First matchlock, from decades ago.

Yeah, very impressive. I really love all those inlaid animals and the town scenes. You, Pukka, and Dave Person are the most talented people I've ever seen. I've never seen such fine workmanship as yours and Dave's.

I thank you W Rusty!

I must say though, I am a long way behind Dave! He's a brilliant hand, and I'm just a farmer with no time much to play.

I really appreciate your comments though! ...So pleased you like it!

All the best, and Thank you again!
Richard.

Absolutely gorgeous!

Rudyard kindly sent me some patterns so I too can make a matchlock. I am having great trouble sourcing a piece of hollow bar for a barrel. It is available over east, but they won't post it. I will make up a lock and some furniture while I muck about and source a barrel. Damn fine first attempt, I really like the whole thing. The engraved inserts a ver in keeping with the period.

as I said in post #16, you can't improve on perfect!! it is most perfect! and it looks to belong in a EUROPIEAN MUSEAUM!! you better return it before it is missed, LOL!!

Toot,
LOL!!!!!
Gordon,
Don't machine shops keep heavy wall tubing?

I got some recently for another short snapping matchlock.
Some blokes here are regular customers, and get lighter stuff for shotgun and double-barreled builds.
I have some, but it's get expansive posting it to you!

Trooper,

Thank you. Very kind of you!

I am sure I will manage to find some locally, bloody minded perseverance !

Completely smitten. Outstanding. It must of taken months, years.....thanks for sharing.

B.

Brit,
It evolved, that's all. Started with a few basic lines, then a bit more inlay here and there.
I don't remember how long it took! Once I started inlaying, it was half an hour here and there as time permitted.
It seems to shoot V well.
Pleased you like it.

Gordon,
Keep us posted O'wd lad..... What style are you planning on making? I really like the snap-locks. So Very Fast!

I sent Gordon details of the common ECW period Match locks since this was the first sort he saw back in Adelaide But your right the snap match is the best sort for target use . Though Henry the eight bought thousands of Venetian snap Match locks such as where recoverered from the wreck of the' Mary Rose' . and I believe these same source M'locks where the sample the Japoneese first got & copied there after if with local varients in detail .. Only the crafty Portugees flicked off a broken one with its butt largely trimmed off . .Should any doubt this I say compare them . Rudyard .

Good morning Mr. Rudyard ,
Thanks for info on type of match for Gordon. I think it'd be one of yours he saw down in Adelaide wasn't it? ......Jarra stocked?
I will be emailing you soon! Been fighting to get some harvest done, and by the time the day is done, so am I.
Heavy cloud this morn. Fingers crossed for a nice day!
I really fancy making a snap target rifle. I need you to send me info on how the 'string' set trigger works.
Hope it's warmer down there than up here. Been minus 10 or so at night.

All best,
Mesel'.

Pukka Bundook said:

Gents ... my first attempt at a matchlock.

Started with the odd inlay and it went from there. 300 and odd inlays, fruits, nuts and animals. Very enjoyable to make it was.
Some inlays were rough copies of the type we see on English/Dutch and German matchlocks.
Took a while practicing to get to draw the critters as they were drawn in the 16th & 17th centuries. If they looked like Real animals, i'd have got it wrong.

Click to expand...

Simply beautiful inlays set by an artist and craftsman! 'Twas almost possible to choose a favorite. I could only select two "finalists." However, the barrel/ramrod display is especially nice, and could be the one. :*) Here they are again, certainly a worthwhile second viewing!

wiksmo

Dear Pukka Gordons yes loosely. Re sting set trigger will dig out my file on matchlocks I never made that sort at least not with the set trigger but its for the late cheek stock type. more anon. Cheers Me That is 'Rudyard '

PS If I send you Pics can you post them for this forum for me ?

Dear Rudyard,

Yes, I can post pics here for you.

Wiksmo,
Very pleased you like it, and I think you picked one of my favourite inlays,...the rabbit at the muzzle end!

Best wishes,
R.

It would seem and quite rightly that the hopeless mess my attempt to respond with pics of Match locks was removed . That's fine as I sent my pics to Pukka to post or such as are relavant . They include the usual dragons & strange creatures as where popular in those days Regards Rudyard

Dear Rudyard,
I'll check me E's tonight. Got Finished harvest!...baling straw at present. In late and out early. Rain then snow today they say, so no time to lose.
I will post your pics for you soon as I can.

Dear Pukka,

Your matchlock is superb, very reminiscent of English and Dutch pieces of the late 16th century.
I have a question, Are the long 'string' lines along the length of the fore end and around the fishtail done by hand? How did you go about getting such a neat and perfect line on them?

Good morning Mr. Cossack,

So pleased you like the gun!

The lines were drawn on, the straightest parts using a straight -edge, then cut out by "Stabbing in" with a chisel, (straight down ) The chisel moving on only a part of the blade width so as to get a continuous cut with no staggering. (Riding in the previous cut, so to speak)
Then, chisel layed over and the second cut at an angle, cutting back to the first cut to form a Vee. I think if I remember right, that I used a three-cornered file to dress it up afterwards and a "V" block of wood wrapped with sanding paper.

I know sometimes I use a wood marking gauge, that follows the stock contour whilst scribing a line to follow, but do not remember if I used it on this one or not. (Decades ago. )

I hope this answer is clear enough, if not, let me know and I'll try some more!

Thank you Pukka

You have explained that very well.
I suppose the curved lines were set out freehand as well.

Often, curved lines are set out by hanging a finger over the edge of the stock, pencil in hand. stock edge acts as a guide, Or the marking gauge can
be used the same.

Best,
R.