Henrician Breach Loading Gun

Being a trustee of the Royal Armouries has occasional odd perks. This is a breach-loading gun made for Henry VIII in 1537. The breach flips up for a pre-loaded chamber containing powder and ball to be inserted; it's potentially the first breach loading gun made in England, probably from initials on the weapon by William Hunt, Keeper of the King's Handguns. It was probably originally made as a wheel lock, but later converted to a matchlock.

I got to handle it, but carefully - damaging royal treasures is frowned on, even if you are a trustee




























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