[Matchlock]

This Early Renaissance barrel was sold at auction by San Giorgio, Genova, February 13, 2011 and fetched 2,000 euro hammer price, which at first sight seems quite cheap.

The catalog description labeled it as '15th century' which is way too early as the following analysis will show.

The wrought iron piece is of long octagonal section, the muzzle area formed as a stylized zoomorphic (animal shaped) sea monster breathing fire in the form of a round and heavily swamped muzzle head. On second thought we notice that the touchhole and pan, originally situated on the rear right hand side, were transformed at some later date of its working life to a functionless cubic block; the rest of the original spark screen at the rear of the pan and cover can still be identified left of that block.

May I add that zoormorphic muzzles were characteristic of the North Italian Renaissance of the 1520's-30's, from where they conquered the Turkish and even Indian styles.

The touchhole was then drilled at the top flat, behind the block shaped rear sight which originally might have carried a tubular sight.

In my straight opinion, a barrel that has been transformed so heavily, whereas many similar have survived in perfect and unaltered conditon for 500 years, is not worthy being included into an advanced collection.

Best,
Michael