How late 15th to mid 16th century guns were aimed, in historic illustrations

[Matchlock]

Thank you so much for all those kind words, Jim,

Yeah, while we never should forget the cruel impact of a gun - or any kind of weapon, be it hammer, sword or halberd - , as students of these items we may leave the practical aspects aside and are allowed just to try and understand, date and assign arms as objects of arts and crafts - and as an objective part of the culture of mankind.

Unlike you, my sword affiliate friend, I have fired original 400 year old matchlock muskets from my collection, as well as replicas, several times and must admit that each time it was a thrilling effect and much impressive as well. I fully agree with you that lots of accidents must have occured on the battlefields of old. This fact most probably was the reason why Jacob de Gheyn published his manual of exercise with muskets, calivers and pikes (Wapenhandelinghe) in 1608 where each single grip and loading and firing action had be done following an exact command.

All the best,
Michael

[Andi]

Hello Matchlock

Thank you for all this great and interesting infos on early fire arms.

Do you have some more information on the painting showing a dead corps fireing a matchlock arquebuse (not the one from Clusone) such as artist, title and its actual location.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/attach...id=36234&stc=1

Thanks in advance!

[PClemente]

Hi Michael,
Thank you for the interesting posts and detailed pictures.
I was particularly intrigued by the discussion in regards to the sights on early firearms, and it brought to mind the back-sight on a 16th century wheelock carbine that I obtained years ago. The carbine is 32" long and comprised of an 18.5" barrel, with a sight that sits at the base of the barrel. I believe the carbine is possibly French or German dating to 1580 - 1600. The piece exhibits the wear and tear of long and hard usage, and has undergone some repairs and restoration to the stock. I often wonder what good a sight on such a gun would have provided. See the attached pictures...
Regards,
Paul

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Andi

Hello Matchlock

Thank you for all this great and interesting infos on early fire arms.

Do you have some more information on the painting showing a dead corps fireing a matchlock arquebuse (not the one from Clusone) such as artist, title and its actual location.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/attach...id=36234&stc=1

Thanks in advance!

Can you give us the link to this thread, Andi ?
Matchlock has so much material in this forum that is not easy to locate a specific thread, some times
I remember the picture but ...

[Andi]

Holla fernando!

Sorry. The link is actually the url of the image posted by matchlock earlier in this thread. I dont know how to insert an image which has already been upleaded by other users in other posts or threads (just in order not to waste online storage capacity).
I have now uploaded again, please see below.