Matchlock Musket (me mda’), barrel, probably 18th–19th century; stock and other fittings, probably mid-19th–early 20th century, Metropolitan Museum of Art: Arms and Armor
Purchase, Edward V. LaPuma Gift, 2017 Size: L. 64 1/8 in. (162.9 cm); L. of barrel 42 3/8 in. (107.6 cm); Cal. 0.56 in. (14.2 mm) Medium: Iron, silver, wood, horn, leather, textile
Manufactured in Tibet c.19th century based on a century-old style of firearm. 14mm/.55 caliber smoothbore wire-bound barrel, serpentine matchlock mechanism, repoussé/chased silver lockplates and fittings, folding bipod. This beautiful musket is a good example of the style of firearm used c.16th century all the way up to the early 20th century in China and specifically Tibet, where contests of both mounted and unmounted marksmanship have been part of their culture since the 1700′s. These rugged and simple matchlock designs were well adapted to the region, leading to a lot of them being passed down generations of hunters. This may be why they stayed so popular there until the very end of the muzzleloader era, when the rest of the world had switched to more advanced designs. This sort of philosophy can also be witnessed in the Middle East and North Africa.
A Chinese coin used as a fastener on a Tibetan military matchlocks sling.
