Fire-Arms

Two types of firearm were in use at this time: The Matchlock and the Wheelock.

The Matchlock

The “Match” is a length of cord soaked in saltpetre (Potassium Nitrate) which burns slowly at high temperature, sufficient to ignite gunpowder.

The match is held in a “Serpentine” (outlined in red in the photo). Gunpowder is placed in the “Pan” (outlined in yellow).

Pulling the trigger swings the serpentine, and the match, towards the butt end of the musket. The length of match is so arranged that it dips into the pan and ignites the powder held in it.

There is a small hole from the pan into the barrel of the musket through which burning powder and gases pass. These ignite the main charge of powder in the barrel.

Because of its length, the Matchlock musket was essentially a weapon of the Foot Loun. A smaller version - the Caliver (illustrated at left) could be carried and used by a horseman - though he would have found it difficult to reload while mounted.

Musket and Caliver shown to same scale

Carrying a lit piece of match is not the handiest for a mounted Reiver. Luckily, however, there was another option available - the Wheelock.

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