Thanks Andreas, I am happy to learn about the names Afedali and Moukhala.
In searching I also learned that it is not a flintlock but a “snaphance lock.” I had assumed that the inlays were ivory but now I think they might be bone. I wonder if there is a way to determine what material was used.
The way it is held when shooting is still a mystery to me. If held at the shoulder the shooters nose touches the cocked hammer and the burning powder in the pan would likely be blinding. The bend of the elbow cannot be used against the butt of the stock because when the hand is on the trigger the stock is too short to reach the bend. So I can only imagine that the butt of the stock is not supported in any way but is free to recoil except for being held by the shooters two hands. Maybe the answer is that this is the best way to shoot from a galloping horse.
|