Yes Philip, a peculiar buttstock indeed.
I would not reject the possibility of this esmerilhão having a different origin, as so often museum personal fails, if it weren't for the fact that the legend states that, there is an identical example in the palace armoury and another one in the Lisbon Military Museum. It does not mention that identical also comprehends the sock shape but, let us believe so.
Curious analogy of the Berço with the Chinese "zimujiang" I was already aware that such connotation is not (only) of Portuguese inspiration. Also the Castillians call it 'verso', but i think i heard the attribution is French. But no doubt the term increased its popularity with King Dom Manuel personal development of this typology by having them forged in one only piece and prepaired for severe endurance; thus the name Berço Manuelino.
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