Matchlock Rifle
This Matchlock Rifle is pre-flintlock and is very rare. It has the goat skin still on wrapped around the should butt. It is in good shape and still has a rope for lighting it to burn up to the powder. The goat skin is a little old looking but attached very well. This skin was added to take some of the kick back off your shoulder.
5 feet
Inherited
Yes
Hello,
Your item is a matchlock rifle, a pre-flintlock firearm that represents an early stage in firearm development. This particular piece includes a distinctive goat skin wrapping around the shoulder butt, which was likely used to reduce recoil impact. Matchlock mechanisms were predominantly used in Europe and Asia from the 15th to 17th centuries and were eventually replaced by flintlock systems.
The craftsmanship and preserved goat skin suggest this rifle may have been intended for ceremonial or specialized use, as such embellishments were not typically practical for standard combat firearms. The rope for lighting the powder and its condition further emphasize its authenticity as a functional antique.
The market value for such pieces can vary significantly based on provenance, historical significance, and condition. For a well-preserved example like this, the estimated value ranges from $1,500 to $2,500, depending on interest and demand from collectors of antique firearms.
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