Matchlock Carbine

Object Name/Title

Matchlock Carbine

Catalog Number

111-0073

Model Designation

Spanish Arcabuz/Escopeta Style Carbine

Physical Description

A fine matchlock carbine from the late 16th or early 17th century, notable for its cavalry-oriented design. The barrel features a two-stage octagonal and round construction with a cannon turned muzzle. The breech is decorated with brass inlays and contains a maker's cartouche. A distinctive feature is the flash pan's position relative to the lock. The weapon represents a significant evolution from earlier hand cannons, incorporating improved design elements for better handling and operation.

Firearm Type

Carbine

Maker, Manufacturer, or Workshop

Unknown (obscured maker's cartouche present)

Date of Manufacture

Late 16th/Early 17th century, circa 1590

Action Type

Matchlock (Sear Lock variant)

Loading Method

Muzzle-loading

Caliber/Gauge

0.65 inches

Measurements

Overall length: 40 1/8 inches (101.9 cm)
Barrel length: 25 7/8 inches (65.7 cm)
Weight: 3 lb, 7 1/4 oz (1.56 kg)
Bore: 0.65 inches (16.5 mm)

Component Materials

Barrel: Steel
Stock: Walnut
Furniture: Brass (butt, trigger plate, barrel bands)
Decorative elements: Moorish-style inlays

Stock Details

Walnut stock with Brescia-influenced butt style typical of Catalonia. The butt features brass coverings and Moorish-style inlays.

Rifling Details

Smooth bore

Markings and Proofs

Obscured maker's cartouche at breech
Decorative brass inlays in Moorish style on butt and barrel bands

Object History

This type evolved from early hand cannons (known as hand-gonne or handgonne). The development represents a significant advancement in personal firearms technology, moving from simple pole-mounted cannons to more sophisticated shoulder-stocked weapons. The design incorporates improvements such as repositioned touch holes and dedicated flash pans, marking the transition from primitive hand cannons to more practical military firearms. The style shows influence from both Spanish (arcabuz) and Catalonian gunmaking traditions.

Subject Terms

Early firearms, Spanish firearms, Matchlock, Arcabuz, Escopeta, Military weapons, Cavalry weapons, 16th century weapons

Temporal and Spatial Coverage

Temporal: 16th Century
Spatial: Spain, Catalonia

Related Collections

The F.E. Williams III Collection of Antique Weapons and Artifacts

Collection Attribution

Frederick Eugene Williams III (known as Jack Williams), Collector

References and Citations

Handgonnes and Matchlocks, A preliminary essay in the history of firearms to 1500

Making a Proper Slow Match, A historical review Simplicissimus by Grimmelshausen (German, published in 1668)

A History of Spanish Firearms by Dr. James D. Lavin (published in 1965) page 43-49

Rights Statement

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