Matchlock Musket

Dateabout 1600

Mediumsteel, iron, and walnut wood

Dimensions120.2 × 155.6 cm (47 5/16 × 61 1/4), (caliber) 20 mm, 12 lb, 4 oz (weight)

ClassificationsArms and Armor

MarkingsTop of breech with maker's mark of swan below letter "G.C", the whole within cusped, shield-shaped recess. Forward of this are incised letters "GS". Underside of breech with stamped pearled, "P", probably for the German word "Probe" (proof). Stockmaker's (?) initials "DM" on stock at base of barrel tang. None of these are in Stockel. Small notch cut into the basal rear edge of the lockplate. WJK, 7 Apr 93.

Credit LineThe John Woodman Higgins Armory Collection

Terms

Object number2014.13

DescriptionMilitary sear-matchlock musket with a full stock and an early form of "fish-tail" butt.

Polished iron smoothbore circular-section barrel for about two-thirds of length, becoming octagonal with tri-level molding between. Slightly flaring, bevelled muzzle. Breech has inserted plug with tang squared at end, right of plug is broken off. Barrel has fixed iron bead foresight; tubular rear sight was once fitted at breech.

Let into slot in right side is iron priming-pan with flash-shield & pivoted flat cover with oblate spheroid terminal. Sear-matchlock is held by 2 conically headed iron screws, rear of which is lost. Flat rectangular lockplate, tapering slightly rearward. Serpentine is riveted to its axle, curves sharply & is fitted with flat D-shaped thumb-screw. Iron sear-bar screws into internal mechanism, & curves down & away from stock.

Full-length walnut stock with ramrod groove has 2 sheet-iron bands around stock only. Barrel is held to stock by large screw passing up through stock into breechplug tang, & 3 transverse pins (restored) engaging ears on barrel underside. Wrist of stock has flattish, broad thumb-notch & an early slightly curved octagonal section "fishtail" butt, once fitted with nailed on butt plate on flat end.

Restored wooden ramrod has cylindrical iron cap.

Bore is 25/32"
Label TextBy 1600, powerful firearms like this infantry musket dominated European battlefields, and were a real threat to armored soldiers. Under the right conditions, musket shot could pierce most armor. However, these guns were prone to misfiring, and most muskets of the day were quite heavy, requiring a forked rest for support.ProvenanceProbably from the Festung Hohenwerfen, Archduke Eugen sale of 1927 (possible lots include 63-67, 186-90, or lot 1090) Max Williams (NYC) Purchased by John W. Higgins on March 7, 1928 from Anderson Galleries (NY); Max Williams collection sale no. 2242, lot no. 34. Price paid for lot. Given to the Museum on January 8, 1947. Collection Transfer from Higgins Armory, January 2014.

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