klovenier

The klovenier was a type of firearm popular in Europe from the 15th to the 17th centuries. It was a hand-held weapon that fired a projectile, typically a lead ball, using gunpowder as the propellant. The name "klovenier" is thought to derive from the Dutch word for "cloven," referring to the two prongs or "cloves" at the end of the barrel which rested on a support or rest when firing. This support was often a forked stick or a wall.

Kloveniers were characterized by their relatively large caliber and often heavy construction. They were usually fired from a standing or kneeling position and required a rest for stability due to their weight and the force of the discharge. Early models were often matchlock firearms, meaning they used a burning slow match to ignite the gunpowder. Later versions incorporated more advanced firing mechanisms.

These weapons were employed by infantry soldiers, particularly in skirmish roles and for garrison duty. Their power and range made them effective against armored opponents and at distances where arrows or bolts might be less effective. The klovenier represented a significant step in the development of portable firearms, contributing to changes in military tactics and the decline of traditional close-combat weaponry. While eventually superseded by lighter and faster-firing firearms like muskets, the klovenier played an important role in the transition to gunpowder warfare.