Centre of Excellence for Historic Arms

Published on:
Apr 09, 2019

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Curators required in Oman

Dr Christopher Roads, the HBSA President, retired Deputy Director General of the Imperial war Museum and author of the British Soldier’s Firearm has been in Oman for several years setting up a cutting edge museum dedicated to the firearm. The project is now complete and the museum open.

He is now seeking curators. Please see the attached notice giving details. Applicants are requested to contact Dr Roads via email at armshist@omantel.net.om with expressions of interest.

Derek Stimpson

Chairman

Historical Breechloading Smallarms Association

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In keeping with the Sultanate of Oman’s reputation for valuing highly its remarkable heritage of historic guns a Centre of Excellence for Historic Arms opened its first phase, its displays, to the public on 3^rd April 2019.

There is a fine collection of arms of almost all periods and very wide geographical coverage presented in a functional manner.  Some of the displays are unlike anything to be found anywhere else and go far beyond usual norms whilst the archive and library include items of world heritage.

The Centre is now looking to fill for vacancies for curators.  Serious candidates must have a good general knowledge of firearms with, preferably, specialism in at least one area or aspect.  They should also have a reasonable background of curatorial activity in a museum or collection of standing.

The areas of activity, which it is hoped to cover, include educational and instructional, extending to the conducting of and lecturing to visiting parties from universities, the Services and, even, schools.  General curation of the collection of arms, ammunition, accessories and ancillaries is also required.  One of those so recruited must have appropriate qualifications to run a useful archive of documents from the dispersal in 2008 of Birmingham’s gun making records (c1850 – c 1950) as well as a passable library of contemporary and earlier firearm literature.

The successful candidates will be expected to reside near the Centre, which is located in the fortress at Birkat Al Mouz near Nizwa and literally 50 meters only from the sole road leading to the hill station on the Jebal al Akhdar, which rises to almost 10000 feet.  For technical and legal reasons employment contracts are for one year, renewable annually, with an initial integral period of three months’ probation.  An appropriate work visa will be supplied.  Whilst candidates under 60 may be preferred, those over may be accepted if outstanding.  Remuneration is at rate of Omani Rials 2700, which is roughly, at present, 5000 GBP per month.  There is no local taxation but successful candidates will be expected to pay for their own accommodation and board.  Leave is one month per annum but with so small a curatorial staff leave must be taken with consideration for other staff.  One of the four posts is rated at the lesser sum of Omani Rials 2300 p.c.m.

Christopher Roads MA PHD

Project Director

April 2019

Applicants are requested to contact Dr Roads via email at armshist@omantel.net.om with expressions of interest.