Historical reproductions
An early matchlock reproduction with a distinctive flared exterior muzzle and compact octagon-to-round barrel.
Supplied in a non-firing state.
This smooth-bore matchlock has a 28 1/2-inch octagon-to-round barrel with a .57 calibre bore. As the pictures show, the flare at the muzzle to provide extra strength and was not flared in the bore like a blunderbuss. Overall length of this reproduction is 46 inches. An interesting feature include a safety catch on the trigger lever.
The seamless tempered barrels are made of polished gun steel (type :BS970 no.080M40- auto industry foundry) and the breeches are tight. The barrel walls are thick to match the historic mass of the originals and makes the wait of this "hand gonne" 9lbs.
As with all our other muskets, the vent is not drilled (read details below) so we can ship easily to your door throughout North America and to Europe and the UK. Aside from that they are exactly like the originals. A fine addition to any collection.
Firearms evolved quickly throughout the 16th century. Armies hurried to replace their archers with troops armed with Matchlocks. Caliver patterns or "light" muskets imerged. In the New World the Spanish Conquistadors found their matchlocks had an added shock value when fighting against the Aztecs and other native tribes. The result was the conquest of Mexico.
Other European armies battled with this style of matchlock including Queen Elizabeth's army and navy. However probably the most notable were the German Landsknecht mercenary troops. The Landsknecht matchlock designs were initially more square and ornate in the stock. By the mid 1500s the pattern offered for sale here started to appear.
This slopping stock butt pattern was then introduced to Japan, China, and India by Portuguese explorers and traders in the 1540s and shaped matchlock production in Asia for the next 300 years.
So why was this matchlock short? The quality of steel was poor so the thickness of the barrel walls were significant. So while shorter, it weighs almost 9 lbs. Improvements in steel and metallurgy saw a reduction in the amount of steel needed in a barrel. As a result the matchlock arquebus became longer.
If upon receiving your musket you are not completely happy with your purchase, you may return it for a refund. All we ask is you cover the shipping costs. It has to be returned in two weeks of receipt and be in its original state (unaltered and unmodified).
We sell historically accurate muskets and pistols in a non-firing state for demonstration purposes. This allows us to comply with various local, state, national and international firearms regulations, along with shipping company policy restrictions. This means the product comes right to your doorstep. A certified gunsmith may decide to alter a musket or pistol to a firing state by drilling the vent hole and test firing it. No need to remove the breech plug. We are not legally responsible for any changes from its present state. Please read our Conditions of Use and Legal Disclaimer. The customer is expected to be aware of the laws of their locality that govern products of this nature.