A small group of Combined Horseman's Hammers/Axes and Wheellock Pistols, ca. 1550

[Matchlock]

This rare and early object, Nuremberg, ca. 1550, the lock etched and gilt, the iron grip retaining its original cord binding, was sold at Czerny's, Sarzana, in November 2013.
The lock is of early type, with the sickle-shaped dog spring half encircling the wheel cover. The "upward" section of the iron haft also forms the barrel, with the muzzle hidden benath a spring-loaded swiveling hinged cover; the hammer head and cover are punched with cirles and engraved with floral motifs.
Rear to the lock the grip is pierced for the lanyard, a leather sling securing the item to the wrist.
Thus equipped, the rider could fire at his opponent first, and only in case he had missed him he would have had to use the hammer.

More than 80 per cent of those 16th c. combination weapons are fakes or at least part scams, put together using several old parts; this one seems to all original, though.

For war hammers of common type please see my thread:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19346


Best,
Michael