crossbowgun

Matchlock · 15th May 2010, 06:32 PM

Hi Alexander,

This is the earliest closely datable combined wheel-lock gun and crossbow. It came, as you said, from Schloss Ambras, The Tyrol, and is preserved in the Bavarian National Museum in Munich.

The measurements are:

Length overall: 73 cm
Length of barrel: 39.9 cm
Caliber: 9.8 mm smoothbore

I attach more images that I took myself. Sorry for the unusual poor quality but I took them during various visits there and was not always allowed to use flash. Moreover, they are 20 years old.

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 15th May 2010, 06:39 PM

More.

Matchlock · 15th May 2010, 06:53 PM

Please note that the wheel-lock dog is incomplete, the top with the jaws is missing.

As is the case with the earliest matchlocks, there are no screws to the mechanism; all parts are riveted.

Michael

Matchlock · 15th May 2010, 07:42 PM

The inscription reads:

FERDINANDVS on the center of the octagonal rear section, inlaid in gold against the blued ground.

F and A on the stock, together with the arms of the Golden Fleece below an archduke's hat.

That's about all I can tell you, sorry.
I attach images of the Order of the Golden Fleece but not from that object.

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 15th May 2010, 08:09 PM

And the Cross of Burgundy (Wikipedia).

m

Matchlock · 15th May 2010, 08:46 PM

Just one more note:

Alexander,

As you called it a rifle, please remember that the barrel is of course not rifled but, as I wrote, smoothbore.

m

Spiridonov · 15th June 2010, 07:25 AM

Is the wheel of the lock of this crossbowgun open or closed? I can't understand it looking at photo

15th May 2010, 06:32 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Alexander, This is the earliest closely datable combined wheel-lock gun and crossbow. It came, as you said, from Schloss Ambras, The Tyrol, and is preserved in the Bavarian National Museum in Munich. The measurements are: Length overall: 73 cm Length of barrel: 39.9 cm Caliber: 9.8 mm smoothbore I attach more images that I took myself. Sorry for the unusual poor quality but I took them during various visits there and was not always allowed to use flash. Moreover, they are 20 years old. Best, Michael Attached Images

15th May 2010, 06:39 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	More. Attached Images

15th May 2010, 07:42 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	The inscription reads: FERDINANDVS on the center of the octagonal rear section, inlaid in gold against the blued ground. F and A on the stock, together with the arms of the Golden Fleece below an archduke's hat. That's about all I can tell you, sorry. I attach images of the Order of the Golden Fleece but not from that object. Best, Michael Attached Images

15th May 2010, 08:09 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	And the Cross of Burgundy (Wikipedia). m Attached Images

15th May 2010, 06:53 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Please note that the wheel-lock dog is incomplete, the top with the jaws is missing. As is the case with the earliest matchlocks, there are no screws to the mechanism; all parts are riveted. Michael

15th May 2010, 08:46 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Just one more note: Alexander, As you called it a rifle, please remember that the barrel is of course not rifled but, as I wrote, smoothbore. m

15th June 2010, 07:25 AM	#7
Spiridonov Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Russia, Leningrad Posts: 355	Is the wheel of the lock of this crossbowgun open or closed? I can't understand it looking at photo