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

You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Location

116 Islamic

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.