Went to the Baltimore antique firearms show yesterday and saw some interesting weapons. Approximate 5 wheel lock guns and several matchlocks. The first photo shows a matchlock with an interesting device that looks like it holds the matchcord along the side of the stock. Perhaps someone here could chime in if they can identify it.
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The Baltimore antique firearms show
- Thread starter TC
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Hi TC
I usually attend this Show every year (except when closed for two years during COVID lock down) in the past. But had to miss it this year.
It's always well attended. The pricing from the dealers runs from the reasonable, to the ridiculous.
The first three photos on your first Post, and the close-up photo on your second post: That matchlock is from Oman. Likely from a later period than you would first imagine. Probably first half of the 19th Century. They are known especially for their use of extra fancy, fluted barrels along with very plain stocks and hardware.
The two tubes on the right side of the stock: Yes, these are used to carry the tip of the match cord. One tube is usually closed, for putting out the coal of the match (like putting out a cigarette). The other tube is usually perforated with holes to allow the coal of the match to continue to receive oxygen and burn while carrying the gun in a more "ready" state.
Rick
I usually attend this Show every year (except when closed for two years during COVID lock down) in the past. But had to miss it this year.
It's always well attended. The pricing from the dealers runs from the reasonable, to the ridiculous.
The first three photos on your first Post, and the close-up photo on your second post: That matchlock is from Oman. Likely from a later period than you would first imagine. Probably first half of the 19th Century. They are known especially for their use of extra fancy, fluted barrels along with very plain stocks and hardware.
The two tubes on the right side of the stock: Yes, these are used to carry the tip of the match cord. One tube is usually closed, for putting out the coal of the match (like putting out a cigarette). The other tube is usually perforated with holes to allow the coal of the match to continue to receive oxygen and burn while carrying the gun in a more "ready" state.
Rick
Capt. Jas.
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Always wanted to go but wont do Baltimore. Thanks for sharing the pictures.
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I hit the Gettysburg Antique and Civil War shows. Much nicer area than going into Maryland's colon.
Rickystl, thanks for the explanation. The owner was selling it for the low price of $3300! The other original matchlock was just on display. The show was located outside of the inner colon of Maryland 
and was not a bad area at all. Lots of antique firearms ,swords and more to see.
and was not a bad area at all. Lots of antique firearms ,swords and more to see.
In response to previous replies, this show may be called the Baltimore show, but it's held well north of the city at the MD State Fairgrounds.
It’s definitely not in the city of Baltimore proper. The show was in a farm complex. Where animals are shown. Thought i saw milking machines in one of the out buildings. Surrounding area ok. Now the time i went to see the old musket ball shot tower in the middle of Baltimore i got out of my car and immediately realized i was in the middle of what appeared to be a fallen 3rd world country!
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You're welcome. That's about 2-grand more than the current street price for an Omani matchlock. LOLRickystl, thanks for the explanation. The owner was selling it for the low price of $3300! The other original matchlock was just on display. The show was located outside of the inner colon of Maryland
Rick
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Magazine...
Fascinating 'splanation Rick. Really like the looks of the matchlock that was not for sale.
That is too cool! What a neat and SIMPLE idea! I may just add one to the custom LH'd matchlock I am making for myself, for hunting.
Please post pics of your build!
An extra clip, and a few frags. Baltimore is now, and has been for the last few years, the murder capital of the US. That's not an easy achievement considering some of the cesspool cities that litter this country. I went to High School in Baltimore after the family farm in NC was sold when Grandpa died. East side, Highlandtown. Patterson High back in the early 70's before I joined the Marines in 72. Wasn't too bad then. My mom still lives there. She's 93. She needs access to Johns Hopkins. Anyways, if there's any city that needs to be destroyed by God, It's Baltimore. Semper Fi.
Baltimore is fine. Just get a chicken box or pit beef, relax, and ignore the gun violence.
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I don’t suppose you know about Maryland’s gun laws. Anyway, it was a neat show, but you go into overload right away.
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Personally, I don't recall ever seeing any of the tubes on European matchlock guns. Even in book photos. However, it was a common feature with Ottoman Empire made matchlocks, such as the Omani gun originally posted above. It's actually a clever idea while carrying the gun in the field.
Rick
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