8 and 4 shot German matchlocks, ca. 1610

[Matchlock]

For superimposed loads. Concentration was important for both loading and firing ...

The 8 shot piece in the Musée de l'Armée, Paris, the one with the four serpentines and pans in the Koninklijk Museum van het Leger en van de Krijgsgeschiedenis, Brussels.

Michael

[Pukka Bundook]

As long as one kept a clear head, and started the ignition at the correct end, it should be ok!...but these very interesting guns appear to have had little usage. (Maybe even then, the prospective firers may have had enough imagination to see if things went wrong it could be rather bad!)

Still, the same principle can be seen applied to flint, and even percussion, so it must work.
Thankfully, the rarity of such pieces has kept them intact, to show us the inventive spirit of the times!

Many thanks for the pictures, Michael.

BTW, I find the revolving matchlocks most fascinating!. The ones I have seen even look elegant, and would be very interesting to examine.

Richard.

[Matchlock]

I fully agree with all you said, Richard.

Exchanging posts with you is at least as inspiring as it is rewarding.

Thanks a lot,

Michael

[Matchlock]

... called Luntenschloss-Drehling in German.

In the Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nürnberg.

Michael

[Pukka Bundook]

Thanks for the pictures, Michael

I seem to remember seeing a photo of a very nice German revolving matchlock in the museum in St Petersburg, or whatever they call it these days!
If time permits I'll look for the picture.

Best wishes,

R.

[Matchlock]

I would love to see that Eremitage picture.

Best wishes,

Michael