Matchlock Musket
- Culture
- possibly Dutch
- Culture
- possibly German
- Date
- c.1585
- possibly made in
- Dresden, Saxony state, Germany, Europe
- probably made in
- Maastricht, Limburg province, Netherlands, Europe
- Classification
- Arms & armor, metalwork
- Collection
- Decorative Arts and Design
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 138
- Dimensions
- 7 5/8 x 60 3/4 x 3 1/4 in. (19.4 x 154.3 x 8.3 cm)
weight: 14 lb. 11 oz. (6.7 kg) - Credit Line
- Funds given by the John M. Olin Trust
- Rights
- Public Domain
- Object Number
- 302:1951
NOTES
Matchlocks were the earliest form of gunlock. Pressure on the trigger brought a length of burning matchcord into contact with the priming powder. By applying the source of ignition mechanically, the shooter could concentrate on aiming. The horn and mother-of-pearl inlays are similar to those found on period furniture and cabinetry. Craftsmen who made and decorated gunstocks often worked in both trades.
Provenance
c.1586-1591
The Foot Guard of Christian I (1560-1591; reigned 1586-1591), Elector of Saxony, Dresden, Germany [1]
- 1951
The House of Guns, Morris Plains, NJ, USA
1951 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from the House of Guns [2]
Notes:
[1]The provenance for this object has been provided in notes prepared by scholar Walter J. Karcheski, Jr. [SLAM document files].
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 6, 1951.
The Foot Guard of Christian I (1560-1591; reigned 1586-1591), Elector of Saxony, Dresden, Germany [1]
- 1951
The House of Guns, Morris Plains, NJ, USA
1951 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, purchased from the House of Guns [2]
Notes:
[1]The provenance for this object has been provided in notes prepared by scholar Walter J. Karcheski, Jr. [SLAM document files].
[2] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 6, 1951.
We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.