1750s Toradar - Damascus Steel Barrel?

[augc]

Anyone collecting matchlocks, please?
A couple of years ago I got this Indian beauty from a closing military museum near Hull.
The barrel seems Damascus steel - I did not have it tested in a lab, but there are a few characteristics of such steel that make me think it is what I suspect...
If anyone has one with a similar barrel then would you mind sharing some pictures, please?
Thank you very much in advance!

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Welcome AugC!
I'm from up the road near Middlesbrough but in Canada now.
You don'

t give us close-ups of the barrel to be able to judge.
(Sorry the museum closed down though!)
What I can say, is nearly 100 percent this gun came from Oman.
It is very typical of the stocking up of this regeion.
Now here is where the discussion begins, as there is a strong possibility that these barrels were made in northern India.
Some say Persian barrels, but Tipu Sultan had two similar to this, and I have seen others stocked up in torador style .
Often there is a remove dpoincon at the breech. Evenon Tipu's guns , this poincon was removed and I do not know why.
These are pretty high end barrels and I have a couple. Not tried a etch, but Indian barrel makers managed to come up with all sorts of twist and pattern welded pieces of incerdible workmanshiip.
Will attach a pic of one of mine if I can find it!
Sorry, these are the only pictures I can find at present!
Will look when I have more time.

Best,
Richard.

 

[rickystl]

Hi Augc

I also agree with Pukka. Your matchlock is from Oman. The stock shape, barrel design, etc. all fit the Omani pattern. And it appears your's is in nice condition. Much better than most seen today.
I've read that these fancy Omani barrels were made in 2 or 3 sections and forge welded together on a mandrel. They are likely some form of Damascus. But I'm not educated well enough in the various patterns of Damascus to recognize the differences. As Pukka mentions, the barrel could well have been made in Northern India, in the Omani pattern. And as Pukka mentions, some believe the original barrel design originates from Persia. But I don't believe that's ever been confirmed.
Here are some pics of my Omani barrel for comparison. Note how it matches with Pukka's and Yours, including the rear sight. Imagine what it would cost today to have a barrel like this made with all the chisel and flute decoration.

Rick