A Fine and Highy Unusual Portuguese Double Dog Wheellock Gun, ca. 1580

[Matchlock]

Preserved at the arsenal of the Veste (fortress) Coburg, Northern Bavaria.

Please note the very rare feature of two dogs for the igniting pyrites being present, one of course serving as a reserve just in case that the pyrites in the other one breaks. It is also notable that the short upper arm of the outer mainspring for the wheel at the same time acts on the left dog! The profusely figured and silver inlaid stock and the highly stylized lock parts both represent the taste of the Late Renaissance Mannerism, while the stock inlay in the Oriental taste indicates that this superb gun was probably made as a present for some Cingalese-Malayan ? potentate.

'Nando, c'mon and teach me more!

With my thanks to the unknown photographer who posted this on flickr.com.

Best,
Michael