Matchlocks at auction

Raf · 14th December 2022, 04:50 PM

In retrospect this rather elegant stock on an Italian matchlock supposedly 1600 looks as if lock and stock might be contemporary. The answer may be that Italian conservatism led to locks in a sixteenth century style being carried over well into the seventeenth century

Lead Snowstorm · 14th December 2022, 09:13 PM

That does look to be quite a close match, down to the somewhat triangular area behind the lockplate - about the only think that doesn't quite match is the wrist/comb area behind the tang. Thanks for posting that one! Almost makes me wish I'd thrown up a bid, although I was saving my pennies for the second matchlock in the auction, lot 6. Will try to get some pictures posted of that one when I receive it.

Also, a very interesting take on the tubes and I could buy it. There was another matchlock (a wall gun) for auction this weekend at a different house, and that one had what seemed to be a rear sight with elongated parallel rectangular blades near the breech (see photos). Not a style I have commonly seen; then again, I'm sort of getting started when it comes to my knowledge base regarding matchlocks/wheellocks.

It is interesting to consider how sights have cycled in complexity and favor throughout history.

corrado26 · 15th December 2022, 07:45 AM

The sword mark on the barrel is a clear sign that the barrel was made in Essen.

In my opinion, the piece shown in post 1 was made in Styria in the vicinity of Graz, at least the shape of the shaft is typical of it.

cornelistromp · 15th December 2022, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corrado26

The sword mark on the barrel is a clear sign that the barrel was made in Essen.

In my opinion, the piece shown in post 1 was made in Styria in the vicinity of Graz, at least the shape of the shaft is typical of it.

goodmorning,

I believe the E on the barrel stands for Arsenal of city Emden/ Ruestkammer der Stadt Emden.

best, Jasper

Lead Snowstorm · 15th December 2022, 01:29 PM

I thought the same regarding the rampart gun’s markings, thanks all! And I believe I also recognize the first matchlock in post #6 as the one sold also from Bruneau, last April if I recall. A very nice piece I thought; but alas I dropped out of the bidding when the price + premium went beyond $10k.

The suggestion that the first piece comes from Styria is very interesting! I believe the matchlock I have coming to me is also from that region, probably one of those examples from Frondsberg.

Lead Snowstorm · 22nd December 2022, 10:18 PM

For those interested, I have finally had the chance to photograph the matchlock I won at auction, lot #6 of the linked auction in the first post.

The barrel is about 95 cm (37-7/16 inches) and the overall length about 134.6 cm (53 inches). The weight (crudely measured by weighing myself on the scale with and without the musket!) is about 4.6 kg (10.2 lbs). The bore is 19 mm (.75 caliber/11 bore).

The lock is functional; the pan demonstrates an "X" with four dots next to the X in each quadrant. Crosses or X's are on the bottom of the pan. The pan cover swivels easily.

The stock retains its metal nosecap, as does the ramrod. The barrel is octagonal to round with parallel incised lines ahead of the heart-shaped rear sight.

A rim of sheet metal is nailed to the buttstock, which demonstrates a superficial crack/split on the left side.

Based on the visual comparison and the description of the split in the buttstock, I believe this matchlock was previously sold at auction by Bonhams in 2009: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/168...?category=list

Lead Snowstorm · 22nd December 2022, 10:19 PM

Photos continued:

14th December 2022, 04:50 PM	#1
Raf Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 252	In retrospect this rather elegant stock on an Italian matchlock supposedly 1600 looks as if lock and stock might be contemporary. The answer may be that Italian conservatism led to locks in a sixteenth century style being carried over well into the seventeenth century Attached Images

14th December 2022, 09:13 PM	#2
Lead Snowstorm Member Join Date: Jul 2022 Posts: 16	That does look to be quite a close match, down to the somewhat triangular area behind the lockplate - about the only think that doesn't quite match is the wrist/comb area behind the tang. Thanks for posting that one! Almost makes me wish I'd thrown up a bid, although I was saving my pennies for the second matchlock in the auction, lot 6. Will try to get some pictures posted of that one when I receive it. Also, a very interesting take on the tubes and I could buy it. There was another matchlock (a wall gun) for auction this weekend at a different house, and that one had what seemed to be a rear sight with elongated parallel rectangular blades near the breech (see photos). Not a style I have commonly seen; then again, I'm sort of getting started when it comes to my knowledge base regarding matchlocks/wheellocks. It is interesting to consider how sights have cycled in complexity and favor throughout history. Attached Images

15th December 2022, 01:29 PM	#5
Lead Snowstorm Member Join Date: Jul 2022 Posts: 16	I thought the same regarding the rampart gun’s markings, thanks all! And I believe I also recognize the first matchlock in post #6 as the one sold also from Bruneau, last April if I recall. A very nice piece I thought; but alas I dropped out of the bidding when the price + premium went beyond $10k. The suggestion that the first piece comes from Styria is very interesting! I believe the matchlock I have coming to me is also from that region, probably one of those examples from Frondsberg. Last edited by Lead Snowstorm; 15th December 2022 at 07:12 PM.

22nd December 2022, 10:19 PM	#7
Lead Snowstorm Member Join Date: Jul 2022 Posts: 16	Photos continued: Attached Images

15th December 2022, 07:45 AM	#3
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,226	The sword mark on the barrel is a clear sign that the barrel was made in Essen. In my opinion, the piece shown in post 1 was made in Styria in the vicinity of Graz, at least the shape of the shaft is typical of it.

22nd December 2022, 10:18 PM	#6
Lead Snowstorm Member Join Date: Jul 2022 Posts: 16	For those interested, I have finally had the chance to photograph the matchlock I won at auction, lot #6 of the linked auction in the first post. The barrel is about 95 cm (37-7/16 inches) and the overall length about 134.6 cm (53 inches). The weight (crudely measured by weighing myself on the scale with and without the musket!) is about 4.6 kg (10.2 lbs). The bore is 19 mm (.75 caliber/11 bore). The lock is functional; the pan demonstrates an "X" with four dots next to the X in each quadrant. Crosses or X's are on the bottom of the pan. The pan cover swivels easily. The stock retains its metal nosecap, as does the ramrod. The barrel is octagonal to round with parallel incised lines ahead of the heart-shaped rear sight. A rim of sheet metal is nailed to the buttstock, which demonstrates a superficial crack/split on the left side. Based on the visual comparison and the description of the split in the buttstock, I believe this matchlock was previously sold at auction by Bonhams in 2009: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/168...?category=list Attached Images