Linstock, c. 1600–25. France, 17th century. Steel; octagonal wood haft covered with green velvet, brass studs; overall: 201 cm (79 1/8 in.); blade: cm (9 15/16 in.). This specialized staff weapon was used primarily to ignite the charge in pieces of artillery. The two lateral projections ending in eagles' heads are actually clips designed to hold the smoldering matches that allowed the firer to stand a little further from the cannon. The short, leaf-shaped blade allowed the linstock to be used as a weapon if necessary.

---

Size: 2158px × 3400px
Photo credit: © CMA/BOT / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: