A very fine small portable haquebut (Halbhaken), the stock dated 1516 (?)

[Matchlock]

Painted on the right side of the down curved buttstock is a coat-of-arms, flanked by a somewhat blurred date, probably 1516, and most probably of Nürnberg make.

It never had a lock.

Preserved at the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow, purchased at auction at Christie's, Geneva, 16 April 1977.


Michael

[Matchlock]

The date may more probably read 1510 or 1512.

Michael

[Matchlock]

At first glance one might tend to read 1610 or 1612 but it should be kept in mind that cyphers like 5 were quite often reversed 500 years ago.

Michael

[Matchlock]

Defining 500 year old datings can be very tricky indeed ...

Any suggestions?

Michael

[Matchlock]

Alright, o.k.,

I realize what you want to know:

Any dating in between 1510-20 would, in my opinion, be formally correct - so what ...
:rolleyes:

Michael

[Matchlock]

That's what I meant when noting that the spelling of the cyphers 3, 5 and 7 in 500 year old dates can be tricky sometimes.

Michael

[Matchlock]

More impressions of the fine Halbhaken arquebus with the painted stock in the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow.

m

[cornelistromp]

More impressions of the fine Halbhaken arquebus with the painted stock in the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow.

m

pictures © Andrea Carloni.

[Matchlock]

Oh, thank you, Andrea Carloni and Jasper!

m

[Matchlock]

The arquebus in post #1 measures only 73 cm overall, cal. 14 mm smoothbore.
The Kelvingrove Museum Glasgow, inv.no. A. 1977.65.up.

m

[Matchlock]

Please also see:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7542&highlight=matchlock+Landsknecht+arquebus

Best,
Michael