SCAMS AND FAKES

[Fernando K]

Hello:

in the key (lock) of Gun uploaded by Matchlock I think that distinguish the top of the wheel has been added a sheet of brass, suitably decorated. Also in the spring from the clamp-pyrites strange working with lime and a punch mark sees a circle (this is also in the clip holder pyrite) and engraving (engraving) in the latter is reduced to the only flat surface. The end of the spring clip holder pyrites, ends in two strange arrows

The bone or ivory inlay on the box (stock) added just seem to give more importance, and in line with the handle.

Affectionately. Fernando K

[Matchlock]

Hi Fernando,


All the other instances cited by you are in my opinion alright and stylistically apt for this unusually early mid-16th c. wheellock pistol. You know this is my special fleld of expertise.
The inlay in the stock is not of ivory, as many people still tend to think, but either consists of mammal bone or staghorn.


Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

This ca. 1560 double wheellock wender pistol and a ca. 1555 three-shot superimposed-load pistol, both in the Vienna museum collection, show how the grip of their 1554 wender 'companion' A1135 in the Wallace in all probablity originally terminated before today's inept lemon-shaped pommel of ca. 1610 was associated to it: either in a symmetrically flattened 'fishtail' butt finial or in a 'dagger-style' pommel.
The long engraved bone sleve on the grip is not original either, the style of its engraving being mere fantasy.

m