Multibarrel matchlock
 

Hi all - I would welcome opinions regarding this intriguing little gun I recently purchased from this ad: https://www.gunsinternational.com/gu...n_id=103305447

The tri-barrels are approximately 12.6mm caliber; the buttstock barrels approximately 7.5mm. Overall length 81 cm, weight 3.964kg.

Lovely. The tri barrles look like they had pan covers. Are there any on the butt barrels? Which I assume were touch fired.

There are provisions for pan covers but all those are also absent - agree the buttstock barrels would require individual touch ignition.

Most interesting and unusual weapon. Just an observation.....the rammer appears to have a brass cartridge end to it with a LIVE primer showing!!:mad:
Stu

It looks more like a brass bushing peened onto a steel rod, after all you don't want your ramrod striking sparks off the barrel do you.

That’s what it seems. There are retaining pipes for a second (missing) ramrod. The ramrod present fits the tribarrels, but isn’t long enough. At a guess the second ramrod would screw into the first, and also have a head small enough for the rear barrels. At least that’s how I’d have done it.

How old do you think this matchlock is?

I would welcome speculation.

The best period 16th century comparisons I found in this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...necht+arquebus

It's in the style of 16th century comparisons in my opinion. The workmanship, steel, wood and details in design indicates a much younger replica.

It was listed as an original 16th century item in the customs paperwork for importation.

Fortunately the seller is a member here and perhaps can provide some further clarification.