Mystery Matchlock

[jonathan.shaffner]

Bought this the other day at an antique shop, not sure of the origin, nationality, age or really any detail of the matchlock. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Alden]

Not showing up...

 

[jonathan.shaffner]

Link1

Link 2

I'll try this way.

 

[Curt LaManna]

I think it's a modern replica. Only from the pics you posted. The pattern is Southern Spanish/Moorish type, from the engraving and the stock, grip and barrel shape.
Can you please get some better pics to post from many angles, and use a caliper in the bore for the diameter?
I should inform you that the Moroccan Gunmakers, of varying quality, made these guns, flintlocks, and percussions, to this day, for the Touristas.
It could be 200 years old, or made 20 years ago?
I bought a cool Camel bone and MOP flintlock with a brass barrel that I determined was only a Decorator or Wall Hanger, not safe to fire!
Cool looking piece, real antique or not!
I'm a Matchlock Gun fan. It doesn't rain much in AZ, so I have fun with them!

 

[Alden]

Needs some closer inspection. The touchole is an interesting place...

 

[Curt LaManna]

Yes! I wouldn't attempt to check the wick of the match on the pan cover on that one!
Boom, when you aren't wanting it to go Boom!

 

[jonathan.shaffner]

Gentlemen,
Thanks for the info, I will get some close ups and find a caliper to get more info. Great site.

 

[jonathan.shaffner]

Found a couple more pictures, will get a close-up of the pan.

Link1

Link2

 

[Alden]

Same pic twice. Tang "feels" almost ornamental (thin sheet?). And pan did look shallow if existant...

More and more thinkin' decorative. Take apart and take more pics...

 

[jonathan.shaffner]

Will do, the only reason I bought it was it smelled strongly of gunpowder...could have been a trick, but the wood looks pretty old.

 

[Alden]

It sorta does, right to the crack.

 

[MacRob46]

Tourist gun. There are SO many of those out there.

 

[jonathan.shaffner]

Dang. Well you can't win them all.

 

[Billnpatti]

Don't write if off just yet. It may be a tourist gun but then again, it could be the real thing. It is almost impossible to really examine a gun just by looking at photos. It needs to be properly examined physically by someone who is knowlegable in the field. Try contacting someone at NMLRA and they can put you in touch with someone as near to you as possible who can do a proper evaluation and who can also tell you if it is safe to fire. It will cost you a few bucks to have them evaluate the gun and tell you want it is worth as well as telling you if it is safe to fire. If you have very much invested in the gun, it will be worth the extra expense to have it properly evaluated. You may need this info to have it insured if it has a high value.

 

[MacRob46]

Dang. Well you can't win them all.

No, and unfortunately the makers of these things keep churning them out and not telling the buyers that what they are selling is newly-made. I think, at least in this case, the maker is counting on the paltry amount of information readily at hand on matchlock pistols. I looked for some in my personal, fairly extensive library on firearms, and came up empty. Also, the lack of quality in the engraving, the very think
pan cover and poorly executed carving, if that is what it is on the stock, are clues for me that it is a tourist gun. The makers know how to age them so the fact that it looks old is not that relevant. I could be wrong and I hope I am, for your sake, but I don't think so.

 

[jonathan.shaffner]

Thanks. I am in Albuquerque if you know anyone out there I would appreciate it.

 

[jonathan.shaffner]

Thanks for checking. I am finding the same thing when I look for evidence of the proofs and even types of pistols. It is fun and frustrating at the same time.

 

[robinghewitt]

The Japanese made matchlock pistols, there is one European version, the so called "Jailer's pistol" built in to a key. Every other pre-flint pistol I have seen is a wheely.

Have I missed anything? :hatsoff:

 

[Alden]

Yes. Even here I've seen citations of European matchlock pistols, if that's what you mean. Arabic and such? I cannot say...

 

[robinghewitt]

I am quite prepared to believe I am wrong :idunno: hotoSmile:

:thumbsup: