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gunnes


Title gunnes
Origtitle Plate from John White Drawings
Variants Plate 2
Caption Detail highlighting the company discharging their firearms
Source 1964 John White Edition
Date 1585-86
Creator John White
Type Watercolor
Origin Scan of 1964 UNC Edition of drawings
Notes A discussion of the nature and classification of early firearms could consume far more time and space than alloted here. The English company which undertook this expedition fielded the arquebus (referred to in the text as a "harquebush") as it's primary ranged weapon. The term in the late 16th century referred to a lighter match-lock or wheel-lock fired from the shoulder. The contemporary musket was much heavier, required a forked rest to balance while firing, and was rarely used on maritime expeditions where mobility was important.
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gunnes