An Extremely Rare 17th Century German Military Match Hider

[Matchlock]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

These are incredibly interesting Michael! Yet another element of the many items and accoutrements that were required in the use of the weapons themselves. While of course the weapons are typically presented in displays in collections etc. it is interesting to see these items along with them.

I honestly had never thought of the burning match that of course would have been used to ignite these matchlock guns. Actually I had not thought much on nightime activity such as combat or marching, assuming that most commonly such things would take place during some degree of daylight.

Obviously my perception of military history of these times is somewhat impaired especially when it comes to firearms. It seems though that Rembrandt's famed painting, commonly referred to as "The Night Watch" was actually a daylight rendering, but darkened over time as the paint became imbued with the usual contaminants and darkened accordingly.

It would seem that carrying a lit match would certainly be a dangerous proposition, especially if it became too close to supplies of gunpowder.
The individual carrying this essential item, as noted, would likely have been not only an identifiable target, but I wonder if they would have been kept away from the main body of the force because of that and the danger element of accidental ignition.

Best regards,
Jim

Exactly, Jim,

Especially when considering that these match hiders were carried on a bandolier together with ten or twelve other containers filled with finely granulated gun powder - and of course with inevidable remnants of powder all over the musketeer's clothes!

I am afraid you are not the only one whose imagination of warfare in olden times will become somewhat impaired (or maybe even impaled ) when studying the actual accouterments.

Best wishes,
Michael