A matchlock chronology, ca. 1520 to 1720

Matchlock · 14th December 2008, 12:57 PM

That's how these matchlock wall pieces are stored on their original shelves at Graz.

Michael

Pukka Bundook · 14th December 2008, 02:51 PM

Good morning, Michael.

Thank you for the reply.
I am surprised the dummy wheellock was made that way. I have never seen one before with such nice internals, inc. engraved spring!
It shows that at this time, the old matchlock was not looked down on, as something inferior.

Re. the Styrian wall guns, a few things surprise me;
The barrels look to be of high quality, Very well finished!.....something not always seen at this early date.
More surprising to me, is the use of a conventional trigger and guard!
(When we think that sear locks were being made for about 100 years after this time, and many snap locks were still using the button on the lock-plate, or an early unguarded trigger.)
It is interesting to see the trigger and guard off-set, so as to make the reach shorter on the heavy, thick stock.
Also. this is the first time I have seen this simple method of tightening the jaws of the cock on the tinder. .....Very simple! I would like to try making an arrangement like this!
Looking at these pictures, I started to itch to give these guns a 'drink' of oil!....they look a bit dry and thisty.

Graz looks like a place to not miss if I ever get to that part of the world!
I could be los in there for hours...days!

Thank you for posting these pictures!!

Richard.

Matchlock · 7th October 2009, 02:59 PM

A detached mechanism for an arquebus, retaining its long tiller trigger acting on the forward match serpentine while the rear snap tinder cock is released by a lateral push button.
Length of lock plate 21 cm.

On the fore end of the lock plate, right underneath the foot of the serpentine, a small Nuremberg city proof mark is struck - please see detail image.

Both the cock and dog (serpentine) retaining a piece of tinder and match cord respectively and of corse both served the same pan alternatively.

Sold October 5, 2009, Hermann Historica, Munich, at a hammer price of 1,500 euro.

Cf. similar combination locks in my collection posted in this thread.

Best,
Michael

Gonzalo G · 8th October 2009, 12:56 AM

Very interesting and informaative, Michael. Can you post something likewise with flintlocks and wheelocks? Sorry if I ask too much, it was just and idea.
Regards

Gonzalo

14th December 2008, 12:57 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	That's how these matchlock wall pieces are stored on their original shelves at Graz. Michael Attached Images

7th October 2009, 02:59 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	A Very Rare ca. 1550 Nuremberg Combined Snap Tinder and Matchlock Mechanism A detached mechanism for an arquebus, retaining its long tiller trigger acting on the forward match serpentine while the rear snap tinder cock is released by a lateral push button. Length of lock plate 21 cm. On the fore end of the lock plate, right underneath the foot of the serpentine, a small Nuremberg city proof mark is struck - please see detail image. Both the cock and dog (serpentine) retaining a piece of tinder and match cord respectively and of corse both served the same pan alternatively. Sold October 5, 2009, Hermann Historica, Munich, at a hammer price of 1,500 euro. Cf. similar combination locks in my collection posted in this thread. Best, Michael Attached Images

14th December 2008, 02:51 PM	#2
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Good morning, Michael. Thank you for the reply. I am surprised the dummy wheellock was made that way. I have never seen one before with such nice internals, inc. engraved spring! It shows that at this time, the old matchlock was not looked down on, as something inferior. Re. the Styrian wall guns, a few things surprise me; The barrels look to be of high quality, Very well finished!.....something not always seen at this early date. More surprising to me, is the use of a conventional trigger and guard! (When we think that sear locks were being made for about 100 years after this time, and many snap locks were still using the button on the lock-plate, or an early unguarded trigger.) It is interesting to see the trigger and guard off-set, so as to make the reach shorter on the heavy, thick stock. Also. this is the first time I have seen this simple method of tightening the jaws of the cock on the tinder. .....Very simple! I would like to try making an arrangement like this! Looking at these pictures, I started to itch to give these guns a 'drink' of oil!....they look a bit dry and thisty. Graz looks like a place to not miss if I ever get to that part of the world! I could be los in there for hours...days! Thank you for posting these pictures!! Richard.

8th October 2009, 12:56 AM	#4
Gonzalo G Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Nothern Mexico Posts: 458	Very interesting and informaative, Michael. Can you post something likewise with flintlocks and wheelocks? Sorry if I ask too much, it was just and idea. Regards Gonzalo