[Matchlock]

Dating this item is extremely difficult as it lacks almost all clear dating criteria, both technically and stylistically. It might even be earlier than the mid-15th c. It somehow reminds me of the so-called Bohemian pipes of the Hussite Wars, ca. 1420-40. If the hook originally belongs I should assume a date post-1430 as that seems to be the period when the first integral hooks appeared. On the other hand, barrels around as late as 1500 looked much the same, so I allowed an unusually wide span of dating.

Overall length 88 cm, barrel 49.2 cm, bore 25 mm, touch hole diameter 5 mm, weight 8 kg.

Of both rather crude manufacture and stylistic esthetics but doubtlesly of imposing impact ...

The wrought iron barrel round throughout, with only slightly swamped muzzle area, the wooden stock secured to the socket by three nails. Behind the touch hole a bulge which may have acted both as a fire shield for the gunner's eye and as a pan molding for applying the igniting powder at the same time.

The stout hook is forged-welded to the barrel as usual. The bottom of the stock is painted in red with an old inventory no. in 16th/17th century numerals.

Sold at Bonhams, London, 1st Dec 2009.


Best,
Michael