A fine silver and silver-gilt mounted Indo-Arab matchlock gun, probably Oman, late 18th/19th century

with part octagonal Turkish 'Damascus' twist sighted barrel with two openwork silver and silver-gilt barrel bands, two sling swivels, the forward one with hanging ornaments including a mother-of-pearl hand pendant, fine filigree muzzle band around iron serpentine, fitted on right side with additional iron arm for match, long engraved silver trigger-plate beneath and engraved silver muzzle sheath, wood stock decorated with silver and silver-gilt motifs, set into swollen wooden butt cap inlaid with geometric mother-of-pearl design, silver-tipped wooden ramrod

In good general condition, some pitting and erosion to steel barrel and locks, the gilt mounts with rubbing resulting in some discoloration as well as on gilt overlay decoration on barrel, the large mother-of-pearl butt cap with some wear and scratches, some mother-of-pearl discolored (possibly restored), as viewed.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This silver and silver-gilt-overlaid Indo-Arab matchlock gun from the Arabian Peninsula features both Indian and Ottoman designs constructed with a Spanish-type barrel. 
As Elgood notes, Omani barrels often came from India and Persia and were quite diffused in the Nejd country, the Hejaz and Yemen. The matchlock was not comfortable to use and the kick from coarse powder could easily damage the shoulder, to prevent this, a semi-circular cover for the butt was added (Elgood 1994, p.46). Our example is finely is decorated with mother-of-pearl design. Similar pieces (but less finely decorated) are now in the Tareq Rajab Museum, Kuwait (Elgood 1995, p.181).