POST MEDIEVAL TOY

1580

This is a cast copper alloy, post medieval toy firearm in the form of a matchlock gun. These toys were not uncommon perhaps from the late 16th into the 17th century. This type of toy typically comes complete with a ramrod and a firing mechanism, both now missing. See http://www.britarch.ac.uk/ba/ba35/ba35feat.html - Miniature toys of medieval childhood by Geoff Egan. In this instance the surface has been decorated post casting with circle and dot marks, three rows of crescent shaped punches that run snake like down the barrel and two imitation retaining bands around the barrel. These toys were capable of being fired.