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 A decorated Frenchmatchlock petronel from the 1570s |
Thepetronel was a 16th- and 17th-centuryblack-powdermuzzle-loadingfirearm, defined byRobert Barret (Theorike and Practike of Modern Warres, 1598) as a "horsemans peece:. It was the muzzle-loading firearm which developed on the one hand into thepistol and on the other into thecarbine. The name (Frenchpetrinel orpoitrinal) was given to the weapon either because it was fired with the butt resting against the chest (French:poitrine,Latin:pectus) or it was carried slung from a belt across the chest. Petronels may have eithermatchlock orwheellock mechanisms.[1]
Thesclopus was the prototype of the petronel. The petronel is a compromise between theharquebus and the pistol.[2] Early petronels date back to the end of the 14th century, with a crudebuttstock. Generally thetouch hole is on the right side, and fired by a separateslow match.[3] Sometimes petronels had small hinged plate-covers to protect thepriming from moisture.[4] By extension, the term "petronel" came to characterise the type oflight cavalry which employed the firearm. The petronel (cavalryman) was used to support theheavy cavalry such asdemi-lancers andcuirassiers. The petronel was succeeded by a similarly armed cavalryman called theharquebusier.[citation needed]
Although petronels had fallen out of use in Europe by 1700, similar guns were made in the Middle East until the late 19th century.Afghan horsemen used a gun that was midway between an oversized pistol or a miniature carbine, with a curvedbuttstock designed to keep the weapon close to the rider's chest.[citation needed]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Petronel".Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 21 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 333.
