Barrel dating

Matchlock · 29th July 2009, 11:25 AM

Hi Spiridonov,

There were no covers of touch holes in the 1470's.

In about 1450 touch holes started to get surrounded by a slight pan like moulding for the priming powder. These were the earliest forms of rudimentary priming pans.

During the second half of the 15th century, the touch holes tended to 'wander' from the top flat of the barrel to the right side, just above the wood of the stock, step by step.

With both the touch holes and their priming mouldings becoming larger within that same period of time, we find the erliest examples of fully developed pans and covers around 1500.

This explanation is oversimplified, though, and can by no means be regarded as a rule. There are lots of examples of barrels with a touch hole still on the top flat and with no pan like moulding as late as ca. 1500. After the turn of of the century, however, they rapidly vanish and pans with covers start prevailing.

Best,
Michael

Spiridonov · 29th July 2009, 12:05 PM

Arquebuse of Martin Merz 1475 year have flashpan

Matchlock · 29th July 2009, 01:09 PM

This is another big error in arms literature; Martin Merz' book was on artillery; he died in Amberg, Bavaria, in 1501.
He started writing his book in 1475 and finshed it shortly before his death; it was common in those days to write sketch books that were already bound, and often leave a couple of pages free for later amendmends.
This drawing of a handgun with the pan on the right side of the barrel, with a matchlock on a fully developed lock plate and a carved wooden stock must have been one of Merz' latest additions.

I attach a photo of his tombstone made of red marble; he was blind in one eye, probably from an accident at work.

Best,
Michael

Matchlock · 29th July 2009, 01:28 PM

Two matchlock arquebuses simillar to the drawing by Martin Merz, from the Ingenieurskunst- und Wunderbuch (Book on Engineering and Miracles), Weimar, ca. 1520's, fol. 196r.

The barrels can be formally dated to ca. 1500.

Michael

Spiridonov · 29th July 2009, 01:39 PM

Thank you! It is the very interesting fact!

Matchlock · 29th July 2009, 01:51 PM

For a barrel from your preferred period of interest please go to:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10526

29th July 2009, 11:25 AM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	The development of touch holes, pans and covers Hi Spiridonov, There were no covers of touch holes in the 1470's. In about 1450 touch holes started to get surrounded by a slight pan like moulding for the priming powder. These were the earliest forms of rudimentary priming pans. During the second half of the 15th century, the touch holes tended to 'wander' from the top flat of the barrel to the right side, just above the wood of the stock, step by step. With both the touch holes and their priming mouldings becoming larger within that same period of time, we find the erliest examples of fully developed pans and covers around 1500. This explanation is oversimplified, though, and can by no means be regarded as a rule. There are lots of examples of barrels with a touch hole still on the top flat and with no pan like moulding as late as ca. 1500. After the turn of of the century, however, they rapidly vanish and pans with covers start prevailing. Best, Michael

29th July 2009, 01:09 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	This is another big error in arms literature; Martin Merz' book was on artillery; he died in Amberg, Bavaria, in 1501. He started writing his book in 1475 and finshed it shortly before his death; it was common in those days to write sketch books that were already bound, and often leave a couple of pages free for later amendmends. This drawing of a handgun with the pan on the right side of the barrel, with a matchlock on a fully developed lock plate and a carved wooden stock must have been one of Merz' latest additions. I attach a photo of his tombstone made of red marble; he was blind in one eye, probably from an accident at work. Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 29th July 2009 at 03:28 PM.

29th July 2009, 01:28 PM	#4
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Two matchlock arquebuses simillar to the drawing by Martin Merz, from the Ingenieurskunst- und Wunderbuch (Book on Engineering and Miracles), Weimar, ca. 1520's, fol. 196r. The barrels can be formally dated to ca. 1500. Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 29th July 2009 at 03:29 PM.

29th July 2009, 12:05 PM	#2
Spiridonov Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Russia, Leningrad Posts: 355	Arquebuse of Martin Merz 1475 year have flashpan

29th July 2009, 01:39 PM	#5
Spiridonov Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Russia, Leningrad Posts: 355	Thank you! It is the very interesting fact!

29th July 2009, 01:51 PM	#6
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	For a barrel from your preferred period of interest please go to: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=10526