Period correct screws?

[tom in nc]

This pic is of a matchlock circa 1580. Were screws like the ones shown really used then? I know regular Phillips screws as we know them were not invented until the 1930s. These look good, but are they correct?

The complete gun.

 

[Felonious]

I'm just guessing here, as I'm not familiar with that rifle, but I would bet those phillips heads were not standard. Like you said, they weren't developed till much later, and smith's would most likely be using what they had available at that time.

 

[tom in nc]

I figure they're not Phillips at all, just cross cut screws that can be turned by a straight screwdriver turned either of two ways.

 

[TobJohn]

What’s the saying from historical model making hobbies? “There is a prototype for everything”? This era has so much experimentation, that something funky always shows up. I would not be surprised at all if there are other original matchlocks with cross cut screws.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

It makes sense.
If one slot gets worn badly, you can use the other.

Michael had a thread on period wood and metal screws.

Some of the first "Robertson" were made and used in the later 1600's.

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=7715

 

[andy52]

Those are square head double slotted screws, I have a couple of original guns that have similar screws and people often mistake them for Phillips.

 

[Commodore Swab]

Those are square head double slotted screws, I have a couple of original guns that have similar screws and people often mistake them for Phillips.

Very true. The older the weapon the more common.

 

[Pukka Bundook]

Delaney at the beginning of the 18th century, used the square hole, what we call Robertson now.
The turnscrew was very similar to a Robertson.