Monday 4 August 2008

Matchlock



The classic arm of Louis XIV's army, the matchlock musket, (the mousquet a meche), has a distinct look and it is worth considering acquiring one in preference to the English Civil War types most repros are. It shouldn't be too expensive to get a gunmaker who specialises in arms of this era, like Derbyshire arms to make one for you - it will be even cheaper to order them in numbers. The matchlock was in official use until 1699 though numbers of them were still in use by 1704.
The above engraving by Nicholas Guerard is interesting in that the matchlock musketeer looks like he has a socket bayonet.

No comments: