Slow motion firing a 17th Century matchlock musket! It's such an incredible sight to see the process slowed right down. Please note: ALL activities shown are undertaken safely by trained historical reenactors under close and careful supervision. The 'matchlock' musket is so called because it relies on a piece of match – thin rope soaked in a solution of potassium nitrate, known as 'saltpetre', which burns slowly and consistently – to ignite the gunpowder. The match is held in a 'serpent' on the