Also known as a harquebus, the first form of handgun which could fairly be compared with the modern musket.

Arquebus

Also known as a harquebus, the first form of handgun which could fairly be compared with the modern…

"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…