This is another big error in arms literature; Martin Merz' book was on artillery; he died in Amberg, Bavaria, in 1501.
He started writing his book in 1475 and finshed it shortly before his death; it was common in those days to write sketch books that were already bound, and often leave a couple of pages free for later amendmends.
This drawing of a handgun with the pan on the right side of the barrel, with a matchlock on a fully developed lock plate and a carved wooden stock must have been one of Merz' latest additions.
I attach a photo of his tombstone made of red marble; he was blind in one eye, probably from an accident at work.
Best,
Michael
Last edited by Matchlock; 29th July 2009 at 03:28 PM.
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