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The guns were what are called "matchlock" muskets. Powder and shot were put in the end of the barrel and rammed down to the bottom. Some powder was put in a little pan on the side of the gun. You can see it in the picture, it has a cover that swivels over it to keep the powder dry and stop it falling out. The head of the dragon was pulled back and a piece of burning match put between its jaws. |
Matchlock Musket When the trigger was pulled, the head shot forward, setting fire to the powder in the pan.* The flame went through a little hole and set fire to the powder in the barrel - BANG! * This is were the term "a flash in the pan" came from!
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