The matchlock was a popular firearm because it was relatively inexpensive to maintain and repair but it also had many drawbacks, primarily related to the necessity of using a smoldering fuse known as matchcord. The matchlock was ignited by a constantly burning matchcord that was mechanically lowered, by pulling the trigger, into the pan. The soldier had to keep the match burning, at both ends, so that he would have a ready source of flame to fire his weapon. The flame made the soldier a visible target at night, was difficult to keep alight in inclement weather, and produced a pungent odor that would alert the enemy to the soldier's presence. The burning matchcord always posed the danger of accidentally igniting the gunpowder carried by the soldier.

Matchlock, iron, early 17th century. Context: Pit 1, ca. 1607-1610.