Yemeni Matchlock

Lfarrell · 8th September 2014, 06:12 AM

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

Kubur · 8th September 2014, 10:25 AM

19th c. South Yemen
Hadramawt
May be the barrel from Persia, 18th c.
Beautiful piece!

trenchwarfare · 8th September 2014, 06:10 PM

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.

Battara · 9th September 2014, 12:23 AM

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.

kahnjar1 · 9th September 2014, 06:14 AM

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

Lfarrell · 9th September 2014, 11:07 AM

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

Lfarrell · 9th September 2014, 11:19 AM

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.

8th September 2014, 06:12 AM	#1
Lfarrell Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 3	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 Attached Images

9th September 2014, 06:14 AM	#5
kahnjar1 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND Posts: 2,739	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 08:27 AM.

9th September 2014, 11:07 AM	#6
Lfarrell Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 3	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

8th September 2014, 10:25 AM	#2
Kubur Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 2,145	19th c. South Yemen Hadramawt May be the barrel from Persia, 18th c. Beautiful piece!

8th September 2014, 06:10 PM	#3
trenchwarfare Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 385	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.

9th September 2014, 12:23 AM	#4
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	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.

9th September 2014, 11:19 AM	#7
Lfarrell Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Posts: 3	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.