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Matchlocks

Scope note

The earliest type of mechanical ignition system for firearms, originating in the mid-15th century, consisting of a slow-burning match or wick held in an arm which, when the trigger is pressed, lowers the match into a pan full of priming powder, the burning of which ignites the main charge.

Term type

AAT

Getty AAT term number

300037192

Broader Terms used

locks (firearm components)

Equivalent Terms used

matchlock

Created

13yrs ago

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The Fitzwilliam Museum (2024) "Terminology definition for: matchlocks" Web page available at: https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/id/terminology/term-53531 Accessed: 2024-11-26 02:44:05

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{{cite web|url=https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/id/terminology/term-53531|title=Terminology definition for: matchlocks|author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2024-11-26 02:44:05|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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