The Kalthoff seven shot repeating musket,An invention of the Kalthoff family of Denmark in the 17th
The Kalthoff seven shot repeating musket,An invention of the Kalthoff family of Denmark in the 17th century, the Kalthoff repeater was an interesting firearm that was unmatched in firepower until the mid 19th century. A smoothbore firearm, the first models were matchlock but successive models were made in the more practical flintlock. In the forearm of the musket a magazine held round balls while in the stock another magazine held charges of powder. When the user worked the lever or trigger guard, it would work a mechanism which inserted a charge of powder and a ball into the breech. All the user had to do was prime the flashpan with a charge of gunpowder for ignition, although some models are known to have a special hopper for the flashpan as well.The Kalthoff gave the user an incredible advantage in firepower considering that most firearms of the day fired one shot, after which they were painstakingly loaded from the muzzle. The Kalthoff repeater typically held enough powder and bullets for 7 shots, with some models holding as many as 12 to 30 shots. Because of its complex design and enormous cost few were used in battle, with most being sold to wealthy individuals for hunting and recreation shooting. It was also unreliable for combat, with moisture, dirt, dust, and gunpowder fouling easily clogging the mechanism. The only exception of the Kalthoff being used in combat occurred in 1658 when the Royal Footguards of Denmark were issued 100 Kalthoff repeaters for used in the Scanian War (1658-59). -- source link
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