A very fine small portable haquebut (Halbhaken), the stock dated 1516 (?)
 

Painted on the right side of the down curved buttstock is a coat-of-arms, flanked by a somewhat blurred date, probably 1516, and most probably of Nürnberg make.

It never had a lock.

Preserved at the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, purchased at auction at Christie's, Geneva, 16 April 1977.


Michael

The date may more probably read 1510 or 1512.

Michael

At first glance one might tend to read 1610 or 1612 but it should be kept in mind that cyphers like 5 were quite often reversed 500 years ago.

Michael

Defining 500 year old datings can be very tricky indeed ...

Any suggestions?

Michael

Alright, o.k.,

I realize what you want to know:

Any dating in between 1510-20 would, in my opinion, be formally correct - so what ...
:rolleyes:

Michael

Reversed cypher 5 in the date 1504.
 

That's what I meant when noting that the spelling of the cyphers 3, 5 and 7 in 500 year old dates can be tricky sometimes.

Michael

More impressions of the fine Halbhaken arquebus with the painted stock in the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow.

m

pictures © Andrea Carloni.

Oh, thank you, Andrea Carloni and Jasper!

m

The arquebus in post #1 measures only 73 cm overall, cal. 14 mm smoothbore.
The Kelvingrove Museum Glasgow, inv.no. A. 1977.65.up.

m

Please also see:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...necht+arquebus

Best,
Michael