Help! Authentic?

[Smokey Plainsman]

Here is a matchlock I’m considering buying. Is it authentic in its design and build to period snapping matchlocks?

https://www.lodgewood.com/Custom-Late-15th-Century-Snapping-Matchlock_p_6289.html
I’d like to buy it but not if it’s not a good representation of period guns. Thanks!

 

[TobJohn]

It is not quite right, but their closest so far

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

It is not quite right, but their closest so far

I see. Can you elaborate?

 

[TobJohn]

I see. Can you elaborate?

Screws are very questionable for this period, often used more sparing

Most similar snapping arquebuses from this period have a lock more like this:

I haven’t seen one with their set up for the trigger button.

The backs of the stocks also don’t seem to be as parallel, but that can be survivorship bias

*I remembered an illustration from the beginning of the 1500s that has a closer shape:

However, this illustration that is allegedly from the Lucern Chronicle has arquebuses that have a slightly similar stock shape:

It’s also very questionable if there were snapping arquebuses in the 15th century. There is art of the period showing arqubuses, but it is unclear if they have locks.

 

[TobJohn]

This is the earliest complete snapping matchlock I am aware of and the Royal Armouries estimates their almost identical one (missing a lock and right handed) is from the first decade of the 16th century

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Smoky,
I believe TobJon has answered your questions very well.
The gun is a bit of a hodge-podge and think they are asking a lot for something like that.

If I had the time and made one I would ask no more and hope it would be "righter" ! LOL!
I would not be happy if I'd made it, Smoky.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Thanks, gang. Your input and knowledge are greatly appreciated!

This isn’t the first time I’ve been interested in one of the matchlocks that Lodgewood has had for sale recently. I see this one still is not very historically accurate.

It’s a shame so few builders are offering matchlocks. I know there are some in Europe but I’ve had a tough time arranging sale and delivery to the US from the maker in Poland who’s name escapes me.

I do have an American-made serpentine handgonne that is ridiculously fun to shoot, but also almost impossible for any realistic target shooting due to the design. I’m very fascinated with these early matchlock guns!

 

[Sam squanch]

Ehh… close enough in the looks department. The general public won’t know the difference.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Smoky,
I have a barrel I made needs stocking up.
Won't say I will get it done this winter, but if I do you can have first refusal.

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

Ehh… close enough in the looks department. The general public won’t know the difference.

I’m not worried about the “general public” lol. I don’t,plan on reenacting with it. But it will personally bug me with how incorrect it is.

 

[Sam squanch]

Probably as close as you will get unless you build one yourself or pay big money for an exact replica.

 

[TobJohn]

Thanks, gang. Your input and knowledge are greatly appreciated!

This isn’t the first time I’ve been interested in one of the matchlocks that Lodgewood has had for sale recently. I see this one still is not very historically accurate.

It’s a shame so few builders are offering matchlocks. I know there are some in Europe but I’ve had a tough time arranging sale and delivery to the US from the maker in Poland who’s name escapes me.

I do have an American-made serpentine handgonne that is ridiculously fun to shoot, but also almost impossible for any realistic target shooting due to the design. I’m very fascinated with these early matchlock guns!

I think the company that made the handgonne is supposed to have a proper matchlock released in the near future, but I remember seeing that a year ago and no word since.

Veteran Arms LLC becomes American Hasta Flagship Dealer

 

[Smokey Plainsman]

I think the company that made the handgonne is supposed to have a proper matchlock released in the near future, but I remember seeing that a year ago and no word since.

View attachment 279689
Veteran Arms LLC becomes American Hasta Flagship Dealer

Same! It’s a very nice Handgonne that brings me much joy when shooting. Exciting to say the least. I need to get it back out provided it ever stops raining.

But it’s more of a point and pray affair. Very tough to get on target!

 

[TobJohn]

Since making my response about the authenticity, I have found a reputable claim that the lock on this arquebus is a modern recreation:

And then found a 1470s example of a snapping matchlock:

'Feuerwerks- und Büchsenmeisterbuch. Rezeptsammlung - BSB Cgm 734' - Digitalisat | MDZ
The document was updated in the 1500s, so I need to confirm with a German acquaintance that this illustration is from the 1470s publication.