17th century eight-shot matchlock revolver - photo

[Altair]

17th century German eight-shot matchlock revolver.

Fullsize image: https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/h...t_fullsize.jpg



Previously:

1597 eight-shot flintlock revolver - photo
1833 Ottoman seven-barrel flintlock - photo
1700s four barrel flintlock pistol - photo
18th century Continental four-barrel flintlock pistol - photo
18th century Continental four-barrel flintlock pistol - photo

[mklotz]

Fully loaded you've got eight live, powder-filled touch holes exposed. Bring that burning rope down to the one aligned to the barrel and you have a real chance of an eight shot simultaneous discharge. Must have been exciting to use.

[Hoosiersmoker]

Fully loaded you've got eight live, powder-filled touch holes exposed. Bring that burning rope down to the one aligned to the barrel and you have a real chance of an eight shot simultaneous discharge. Must have been exciting to use.

I wonder if there was a shield that laid across the adjacent chambers? It looks like there are pieces missing form the one in the picture.

[rdarrylb]

Yes, it does look like pieces are missing. It appears to me that there are "brass" slides over each chamber touch hole. At least one is missing and some are missing the tiny ball knob from them. I guess all chambers would be loaded and the slides would cover the touch holes. Rotate, open the slide, then fire. Considering it was a match lock, that would be quite a high rate of fire! (followed by a long reloading time!)