Matchlock Pistol ?

Matchlock · 29th June 2012, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickystl

Hi Michael!! THANK YOU for your most detailed and informative response. You always under promise and over deliver!!

I'm back at this thread a little late. I've been busy reading/sharing the additional Posts and threads you so kindly provided. Wonderful. I and others can't thank you enough.

Further down this Thread the conversation went to movie type guns. Thought you all might enjoy these pics. Michael said:

"Flintlocks firing without their frizzen even being closed"

This a cut down M1873 Springfield Trapdoor Rifle made to look like a flintlock -from a distance. These were used in the early movies from the 1930's up to probably the early 1960's. This specimen is from the U.S. MGM Studios inventory. Have no idea what movie(s) this was used in. But it sure has seen a lot of use. These pics don't belong on the European Forum, but thought I would post them in case anyone was curious. Thanks again, Rick.

Hi Rick,

Thanks a lot for your nice words!

Oh yeah,

This former Springfield rifle is an absolutely 'overwhelming' example of a crude and ruthless prop gun!

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 29th June 2012, 09:01 PM

Hi Rick,

This 'matchlock' pistol is an interesting instance of a former North Italian, most certainly Brescian, wheellock holster pistol of ca. 1635-40, altered probably in the 19th c. to convey the impression of a matchlock. The present lock is a complete dummy, maybe a crude replacement for the missing original wheellock mechanism; the whole item may even be a 19th c. production.

The position of the serpentine is not correct either; it should turn to the right by ca. 45 degrees.
Moreover, original matchlock serpentines were never atached by means of a screw; they were always riveted.
The trigger too is fantasy style.

Attached at bottom please find instances of authentic Breascian matchlock arquebuses, with the serpentines in correct form and place, and riveted.

Finally four images of a completely authentic Brescian wheellock pistol, ca. 1635-40; please note the correct form of the trigger!

Thanks for showing.

Best,
Michael

rickystl · 2nd July 2012, 07:50 PM

Hi Michael. That was my thought when I first saw this picture. This is another one of those copies made during the Victorian period utilizing some original parts. But, thank you for detailing the specific inaccuracies. I told the other guys not to get their hopes up. LOL

Now, you would have to show me those magnificent pair of pistols. I'm getting hearburn just to imagine holding those in my hands

Thanks for posting for others to see. Rick.

Matchlock · 2nd July 2012, 10:08 PM

Hi Rick,

I found those pistols on the web; a dealer labeled them as sold.

Four original 1640's Austrian matchlocks in optimum, as-new condition (!), were sold right out of an arsenal, and for ridiculous prices (ca. 2,500 USD each) at an international auction in 2008.
They were undamaged original in all parts, including the ramrods!
I am convinced they had never even been fired (some images attached).

That may be double the sum of a replica, or a bit more - but what the heck! They are far better in quality, and imagine their great age and history!

They all went to dealers ...

m

Matchlock · 2nd July 2012, 10:15 PM

Some more close-ups.

m

Matchlock · 23rd July 2012, 08:18 PM

Some really fascinating views of the three-barreled matchlock revolving pistol from post # 1 - dismantled!!!

m

29th June 2012, 09:01 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Rick, This 'matchlock' pistol is an interesting instance of a former North Italian, most certainly Brescian, wheellock holster pistol of ca. 1635-40, altered probably in the 19th c. to convey the impression of a matchlock. The present lock is a complete dummy, maybe a crude replacement for the missing original wheellock mechanism; the whole item may even be a 19th c. production. The position of the serpentine is not correct either; it should turn to the right by ca. 45 degrees. Moreover, original matchlock serpentines were never atached by means of a screw; they were always riveted. The trigger too is fantasy style. Attached at bottom please find instances of authentic Breascian matchlock arquebuses, with the serpentines in correct form and place, and riveted. Finally four images of a completely authentic Brescian wheellock pistol, ca. 1635-40; please note the correct form of the trigger! Thanks for showing. Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 30th June 2012 at 08:48 PM.

2nd July 2012, 10:08 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Rick, I found those pistols on the web; a dealer labeled them as sold. Four original 1640's Austrian matchlocks in optimum, as-new condition (!), were sold right out of an arsenal, and for ridiculous prices (ca. 2,500 USD each) at an international auction in 2008. They were undamaged original in all parts, including the ramrods! I am convinced they had never even been fired (some images attached). That may be double the sum of a replica, or a bit more - but what the heck! They are far better in quality, and imagine their great age and history! They all went to dealers ... m Attached Images

2nd July 2012, 10:15 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Some more close-ups. m Attached Images

23rd July 2012, 08:18 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Some really fascinating views of the three-barreled matchlock revolving pistol from post # 1 - dismantled!!! m Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 23rd July 2012 at 09:13 PM.

2nd July 2012, 07:50 PM	#3
rickystl Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO area. Posts: 1,630	Hi Michael. That was my thought when I first saw this picture. This is another one of those copies made during the Victorian period utilizing some original parts. But, thank you for detailing the specific inaccuracies. I told the other guys not to get their hopes up. LOL Now, you would have to show me those magnificent pair of pistols. I'm getting hearburn just to imagine holding those in my hands Thanks for posting for others to see. Rick.