Artwork Page for Matchlock Musket

Details / Information for Matchlock Musket

Matchlock Musket

c. 1750

Turkey, Ottoman period

(1299–1922)
Medium
Wood, steel, brass, mother-of-pearl inlay, and leather
Measurements
Overall: 103.5 cm (40 3/4 in.); Barrel: 68.3 cm (26 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.828
Public Domain
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Location
116 Islamic
Print
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Did You Know?

A matchlock musket was loaded from the muzzle end with a scouring stick kept in a sleeve on the underside of the barrel.

Description

Collectively, the Safavid, Mughal, and Ottoman empires are known as the Gunpowder Empires. Particularly from the 1500–1700s, they were among the strongest economic, cultural, and militaristic powers. Each trained and equipped their armies with the latest gunpowder firearms, particularly cannons and muskets. While used in battle, muskets were also used for leisure activities, particularly hunting. The decoration on this musket suggests it was a courtly item, fitted with a leather pad to protect the shooter from the force of the explosion after firing.
Wood, matchlock musket with a long, narrow barrel, bending down slightly to the heel of the gun. Around this bend wrap shiny, brown metal plates incised with geometric floral designs. A chain hangs from the side. A circular, leather covering enwraps the butt of the gun, jagged edges transitioning to the gun. Along the gun's barrel alternate a row of light and dark flower or six-point star shapes.

Matchlock Musket

c. 1750

Turkey, Ottoman period (1299–1922)

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