A fine Nuremberg matchlock Landsknecht harquebus, dated 1539

Matchlock · 24th November 2008, 01:12 PM

The Landsknecht harquebusier aims his short matchlock harquebus which closely corresponds to my fine Nürnberg piece dated 1539 at the target.

You can see the serpentine moved towards the pan.

Michael

Matchlock · 1st December 2008, 12:32 PM

At the Museum Ferdinandeum, Innsbruck/The Tyrol.

The non-presence of a pan denotes that the barrel was originally stocked together with

- either a matchlock mechanism with integrally riveted pan

or

- a wheel-lock mechanism.

The present stock is a 19th century reconstruction; while its form seems quite correct the wood is not. It is pinewood whereas heavy pieces were originally stocked mostly in oak and sometimes in ash.

Michael

Matchlock · 1st December 2008, 12:34 PM

For matchlock mechanisms with integrally riveted pans, see

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7518

Michael

Matchlock · 1st December 2008, 12:36 PM

For wheel-lock mechanisms of the 1530's, see

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7110

Michael

Matchlock · 1st December 2008, 12:38 PM

For more matchlock mechanisms with integrally riveted pans, see also

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7524

Michael

Matchlock · 1st December 2008, 12:41 PM

For a fine 1520's wall piece stocked in ash, please see

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7419

Michael

Pukka Bundook · 1st December 2008, 03:27 PM

Michael,

Very fine photographs again!

Comparing your piece to the one at the GNM, I would say yours has had a much better life, and is very preferable!

It appears that the GNM piece stood on the floor for decades, and the heel of the butt-stock rotted away, and wood beetle attacked it rather badly.
It is a shame it was cleaned with acid, and had new screws made with no attempt to age them a little, to look like they belong.
Still, it is a Very nice barrel, with unique decoration.

The barrel from Innsbruck is exceptional! The rather ratty stock is a dis-service in my opinion. It does deserve being stocked up in something better.

I have noticed the muzzle crowning of this type on a couple of yours, Michael.
Does it serve a purpose?....or is it just decoration?
I could imagine a sort of false muzzle fitting over this, with a tapered bore to help in loading.
I gather none of these pieces were designed to be held against the shoulder?

Thank you again for the pictures!

Richard.

24th November 2008, 01:12 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	A Nürnberg Schützen letter, dated 1532 The Landsknecht harquebusier aims his short matchlock harquebus which closely corresponds to my fine Nürnberg piece dated 1539 at the target. You can see the serpentine moved towards the pan. Michael Attached Images

1st December 2008, 12:32 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	A fine brass barrel dated 1539 At the Museum Ferdinandeum, Innsbruck/The Tyrol. The non-presence of a pan denotes that the barrel was originally stocked together with - either a matchlock mechanism with integrally riveted pan or - a wheel-lock mechanism. The present stock is a 19th century reconstruction; while its form seems quite correct the wood is not. It is pinewood whereas heavy pieces were originally stocked mostly in oak and sometimes in ash. Michael Attached Images

1st December 2008, 12:34 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	For matchlock mechanisms with integrally riveted pans, see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7518 Michael

1st December 2008, 12:36 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	For wheel-lock mechanisms of the 1530's, see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7110 Michael

1st December 2008, 12:38 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	For more matchlock mechanisms with integrally riveted pans, see also http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7524 Michael

1st December 2008, 12:41 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	For a fine 1520's wall piece stocked in ash, please see http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7419 Michael

1st December 2008, 03:27 PM	#7
Pukka Bundook Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 803	Michael, Very fine photographs again! Comparing your piece to the one at the GNM, I would say yours has had a much better life, and is very preferable! It appears that the GNM piece stood on the floor for decades, and the heel of the butt-stock rotted away, and wood beetle attacked it rather badly. It is a shame it was cleaned with acid, and had new screws made with no attempt to age them a little, to look like they belong. Still, it is a Very nice barrel, with unique decoration. The barrel from Innsbruck is exceptional! The rather ratty stock is a dis-service in my opinion. It does deserve being stocked up in something better. I have noticed the muzzle crowning of this type on a couple of yours, Michael. Does it serve a purpose?....or is it just decoration? I could imagine a sort of false muzzle fitting over this, with a tapered bore to help in loading. I gather none of these pieces were designed to be held against the shoulder? Thank you again for the pictures! Richard.