Matchlock Arquebus

Matchlock · 14th December 2011, 09:21 PM

Simon,

Before going into the required details, I would have to see the following close-ups:

- the muzzle slightly slanted, and the present caliber measured in mm

- the area where the original rear sight was fixed to the top base of the barrel

- Are there traces of a former foresight - I strongly expect them to be there!

Based on this information, I could tell you a lot more, especially as the originally dove-tailed pan and cover were obviously removed as well, so the barrel itself is just a fragment compared to what is was like almost 500 years ago, and I am afraid it will never look the same again. Anything you might probably add, in my opinion, would not by far come in the slightest near the original impression.

Best,
Michael

gbxfb · 20th December 2011, 11:50 AM

Hi Michael,

I hope these photographs provide the detail that you need. The bore
diameter is 16.5mm.

I was rather surprised that you consider my proposed restoration would not
be successful. I suggest that provided the work is carried out to the correct
pattern and style, from the right materials and to a high standard, I cannot
imagine why the overall effect should not be an accurate rendition of the
original piece. This form of reconstruction is carried out routinely in museum
collections worldwide, and I have seen examples at the Royal Armouries in
Leeds. The protocol being not to age the renewed parts so that they may be readily discerned. In this instance the missing tang and priming pan could be
'hung' in the stock which would spare the barrel any further injury, and
would be in line with modern sympathetic conservation practice.

I realize that much of this piece would now be new, however the barrel is
always the core of any long gun, and in this instance a substantial one as it
weighs in at 10lbs.

Best regards,
Simon.

Matchlock · 21st December 2011, 05:59 AM

Hi Simon,

Alright then! The bore seems to be the original which is very good as most early barrels were drilled out in secondary use.
I'd suggest you choose a stock and lock shape from the threads I mentioned above.

Have fun,
Michael

14th December 2011, 09:21 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Simon, Before going into the required details, I would have to see the following close-ups: - the muzzle slightly slanted, and the present caliber measured in mm - the area where the original rear sight was fixed to the top base of the barrel - Are there traces of a former foresight - I strongly expect them to be there! Based on this information, I could tell you a lot more, especially as the originally dove-tailed pan and cover were obviously removed as well, so the barrel itself is just a fragment compared to what is was like almost 500 years ago, and I am afraid it will never look the same again. Anything you might probably add, in my opinion, would not by far come in the slightest near the original impression. Best, Michael Last edited by Matchlock; 14th December 2011 at 09:42 PM.

20th December 2011, 11:50 AM	#2
gbxfb Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Posts: 11	Matchlock Arquebus Hi Michael, I hope these photographs provide the detail that you need. The bore diameter is 16.5mm. I was rather surprised that you consider my proposed restoration would not be successful. I suggest that provided the work is carried out to the correct pattern and style, from the right materials and to a high standard, I cannot imagine why the overall effect should not be an accurate rendition of the original piece. This form of reconstruction is carried out routinely in museum collections worldwide, and I have seen examples at the Royal Armouries in Leeds. The protocol being not to age the renewed parts so that they may be readily discerned. In this instance the missing tang and priming pan could be 'hung' in the stock which would spare the barrel any further injury, and would be in line with modern sympathetic conservation practice. I realize that much of this piece would now be new, however the barrel is always the core of any long gun, and in this instance a substantial one as it weighs in at 10lbs. Best regards, Simon. Attached Images

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21st December 2011, 05:59 AM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Simon, Alright then! The bore seems to be the original which is very good as most early barrels were drilled out in secondary use. I'd suggest you choose a stock and lock shape from the threads I mentioned above. Have fun, Michael