Author:Pierre Bergier

Category：Weapons and defense

Year：ca. 1640

Introduction：The entirely waterproof and concealed lock is the invention of Pierre Bergier, the French clockmaker who turned to gunmaking and supplied several of his works produced around 1635 to the French King Louis XIII. In addition, this pistol has individually fired superimposed loads.

The waterproofing was obtained by making a completely enclosed mechanism, where the friction wheel had a cutout, allowing the lock to be set to the armed position and charged with priming powder without the cock being forced upwards like normal wheel-locks. Another important advantage of Bergier's invention is the very compact mechanism obtained directly from his clockmaking skills, where he used coil springs of a type used in clockmaking. These springs are armed using a square key inserted into the hidden key holes on the face of the lock, allowing the springs to be rotated and ”wound up”. The pan covers are made in the form of recessed hinged lids, into which the pyrites (fire stone) were fitted and locked into place with square headed screws.

Superimposed loads or charges were frequently used but not always successful. The danger of a charge at the rear of the barrel being ignited before the one in front of it was a major hazard and could cause the barrel to explode. The barrel has two touch holes. A charge of powder is poured down the barrel then the ball pushed down behind it. This is held in place by a wad (a piece of cloth or felt). This first charge is behind the second touch hole. The process is repeated, placing the second charge in front of the first. The front charge is fired first and then the rear charge. Some early guns had four or more superimposed charges and a variety of other ingenious ignition systems were invented.

There are five other firearms known of this type made by Bergier, four of them in the Musée de l'Armée in Paris and one in the Museo di Capodimonte in Naples.

Accession Number:0004142

Place of Orgin：France