Islamic Art
Matchlock Musket
MetalworkArms & Armour
Details
- Author / creator
- Turkey, Ottoman period (1299–1922)
- Object type
- Arms & armour
- Date or period
- c. 1750
- Dimensions summary
- Overall: 103.5 cm; Barrel: 68.3 cm
- Maker or workshop
- Turkey, Ottoman period (1299–1922)
- Period / style
- Ottoman period
- Place of origin
- Turkey
- Acquisition method
- Donation
- Credit line
- Gift of Mr and Mrs Harold Wren, 1916
- Image rights
- Public domain (CC0)
About this object
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.
Materials and technique
Wood, steel, brass, mother-of-pearl inlay, and leather
