UAE > Antique firearms

Antique firearms

Historically, most of firearms found in Arabia were manufactured and imported from Europe, with the biggest majority coming from Britain. In addition to the previously mentioned most of the weapon were imported from Oman, Yemen and Eastern Africa. Locals obtained firearms and other weapons through trade and the spoils of warfare. The Qawasim rulers also supplied riffles to their guards and the men who fought beside them in battle. Foreign dignitaries occasionally gifted firearms to the region’s sheikhs.

Matchlock muskets and Martini- style rifles were some of the most popular firearm models used in Sharjah, they are still used for ceremonial purposes during Eid, weddings and other special occasions.

Firearms were particularly treasured by the Bedu (Bedouins) who relied on the weapons for hunting and protection against enemy tribes.

Rifles were equipped with a carrying strap that could be worn across a shoulder. In some instances, a riffle might rarely leave an owner’s side. Firearms were often handed down from one generation to the next.

Cannon were introduced to this region by the Portuguese in the late 15th century. Decades later, the british army arrived in the Gulf region, bringing cannons with them. Most cannons were made of cast iron and were mounted on carriages ( Wooden or metal bases) to make moving and changing the angle of the cannon easier.

Cannons were ideal weapons for long-range fighting. The length a cannonball travelled depended on a variety of factor, including type, size, weight, the angle of the cannon and wind resistance. The amount of gunpowder inserted into the barrel also contributed to the distance the cannonball could travel - in retrospect, the more gunpowder there is, the stronger the force is, thus the greater the expulsion of the cannonball is, however excessive gunpowder could lead to the explosion of the cannon itself.

Metalsmiths created certain types of munition, such as the shot, created by pouring molten lead into molds. Before the 20th century, many bullets, musket balls and shots were made of lead.

Gunpowder was used to propel ammunition from firearms and cannons. The powder was ignited by a spark, which in return caused an explosion to force the projectile through the barrel and into the air.

Gunpowder is made from a combination of charcoal, sulfur and saltpetre (Potassium nitrate). The three ingredients were available in this region; whilst saltpetre was imported from Iran.

In Sharjah, ibex, gazelle, and goat hornams were made into gunpowder flasks. Flasks were often hung from a Mahzam (ammunition belt) for ease of access.