POST MEDIEVAL TOY

1540

Incomplete copper alloy toy gun or ‘petronel’. This miniature gun has a surviving length of 73.2mm and weighs 21.88g. The barrel of the gun is complete but the triangular butt is missing, as is half the trigger guard. Just above the trigger area, to one side of the gun, are two ring and dots. the object is abraded and has a bright green patina where it is corroded. These objects, capable of being fired, are thought to be miniature versions used by gun smiths to show prospective buyers the range of weapons. It is much more likeley, however, that they are simply toys. They date from the 16th and 17th centuries.