crossbowgun

[Spiridonov]

Has somebody better quality photos of this crossbow? I need also length, width and other dimension parameters. I wish to help to one good men to make the replica of this:
"Crossbow, combined with wheel-lock rifle.
Inscription, initials, coats of arms and emblems of the medal of the golden fleece: Archduke Ferdinand I. of Austria and Anna von Boehmen.
Upper Italy (?), around 1520/26.
From Ambras Castle"

[kisak]

Here's a picture of it from Dolinek's The encyclopedia of European historical weapons. I can't recall there being much in the way of measurements in the book though.

[Matchlock]

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]

More.

[Matchlock]

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]

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]

And the Cross of Burgundy (Wikipedia).

m

[Matchlock]

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]

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

[Matchlock]

Hi Alexander,

Please forgive me for not replying any earlier, I somehow must have overlooked your request. :o

If I am getting you right you wish to know whether the wheel is outside or inside the lockplate. It is outside but extremely small and narrow, like all earliest wheels on locks; it is centered by a spindle and surrounded by a very delicate sickle shaped dog spring.

Does this answer your question? :)

[Spiridonov]

My Belarus friend expresses huge gratitude to those who has answered in this topic. He has given the preliminary drawing for discussion. He will be made replica of this. I can give a high resolution drawing at email if somebody want

[Spiridonov]

a have upload it at www.vfl.ru
http://vfl.ru/i/20100728/655de8c20dd05c63bc239605e18e9013_1.jpg.html