Rare 15th and 16th Century Ball Molds

[Matchlock]

Hi Nando,


Thank you for showing us this specimen.

I think it is notable for contrasting to the earlier stuff on the one hand, and at the same time closely connected with the U.S. ball molds posted above.
Yes, it sure bears witness of heavy use, and I especially like its charming rich patina.

Please allow me to add that the two sharpened scissors right beneath the head were for chopping off the founding nozzle from the ball; this is a remarkable fact because balls keeping that nozzle made binding them to paper cartridges easier.
I reckon that the only kind of fireams which balls retaining their founding neck could not be used with were revolvers.

In the catalog of the latest auction by San Giorgio, Genua, 21 Sept. 2014, I found another mold featuring those scissors.


Attached are images of a rare chest contintaing original paper cartridges for 19th c. U.S. revolvers.


Best,
Michl