Original Victorian Era Functional Replica of a European Continental 17th Century Matchlock Musket - Circa 1840

Original Item: Victorian Era Replica. During the Victorian Age, it became very popular for well-to-do individuals to decorate their homes with old-looking items, as to give the illusion that they had a long family history. Items such as suits of armor, swords, cross bows, and even older styles of gun were produced to use as decorations, though some of them actually were actually functional items.

Here we have a lovely Victorian replica of the direct ancestor of flintlock muskets, a matchlock musket. These went under several different names based on configuration, and this looks to be one of the types made shortly before items such as the wheel lock were developed. Matchlocks utilized a burning wick held in the arm of the lock, called the cock, which would then touch the flash pan when the large lever on the bottom of the weapon was pulled. This would then ignite the charge in the barrel and send whatever it was loaded with on its way. Matchlocks first appeared during the 15th century, evolving from primitive "hand cannons" that simply had a touch hole that one would put a lit wick into. This would still work great for heavy brass cannons for a few more centuries, but having to aim while holding onto a wick and not being able to sight it at all was hardly ideal.

The matchlock simplified this greatly, resulting in a firearm that was much easier to carry around and use effectively. The lock works became more advanced, and by the mid 16th century they were much more reliable. Some had a "fishtail" style butt stock, but this features a stock closer to the flintlock muskets that would succeed the design. It has a nice "bannister rail" on the top of the butt, with a bent brass butt plate held on by nails, and has a large brass trigger guard. The barrel is held in place by pins, much like flintlocks would be later. It measures 47 3/4 inches long with a 34 1/2 inch long barrel, which measures about .700", or close to 13 Bore. There are no markings on the barrel, however the brass lock plate is marked on the right side with A.B. over D.P. next to Fecit, latin for "made this". It is also marked with ANNO / 1678 on the left side of the plate, along with a simulated poof mark, however these are all definitely replaced markings. We unfortunately do not know where this replica was made, but it was most likely on the European continent.

Overall condition is very good, with the wood stock looking to be made from flame figured wood, which was then finished in black, as was common for the time period. The lock is fully functional, with the trigger causing the cock to move back and contact the flash pan. The pan itself has a movable brass cover, which would keep the powder in place. There is a ramrod under the barrel, with a brass cap on the narrow end.

A lovely Victorian replica matchlock, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1840
Caliber: 0.700"
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder with wick
Barrel Length: 34 1/2 inches
Overall Length: 47 3/4 inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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