Arquebus de jour

cannonmn · 23rd December 2011, 04:57 PM

This piece is obviously iron, but I'd like to know if it is wrought iron or cast iron. I don't think these were being made from cast iron during the period I think this is from (early 16th C.,) but someone kindly help me out here. Please tell me where this would have been mounted, with the very long swivel piece, perforated at the end.

Dimensions: Length of barrel: 34 3/4 in.

Length of swivel mounting piece: 17.5 in.

Bore: 1.24 in.

Weight: 31 lbs.

Thanks!

cannonmn · 23rd December 2011, 04:58 PM

fernando · 23rd December 2011, 05:46 PM

Strange

.
Some parts look cast and others look wrought ... like the swivel.
Michl ?

Matchlock · 23rd December 2011, 08:17 PM

India, 17h/18th c., in the German style of the early 16th c. Identical barrels were used in Indian matchlock muskets (toradar) and wall guns.

m

cannonmn · 23rd December 2011, 10:16 PM

Thanks Michael, I never would have guessed.

cannonmn · 24th December 2011, 03:15 AM

I should have mentioned that now this one may wind up being a "shooter." I would have to make some kind of shoulder stock for it in order to shoot it, because that is impossible now due to the severe muzzle-heaviness.

Matchlock · 27th December 2011, 08:16 PM

John,

I wish to underline the important fact that this Indian barrel is probably earlier than I thought at first, which is really great!

The standing integral backsight, the riveted pan cover and the overall length made me think so. They all closely relate to early-16th c. Italian and German arquebus barrels which were shipped to India and widely copied there for hundreds of years.
As far as I can tell, from at leat the 17th c., these barrels considerably extended in length, and by at least mid-18th c. lost their pan covers, with no trace of a possibly former rivet.
This might date your barrel to the mid to late 16th c., backing up at the same time 'Nando's briliant observation that the swivel is significantly different, and consequently not originally belonging!

After all I must say I have never seen such an early Indian barrel as yours!

Best,
Michael

cannonmn · 27th December 2011, 08:47 PM

Thanks again Michael, then I will re-adjust my plans and maybe only fire blank loads in it

fernando · 27th December 2011, 09:45 PM

Let me add that i like it, John !
If ever you want to get ride of it, i'll be here to give it a home

23rd December 2011, 04:57 PM	#1
cannonmn Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 161	Arquebus de jour This piece is obviously iron, but I'd like to know if it is wrought iron or cast iron. I don't think these were being made from cast iron during the period I think this is from (early 16th C.,) but someone kindly help me out here. Please tell me where this would have been mounted, with the very long swivel piece, perforated at the end. Dimensions: Length of barrel: 34 3/4 in. Length of swivel mounting piece: 17.5 in. Bore: 1.24 in. Weight: 31 lbs. Thanks!

23rd December 2011, 04:58 PM	#2
cannonmn Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 161	The rest of the pix

23rd December 2011, 05:46 PM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Strange . Some parts look cast and others look wrought ... like the swivel. Michl ?

23rd December 2011, 08:17 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	India, 17h/18th c., in the German style of the early 16th c. Identical barrels were used in Indian matchlock muskets (toradar) and wall guns. m

23rd December 2011, 10:16 PM	#5
cannonmn Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 161	Thanks Michael, I never would have guessed.

24th December 2011, 03:15 AM	#6
cannonmn Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 161	I should have mentioned that now this one may wind up being a "shooter." I would have to make some kind of shoulder stock for it in order to shoot it, because that is impossible now due to the severe muzzle-heaviness.

27th December 2011, 08:16 PM	#7
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	John, I wish to underline the important fact that this Indian barrel is probably earlier than I thought at first, which is really great! The standing integral backsight, the riveted pan cover and the overall length made me think so. They all closely relate to early-16th c. Italian and German arquebus barrels which were shipped to India and widely copied there for hundreds of years. As far as I can tell, from at leat the 17th c., these barrels considerably extended in length, and by at least mid-18th c. lost their pan covers, with no trace of a possibly former rivet. This might date your barrel to the mid to late 16th c., backing up at the same time 'Nando's briliant observation that the swivel is significantly different, and consequently not originally belonging! After all I must say I have never seen such an early Indian barrel as yours! Best, Michael

27th December 2011, 08:47 PM	#8
cannonmn Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 161	Thanks again Michael, then I will re-adjust my plans and maybe only fire blank loads in it

27th December 2011, 09:45 PM	#9
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Let me add that i like it, John ! If ever you want to get ride of it, i'll be here to give it a home