We at Derbyshire Arms, present to you our snapping lock mechanism of the type commissioned by Henry VIII, faithfully copying ones that have been discovered on the wreck of The Mary Rose.

These unusual pieces are our newest addition to our range and make an interesting weapon to possess, display and use.

The Matchlock was the mainstay weapon for 16^th and 17^th Century armies, in some cases though it was being used right up to the end of 17^th Century all over Europe.

Derbyshire Arms can craft Matchlock muskets in any historical style from the early curved butt type associated with the late Tudors, the classic fishtail design of the 30 Years War and English Civil War, to the later styles that were widespread in the Wars of Louis XIV.

We can also craft straight or tapered octagonal barrels and in the case of earlier pieces the straight or tapered hexagonal barrels, by special order.

Different types of lockplate and serpent design are available in various combinations within historical parameters.

As the variety of designs are so diverse, our unusual commissioned pieces are priced individually, please enquire with your preferences.

Our more popular models listed below are mounted with a plain lockplate and serpent and stocked in Beech.

Barrels are available in three basic types, from the popular and inexpensive plain round barrel to the

more authentic octagon to round barrel

Plain round barrel with a  plain lock plate and plain serpent £385.00

Octagon to round barrel with a shaped lock plate and plain serpent £585.00

Straight octagon barrel with a shaped lock plate and plain serpent £585.00