The matchlock was the first mechanism, or "lock" invented to facilitate the firing of a hand-held firearm. This design removed the need to lower by hand a lit match into the weapon's flash pan and made it possible to have both hands free to keep a firm grip on the weapon at the moment of firing, and, more importantly, to keep both eyes on the target. This is a C 1800 Indian matchlock musket. It has a massive 44” long 20 bore octagonal barrel and measures 5 feet overall length. The smooth bore has residue and staining to be expected. It has a wood stock and the metalwork has hand tooled decoration and brass fittings. It has a bead fore sight and block with notch rear sight. It has a metal press trigger on the underside of the stock which correctly moves the 'match holder' to the metal powder pan which has a swivel cover (illustrated inset in image 2). The musket is fitted with a steel sling ring. The wood and metal have the wear and patina to be expected of a native Indian weapon of its age. The price includes UK delivery. NB As an antique matchlock musket no licence is required to own this item in the UK. Sn 15728
£425.00