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- May 24, 2005
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Hi Guys.
Now here's a real curiosity. Judging by the wood, someone built this matchlock sometime during the late 20th Century. The seller didn't really know what he had and so advertised the gun as "A replica Jazail Type Matchlock with an Old Barrel". Well, it's certainly that. :haha: The trigger/serpentine all work just fine. However, the gun was built - using an original Omani matchlock barrel called Abu Fathilah, meaning Father of the Match. Experts date these fluted barrels to the 17th Century, handed down fromfather to son, and probably re-stocked as time went on. (the non-fluted barrels date to the 18th Century, but are still attractive). If you Google Omani Matchlock you will see what the correct gun looks like.
But I bought this gun very cheap, and it was well worth it just to get the barrel. The barrel is in nice condition with no external corrosion. Just a nice smooth dark patina it's entire length. It's 46" long and .55 caliber at the muzzle end. Down the road I may have a gun build around the barrel more accurately representing an original gun. But if not, I'm happy to just add the barrel to my collection.
Anyway, there is a blockage in the bore starting about 3" from the back of the breech. (A load ? :shocked2: ) ?? It feels like some type of semi-hard cloth (?) The patch puller will grip it when turning, but it won't seem to budge. Hmmmm. :hmm:
If there is a ball in there, it would have to be behind this material. Should I try soaking ? Or what would you guys suggest ? Thanks for any help. Here are some pics as I received it. Seems that someone put enough effort into it to make a shooter as the trigger/serpentine action is very smooth and accurate.
Rick
[/URL
[URL=http://s743.photobucket.com/user/rickystl/media/Omani%20Matchlock%20Barrel/005%20Medium_zpsprjqpsny.jpg.html]
Now here's a real curiosity. Judging by the wood, someone built this matchlock sometime during the late 20th Century. The seller didn't really know what he had and so advertised the gun as "A replica Jazail Type Matchlock with an Old Barrel". Well, it's certainly that. :haha: The trigger/serpentine all work just fine. However, the gun was built - using an original Omani matchlock barrel called Abu Fathilah, meaning Father of the Match. Experts date these fluted barrels to the 17th Century, handed down fromfather to son, and probably re-stocked as time went on. (the non-fluted barrels date to the 18th Century, but are still attractive). If you Google Omani Matchlock you will see what the correct gun looks like.
But I bought this gun very cheap, and it was well worth it just to get the barrel. The barrel is in nice condition with no external corrosion. Just a nice smooth dark patina it's entire length. It's 46" long and .55 caliber at the muzzle end. Down the road I may have a gun build around the barrel more accurately representing an original gun. But if not, I'm happy to just add the barrel to my collection.
Anyway, there is a blockage in the bore starting about 3" from the back of the breech. (A load ? :shocked2: ) ?? It feels like some type of semi-hard cloth (?) The patch puller will grip it when turning, but it won't seem to budge. Hmmmm. :hmm:
If there is a ball in there, it would have to be behind this material. Should I try soaking ? Or what would you guys suggest ? Thanks for any help. Here are some pics as I received it. Seems that someone put enough effort into it to make a shooter as the trigger/serpentine action is very smooth and accurate.
Rick
[/URL
[URL=http://s743.photobucket.com/user/rickystl/media/Omani%20Matchlock%20Barrel/005%20Medium_zpsprjqpsny.jpg.html]