Slow match
|
|
Slow match or match cord is another term for the slow-burning fuse used by early gunpowder armies to ignite matchlock muskets.
The match attached to the lock of the matchlock gun was usually a length of hemp cord that had been chemically treated to make it burn slowly (approximately 200mm per hour) and consistently for an extended period of time. Many formulas for match cord exist. The main chemical used was potassium nitrate, although lead acetate also appears to have been used.
See also
External links
- The Slow Match Website (http://www.metamuseum.com/us/slowmatch/index.cfm)
- Handgonnes and Matchlocks (http://homepages.ihug.com.au/~dispater/handgonnes.htm)
- Matchlokkes (http://www.matchlock.net/)