The Chinese of the present day make use of a species of matchlock revolvers, and also of another matchlock, consisting of several barrels, placed on a common stock, diverging from each other, and fired simultaneously. ([Plate 4], fig. 4 and 5.)
Shield fire-arms.
Soon after the invention of fire-arms, the boss, or spike, issuing from the centre of the targets or shields, was superseded by one or more short barrels, fired by a matchlock, and having an aperture covered with a grating above, for the purpose of taking aim. Breech-loaders.These barrels were loaded at the breech, the charge being put into an iron tube, or short barrel, which was pushed in at the end, and retained there by shutting down a lid or spring.
Cross-bow and pistol united.
There were cross-bows, which combined a pistol and cross-bow, the wheel-lock being placed about the centre of the handle on one side, whilst on the other was the string of the bow, and the windlass for drawing it up.
Pike and pistol.
Pistols were frequently introduced into the butt-end of pikes, and also, in the reign of Edward VI., in the handle of the battle-axe, the spiked club, the martlet, and other weapons, even the dagger.
Carabines with joint.
In the time of Charles I. there were esclopette carbines, made with the butt to double back on a hinge, in order to get them into a holster; Heel plate to draw out.and a little later the butt was lengthened by drawing out the steel cap which formed its cover, now called heel plate.
Revolvers in Charles I.