15 century arquebuse

[Marcus den toom]

Hi Philip

it is true that hooked barrels where mostly those of heavier/larger pieces like the haquebuts. There are though also quit a few examples of smaller hooked guns, some of them recieved a hook at a later point in their lifes.

One piece in particular is worth noting, this matchlock arquebuse in the Musée de l'Armée in Paris (museum of arms). They have put a date of 1470-1500s on it but i think that the whole contraption is from at least after the 1500s and the lock has been replaced or at least the serpentine has been along with the original square screws/nails.
This as well could be a total historismus piece with just an original but heavy cleaned barrel (the barrel has been cleaned, but heavy pitting is left, while on the lock and trigger there is far less corrosive damage).

Good pictures is very important and also a good background wich we can find in this ever progressing forum