A Rare Portuguese (Goa) Snap Matchlock Gun, ca. 1560
 

In the Dresden Museum (Rüstkammer), the unusually shaped lock closely corresponding to that of a breechloading arquebus by Peter Peck, Munich, dated 1553, preserved in the Bavarian National Museum.

The toe of the buttstock is commonly found on South German firearms of the 1540's to 1550's, and both the enormous length as well as the relatively small bore are characteristic of the mid-16th c, and so is the shape of the back sight which looks as if it originally carried an additional tube, probably of brass.

Overall length 164.2 cm, barrel 136.3 cm, bore 13.8 mm, weight 6,320 g.

This looks quite different from what Rainer Daehnhardt identified as Goa productions.

Wish I had better images ...

Best,
Michael

Hi Michael,

Its been a while since I posted. I must say at first glance the painted stock and the shape of the butt are reminiscent of the Japanese Matchlocks introduced by the Portuguese and remained static in design for a considerable time. The lock is difficult to determine from the images.

I see that this piece has been identified though I cannot figure out the text.

Regards.

Hi Anandalal,

The description states that this gun was presented to the Saxon Elector Christian I. by Francesco I. de Medici, Grand Duke of Toscana, in 1587. It also mentions, just as you noted, that the decoration of the stock with its lacquered surface reflects mixed influences of Portuguese, Indo-Muslim and Japanese traditions.

Best,
Michael