Arms : The Musketeer continued

Infantry : the Musketeer continued

Musket balls, which could weigh up to an ounce, could pierce most armor. Musketeers did not themselves wear armor. Each carried a musket rest, powder flask and bandoleer and other supplies, as well as a sword.

Simple powder containers could be made from animal horns. The ends were sealed with wooden plugs. This powder horn, made in New England in 1709, is inscribed with "H I", the unknown owner's initials.

Long guns most often had one of two different firing mechanisms - matchlock or firelock. The matchlock relied on a smoldering matchcord to ignite the powder, while a firelock used flint and steel. Matchlocks were less dependable than firelocks. They could not be fired in the rain, for instance, because moisture dowsed the match.

The Guns or pieces allowed for service are these: viz. muskets, firelocks and matchlocks, so they have 4 fathoms of match at all times for every matchlock.

Plymouth Colony Laws, 1640