Custom Matchlock .72 Caliber Smoothbore Octagon-to-Round 44” Muzzleloader
SOLD FOR: $1,027.00
LSB#: LSB250525TF053
Make: Dixie Gun Works / Contemporary custom build, DGW-marked barrel
Model: Matchlock Long Gun
Serial Number: 196
Year of Manufacture: Modern reproduction, crafted within the last 50 years, patterned after matchlocks in use circa 1400s–1700s
Caliber: .72 caliber smoothbore
Action Type: Matchlock, single-shot muzzleloader
Markings: The top flat of the barrel is marked “DGW” (Dixie Gun Works) and “196” near the breech. The lockplate is marked with a script “K.”
Barrel Length: 44”, octagon to round
Overall Length: 58 1/2”
Sights / Optics: The barrel has a simple front blade sight forged integral to the muzzle ring. No rear sight is present, in keeping with historical matchlock configurations.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The rifle features a walnut half-stock with a sharply sculpted cheekpiece, fluted comb, and steel buttplate. The furniture includes a trigger bar stirrup rather than a traditional trigger guard, a feature seen on some matchlock designs. The wood shows minimal handling wear, with crisp edges and a pleasing grain pattern.
Type of Finish: The barrel and lock have a bright steel finish with scattered areas of surface oxidation and patina.
Finish Wear / Condition: There is surface rust and light pitting on the lockplate, barrel flats, and furniture, consistent with age and handling since manufacture.
Bore Condition: The bore is smooth, bright in spots, and free of heavy fouling. There is some scattered oxidation, but no visible major pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8/10 for a smoothbore.
Mechanics: The matchlock mechanism is complete, with a manually pivoting serpentine arm designed to hold a slow match. The serpentine is decorated with a stylized dragon head motif at the jaw, a traditional artistic flourish often found on higher-grade historical matchlocks. The action moves freely, with the trigger lever engaging as intended. As with all muzzleloading firearms, a thorough inspection and cleaning will be necessary before firing. We have not fired this gun.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes a wooden ramrod.
Our Assessment:
This is a modern reproduction .72 caliber matchlock long gun, built within the last half-century using Dixie Gun Works components and patterned after late-period European sporting and military matchlocks from the 1400s–1700s. The matchlock was the first widely adopted mechanical ignition system for firearms, replacing the earlier hand-held match method by integrating a pivoting serpentine arm to bring a lit slow match into contact with the priming powder in the pan. While eventually superseded by wheellock and flintlock systems, matchlocks remained in use for centuries in hunting, fortress defense, and ceremonial contexts.
The architecture of this example—with its half-stock, octagon-to-round barrel, sculpted cheek rest, trigger bar stirrup, and dragon-head serpentine—closely mirrors late 17th-century European matchlocks. At .72 caliber, this smoothbore can fire both round ball and shot loads, making it versatile for historical shooting, reenactment, or as a display piece.
Because it is a contemporary build rather than an antique, this musket offers the look and operation of an early matchlock without the fragility or legal restrictions of a centuries-old original. Condition is solid, with only light oxidation and no major stock damage. For collectors, reenactors, or black powder shooters seeking a visually impressive and historically faithful matchlock, this is an excellent example—substantial in size, distinctive in styling, and built to evoke a design that dominated European firearms technology for over 200 years. So bid high and bid firm. I encourage you to look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
