content_output-087_6 (Q6798)

upon again and again at very close range. So the pistol battle-axes and clubs already described were a species of secret or surprise weapon. The “Holy-water Sprinkle,” a fire-arm much favoured by the English of the early sixteenth century, consisted of a strong mace, the head of which was formed by four or more barrels joined and arranged in the same manner as the chamber of a modern revolver, and having upon the outside one or more spike-studded collars. There was usually but one flash-pan having connection with all the barrels; the powder was placed in and fired by a match from the hand.