Caliver Collection

Early Match caliver c1590. Wood engraving c1880
535883 Early Match caliver c1590. Wood engraving c1880.; (add.info.: Early Match caliver c1590. Wood engraving c1880.); Universal History Archive/UIG

A soldier taking aim, from the Marksmen series, plate 11, in Waffenhandlung von... published 1608
A soldier taking aim, from the Marksmen series, plate 11, in Waffenhandlung von den Roren Musquetten undt Spiessen / Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten ende Spiessen (The Exercise of Arms)

A soldier pouring powder into the pan, from the Marksmen series, plate 16, in Wa... published 1608
A soldier pouring powder into the pan, from the Marksmen series, plate 16, in Waffenhandlung von den Roren Musquetten undt Spiessen / Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten ende Spiessen

A soldier holding his caliver, from the Marksmen series, plate 1, in Waffenhandl... published 1608
A soldier holding his caliver, from the Marksmen series, plate 1, in Waffenhandlung von den Roren Musquetten undt Spiessen / Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten Ende Spiessen (The Exercise of Arms)

A soldier holding up his caliver in his right hand and extending his left to rec... published 1608
A soldier holding up his caliver in his right hand and extending his left to receive it, from the Marksmen series, plate 3

A soldier ramming home powder and bullet with the ramrod, from the Marksmen seri... published 1608
A soldier ramming home powder and bullet with the ramrod, from the Marksmen series, plate 26, in Waffenhandlung von den Roren Musquetten undt Spiessen / Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten ende

A soldier charging his caliver which is held stock down, from the Marksmen serie... published 1608
A soldier charging his caliver which is held stock down, from the Marksmen series, plate 23, in Waffenhandlung von den Roren Musquetten undt Spiessen / Wapenhandelinghe van Roers Musquetten ende

Musketeer, 1638 (carved wood)
XJF441271 Musketeer, 1638 (carved wood) by English School, (17th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The elaborately carved staircase at Cromwell House in Highgate)

Soldier of the time of King James I armed with a caliver or arquebus, 17th century. Copperplate engraving by N.C. Goodnight from Francis Groses Military Antiquities respecting a History of

Small arms (engraving)
3643688 Small arms (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Small arms. Illustration for The Boys Own Annual (1882).); © Look and Learn

Early match caliver, c1590 (c1880)

Jacques de Gheyn II (Dutch, 1565 - 1629), Elegantly Dressed Soldier Tamping His Caliver, c. 1597, pen and brown ink with gray wash on laid paper

Early Match caliver c1590. Wood engraving c1880

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"The Caliver: A Weapon of Precision and Power in the 17th Century" The caliver, a formidable firearm of the 17th century, was a symbol of military might and technological advancement. In the Marksmen series by Robert Willemsz de Baudous, we catch glimpses of soldiers handling their calivers with skill and precision. In plate 11, a soldier takes aim with his caliver, showcasing the accuracy and deadly potential of this weapon. The intense focus in his eyes hints at the concentration required to hit his target accurately. Plate 16 reveals another crucial aspect of using a caliver - powder pouring. Here we see a soldier carefully pouring gunpowder into the pan before firing. This step was vital for igniting the charge that propelled the bullet forward. Moving on to plate 1, we witness a soldier proudly holding his caliver. The sturdy design and craftsmanship are evident as he grips it firmly. It serves as both protection and an extension of his strength on the battlefield. A fascinating detail is captured in plate 1 where a soldier extends his left hand while holding up his caliver with pride. Perhaps he is demonstrating its weight or showing off its intricate engravings—a testament to its value beyond mere functionality. Plate 16 showcases yet another essential task - ramming home powder and bullet with precision using a ramrod. This action ensured that each shot had enough power behind it to cause maximum damage to enemy forces. In plate XIX's depiction from Jacques de Gheyn II (Dutch), an elegantly dressed soldier tampers with his caliver—an image that highlights how even high-ranking individuals recognized its significance on the battlefield. Throughout history, various versions of this versatile firearm emerged; one such example can be seen in an early match-caliber from c1590 depicted in wood engraving c1880—proof that innovation continued long after initial designs were introduced.