Matchlock Carbine Circa 1590

Title

Matchlock Carbine Circa 1590

Description

Fine matchlocks like this one from the late 16th or early 17th century are almost nonexistent. Its length suggests that it is a carbine (designed for use by cavalry). The barrel is two-stage octagonal and round with a cannon turned muzzle. Near the breach the barrel has decorative inlays in brass and an obscured maker`s cartouche. The flash pan is attached to the lock, rather than the barrel, as on most early matchlocks. The walnut stock`s butt is of a style that was popular in Brescia and influenced the style in Catalonia. Most of the nail heads on the butt are covered with brass. The butt, trigger plate, and barrel bands are all decorated with Moorish-style inlays. The ramrod has been replaced.

Creator

Unknown craftsperson, Spanish

Source

(1) Handgonnes and Matchlocks, A preliminary essay in the history of firearms to 1500

(2) Making a Proper Slow Match, A historical review
Simplicissimus by Grimmelshausen (German, published in 1668)

(3) A History of Spanish Firearms by Dr. James D. Lavin (published in 1965) page 43-49

Publisher

weaponscollector.com

Date

Circa 1590

Contributor

Frederick Eugene Williams III (known as Jack Williams), Collector

Rights

© weaponscollector.com. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0). Attribution required: "From the F.E. Williams III Collection at weaponscollector.com

Relation

The F.E. Williams III Collection of Antique Firearms

Format

image/jpeg

Language

United States English

Type

Still Images; Artifact Documentation

Identifier

111-0073

Coverage

Temporal: 16th Century
Spatial: Spain, Catalonia

Length Type

Carbine

Lock Style

Matchlock

Loading Mechanism

Muzzle-Loading

Stock Material

Walnut

Bore Diameter

0.65 inches

Bore Type

Smooth

Barrel Length

25 7/8 inches

Overall Firearm Length

40 1/8 inches

Firearm Weight

3 lb, 7 1/4 oz