Cursed Muskets & Firearms Folklore: Our Halloween Special with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

This video explores a controversial sword attributed to Oliver Cromwell, potentially used during the Siege of Drogheda in 1649. Henry Yallop, Keeper of Edged Weapons and Armour at the Royal Armouries, details the characteristics of 'Mory swords,' a type prevalent in the mid-17th century British Isles, favored by cavalry. The discussion highlights the sword's complex hilt, blade features, and the historical debate surrounding its attribution to Cromwell and its specific use in the conflict.

This video explores the historical suppression of Christmas in 17th-century England by the Puritans, who viewed the holiday as pagan and unscriptural, leading to its ban by Parliament. The description highlights the ensuing opposition and riots in various regions, and how the conflict escalated to the point of reigniting the English Civil War. Ultimately, the monarchy's restoration saw the return of Christmas celebrations, which have persisted and evolved ever since. The video touches on the concept of civil unrest and the differing beliefs surrounding traditional festivals.

Ian McCollum and Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries present a challenge to find three unique firearms based on appearance, mechanical oddity, and historical impact. They showcase experimental and rare pieces like the Charlton Automatic Rifle, Sterling 7.62mm prototype, Schwarzlose Model 1898, Gabbett-Fairfax Mars pistol, an SA80 prototype, and a BSA Machine Carbine, highlighting their unusual mechanisms and limited adoption.

This entry details the Knight's Armament KS-1 (L403A1), the British Army's new Alternative Individual Weapon, adopted under Project Hunter. Expert Jonathan Ferguson from the Royal Armouries provides an in-depth look at its features, intended use for specialized units, and its role in supplementing existing platforms like the SA80.

This guide details the process of arming an 11th-century Norman knight, as explained by an institutional expert from the Royal Armouries. It covers the sequence of donning essential protective gear, including padded undergarments, a mail hauberk, a nasal helmet, and a kite shield, emphasizing weight distribution and historical construction techniques.

This guide details the installation and operation of the Harston's Patent Mark IV magazine, a rare modification designed to convert the single-shot Martini-Henry rifle into a repeater. Expert Jonathan Ferguson explains the mechanism, its inventor Captain Charles Gravelle Harston, and the historical context of its development. The guide covers fitting the magazine, the cycling process for feeding rounds, and the use of the cutoff device for single-shot operation, while also noting potential reliability issues and the high conversion cost.