. The only one I would question is the chain with the striker at the end. That looks like souq work to me. The powder measure is nice some of these incorporate a plunger device to be able to measure out different loads some do not
|
9th March 2008, 09:54 PM | #5 |
Member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 21
|
silver firestriker
The silver firestriker is a strange object. You can't strike fire with it (silver). However it was bought long before the tourist era in the interior. It also has significant wear and tear and is finely made. It must have been some sort of symbol. The silver powderboxes were also worn symbolically in Oman long after the matchlocks were used. Have never seen another silver firestriker before. Maybe it was just a fun object. I bought some antique miniature brass cooking pots that were also made for fun / to play.
Hielke |
18th June 2011, 06:20 PM | #6 | |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Buraimi Oman, on the border with the UAE
Posts: 4,408
|
Quote:
The Talahiq are interesting and were worn round the neck sometimes hanging down the back...Like all silver, the items worn are Talismanic and may be thought of rather as; Gold the Sun / Silver the Moon. They too are very rare now. Very nice stuff... Thanks. Ibrahiim al Balooshi. Last edited by Ibrahiim al Balooshi; 19th June 2011 at 05:11 PM. |
|
18th June 2011, 08:46 PM | #7 |
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: St. Louis, MO area.
Posts: 1,623
|
Wonderful stuff !!!! I'm wipping the drewl off my mouth as I look at the photos And that silver decorated Martini !!! Thanks for posting pics. Rick.
|
|
|