Hi Michael,
As a complete novice at medieval guns, aside from sharing in the obvious accolades on what a fantastic piece this is, all I have is lots of questions.
Aside from the fact that walnut is a favored wood in N. Italy, what in particular would distinguish this as Brescian?
What caliber does 10mm & 8mm translate into? If these are standard calibers would this technically qualify as a caliver?, as was often a term for lighter arquebus' of standard bore.
With these being smoothbore, why would a sight be needed or used? and presumably the three forward barrels might have been fired simultaneously to achieve the 'volley fire' method to ensure a hit.
As always, I wonder about decorative motif, and is there distinguishable parallel in other Brescian weapons that might be compared ?
How soon after these matchlock arquebuses did the German wheellock mechanism begin use in Brescian guns?
A virtual 'barrage' of questions I know
but these guns really are fascinating, and though I have difficulty with the mechanisms, I think the history of the developing types is most interesting.
Thank you Michael as always, for sharing these!!!
All the best,
Jim