Matchlock Arquebus

Matchlock · 9th December 2011, 04:32 PM

Simon,

Believe me: the lock and stock were made in the early 20th century at best, disregading the 'aged' patina and the fact that the lock parts are of wrought iron. Italian forgers 'workshops' did that at large (and still do). They result is often unbelievably good for the inexperienced eye. You must have dismantled and compared a great number of original matchlocks, studied their quality and compared them with forgeries in order to at once judge the differences.

As I said, the barrel was certainly taken from a Landsknecht (mercenary) arquebus, so its original destination was 'military'.

The sad fact is that your 'arquebus' is a crudely composite piece and, in its present shape and to the inexperienced eye, vaguely tries to convey the impression of an Italian 1570-80's matchlock musket but is of incorrect shape, weight and length. Italian (and German) original muskets of that period had fish-tail buttstocks, were at least 1.58 m long and weighed 8 kg and more (sample attached).

Best,
Michael

9th December 2011, 04:32 PM	#7
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Simon, Believe me: the lock and stock were made in the early 20th century at best, disregading the 'aged' patina and the fact that the lock parts are of wrought iron. Italian forgers 'workshops' did that at large (and still do). They result is often unbelievably good for the inexperienced eye. You must have dismantled and compared a great number of original matchlocks, studied their quality and compared them with forgeries in order to at once judge the differences. As I said, the barrel was certainly taken from a Landsknecht (mercenary) arquebus, so its original destination was 'military'. The sad fact is that your 'arquebus' is a crudely composite piece and, in its present shape and to the inexperienced eye, vaguely tries to convey the impression of an Italian 1570-80's matchlock musket but is of incorrect shape, weight and length. Italian (and German) original muskets of that period had fish-tail buttstocks, were at least 1.58 m long and weighed 8 kg and more (sample attached). Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 9th December 2011 at 04:45 PM.