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"The first form of hand-gun which could fairly be compared with the modern musket. those of earlier date were fired by applying a match by hand to the touch-hole; but about the time of the battle of Morat, in 1476, guns were used having a contrivance suggested by the trigger of the arbalest or cross-bow, by which the burning match could be applied with more quickness and certainty." — Chambers' Encyclopedia, 1875

Arquebus

"The first form of hand-gun which could fairly be compared with the modern musket. those of earlier…

"The hand-gun was used by both infantry and cavalry; it consisted of a simple iron or brass tube with touch-hole at the top, fixed on a straight stock of wood; when used on foot, the soldier held it firmly by passing the stock under the arm; when used on horseback he stock was shortened to butt against the breast, the barrel resting on a fork secured to the saddle bow." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893

Hand-Gun

"The hand-gun was used by both infantry and cavalry; it consisted of a simple iron or brass tube with…