LUSO-CINGALEZE MATCHLOKS

[fernando]

I thaught this is a theme that, besides Philip Tom, might be of interest to other members.
Given that these weapons examples are rarely pictured, i am showing here two of them, scanned from a thematic auction catalogue printed in 1989, on Portuguese discoveries and naval expansion stuff.
Both pieces were produced in Ceylon. The first one was made still in the XVI century. Its total length is 1,70 mts. The barrel, unfortunately not shown in the picture, is from an original Portuguese musket. This is considered a very rare and important specimen; it was exhibited in various places, including the 17th. European Council exhibition, and was pictured for a well known edition of Portugal History.
The second one, a long piece with 1,95 mts. was produced by XVII-XVIII century, after the Portuguese period in Ceylon, but follows entirely the model introduced in the Island by the the son of the first Portuguese Vice-Roy in India, in 1505. It has a decoration of high quality, with details similar to those in pia-faetas. Also considered a very rare piece. The text quotes that Colombo had at the time specialized in matchlocks, exporting them to the other Islands. Part of these arms, however, would not be for active use, but to be exposed in the Temples, as offers to the Divinities.
Just for the record,the auctioners were Palacio do Correio Velho, one of the finest over here.
fernando