Armand Barnevelt

Armand Barnevelt (unknown - c. 7 November 1661[1]) was a Dutch gunsmith. He is known for his weapons made in England, which he immigrated to around 1642. He is mostly known as Harman Barnes (or Barne).[1]

Armand Barnevelt
BornUnknown Date
The Netherlands
Diedc. November 7th, 1661
London, UK
Occupation(s)Gunsmith and firearms inventor

Immigration to England

Bernevelt is first mentioned in England in the spring of 1642. He is noted as living in Lambeth at this time. Maps at the time indicate Lambeth was a rural area. Barnevelt likely moved there hurriedly, and seeking obscurity, after a possibly fatal explosion of a magazine firearm he made.[1]

Notable weapons

Flawed Magazine gun of 1638

The earliest mention of Armand is on a magazine gun which bears his name, as well as the year 1638. This weapon was a breech loading gun which used a turn-off barrel. It also featured a magazine in the butt, which the breech end of the barrel could be inserted into. A ball and a charge of powder would be loaded into the breech, and the barrel could be removed and screwed back onto the gun. While this allowed fast reloading, it was also very dangerous. After firing the weapon a few times, the barrel became extremely hot, causing ignition of the powder magazine. This is what happened to the gun, as it is missing the lock piece and the butt is damaged. The accident was undoubtedly severe, and possibly killed the user.[2]

Kalthoff-style repeater c. 1650

A magazine firearm made around 1650 is signed Harman Barne Londini, though lacks marks of proof. It can be assumed Armand made this weapon in London, though it is also possible he imported it from Holland.[1] As Armand made other repeaters with the assistance of Caspar Kalthoff, it seems likely it is his original construction.[3] The weapon likely did not reach a finished state until 1651, as Barnevelt was in prison for a at least a year after 1649.[1]

References
  1. Neal, W. Keith (William Keith) (1984). Great British gunmakers : 1540-1740. Historical Firearms. ISBN 0-9508842-0-0. OCLC 12973229.
  2. Hoff, Arne. (1978). Dutch firearms. Sotheby Parke Bernet. OCLC 562137041.
  3. Hayward, J. F. (John Forrest), 1916-1983. (1965). The art of the gunmaker. Barrie and Rockliff. OCLC 3652619.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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