Early 17c Makers Marked Matchlock Musket Ex Dublin Castle c1620

~ Early 17c Makers Marked Matchlock Musket Ex Dublin Castle c1920 ~

A lovely piece from around 1620's that comes with a 19th Century stand.

The wooden stock has the initials WG carved on it and the barrel is stamped with a fleur de ly above the initials IB.

These matchlock muskets are used in both England and France during the first half of the 17th century. Indeed the Dutch and several German states took into use similar designs for their musketeers.
During the English Civil War this was considered a Regimental pattern and barrel lengths appeared to have varied from 42 to 48 inches.

Our example here has a barrel of 48 inches.

By 1660, this design had become obsolete in most armies. However, some were retrofitted by replacing the lock with a newer design such as a dog lock. In addition, as matchlocks were sold off, it is likely they would have found homes with the 17th century Pirates on the high seas.

~ Condition ~

The Arquebus Musket is in good condition for its age. The trigger mechanism is still connected but it needs attention, as it doesn't work very well.

The woodwork is generally good with the expected age, as is the metalwork.

~ Dimensions ~

The barrel is 46 inches and the overall length is 63 inches.

MLHHE0/GS203457C