Stu,
To quote you;
"There MUST be some sort of holder to attach the match to the gun otherwise it would just fall out and be lost. "
I don't know that much about matchlocks, but can't see how the match can be lost, as it is wrapped around the stock behind the breech, and the other end is in the jaws of the serpent.
European matchlocks have no match holder, apart form the serpent, and the match was often wrapped around either the barrel or the arm.
I suppose if a very short length of match was used this could be a possibility, but such a short length would be unusual and the jaws would hold it well enough. Am I missing something obvious?? (Wouldn't be the first time!!)
Marcus,
Thank you for the link to the other photos. Very kind of you!
Best regards
Richard.
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