interesting breech-loading petronel-looking for additional info

[Marcus den toom]

I am to predictable

Thank you Michael, these petronels are highly interesting.
A few questions though, the lockplate of the Germanisches Nationalmuseum Nürnberg petronel doesn't seem to fit that well? It almost looks like it used to be a rectangular lockplate instead of the rounded one. Now i know that guns are prone to the style of the period and that more than once a gun was changed to a later style, but the remainder of the gun is still untouched.

My second query is about a second reason for the lack of a grander implementation of breechloading guns. The lock would have to be to far forward on the stock that it would become impractical. Mainly because of the inner mechanisms botching with the barrel and the trigger mechanism beeing to far forward as well.

Thank you again.

Best,
Marcus

[Matchlock]

Hi Marcus,

Don't worry, the lock mechanism is absolutely original to the musket reflecting just one Suhl variant of a few shapes of lock plate outlines that were all in use around ca. 1590-1610. I suppose it is the rear end of the lock plate that does not seem to make a perfect fit but these things often happen when somebody tries to tighten the screws too hard on 400 year-old wood.
Also, the other, almost identical but better preserved petronel in the Veste Coburg features the same shape of lock.

And: you are probably quite right with the thought uttered in your second question.


Best,
m

[Matchlock]

This is a fine, long and extremely heavy Nuremberg made 'military' matchlock petronel of ca. 1580-90, in my collection.
The lock is struck with an indistinct maker's mark, above the Nuremberg proof mark, the serpentine (match holder) is shaped like a sea monster with his scaly back, featuring a second head down at its scrolled tail!
The rear section of the barrel, octagonal to round, is iron-carved and engraved with Renaissance portraits in oval frames all'antica, flowers and stylized acanthus leaves. The stock is of walnut.
The long tubular back sight is chiseled to represent a bearded face.
Of course, this is a 'usual' muzzleloading musket.
Length overall 1,56 cm, weight ca. 10 kg.

Attached at the bottom is an early engraving of ca. 1590, by Jacob de Gheyn, depicting a musketeer with his matchlock petronel.
Author's photographs.

Please see also
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlock+petronel



Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

I have to correct myself:

In post #5, the English equivalent of the French term poitrine is of course chest, instead of breast.

m

[Marcus den toom]

I take it there where no busty madchen in the Coburg elite arquebrasiers? (little word joke)

Not really a big diference but i think you meant #4713 (" VR above a hammer and two stars, is identified as 'Old' Stockel, Haandskydevaabens Bedømmelse, #4714" )

[fernando]

One wonders whether Ahtagot has seen Michael's enlightening or, as he is not yet a regular member, might not have accessed this thread again.
... in which case, he could not yet show his appreciation

[Matchlock]

Hi Nando,

You probably are right; I did not take that possiblity into consideration.

Basically, I am very glad to receive a reply; after all, posting all these facts meant a few hours work for me, spent searching and digitalizing the right and apt photos of exactly similar pieces, just to enble a valid and optimum comparison.

Best,
Michl

[fernando]

Originally Posted by Matchlock

... You probably are right; I did not take that possiblity into consideration...

Benefit of the doubt