Portuguese Matchlock?

bluelake · 15th October 2009, 03:16 PM

I am doing doctoral research on black powder and firearms in Korea's Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Korea's main long arm, from the late 16th century to the late 19th century, was the matchlock. It was patterned after Japanese matchlocks, who had patterned theirs after ones brought by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. However, I cannot seem to find a "Portuguese" matchlock to reference. Are there any pictures of them that anyone knows of? Also, Koreans show in their historical records that their matchlocks were improved after Dutch matchlocks fell into their hands in the mid-17th century; I wondering what improvements there might have been.

Thanks for any help!

T

Below are Korean matchlocks in display at the Korean Army Museum at the Korea Military Academy.

15th October 2009, 03:16 PM	#1
bluelake Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Gyeongsan, South Korea Posts: 57	Portuguese Matchlock? I am doing doctoral research on black powder and firearms in Korea's Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Korea's main long arm, from the late 16th century to the late 19th century, was the matchlock. It was patterned after Japanese matchlocks, who had patterned theirs after ones brought by the Portuguese in the mid-16th century. However, I cannot seem to find a "Portuguese" matchlock to reference. Are there any pictures of them that anyone knows of? Also, Koreans show in their historical records that their matchlocks were improved after Dutch matchlocks fell into their hands in the mid-17th century; I wondering what improvements there might have been. Thanks for any help! T Below are Korean matchlocks in display at the Korean Army Museum at the Korea Military Academy. Attached Images