This matchlock features the first mechanism for a hand-held firearm with a trigger. The design probably came over in the 1440s with the Europeans, although this sample probably dates more from the 16th-17th century. This was not a gun for the faint of heart...it was so heavy that the user had to rest the muzzle on a fork in the ground for balance while they lit the long wick to ignite the powder! As you can imagine, this was not the most reliable choice for defense in Michigan, since the flame was susceptible to wind and water!