The blunderbuss that belonged to Miguel Córdova

Abstract

The author describes a bronze blunderbuss acquired for the National Museum, which belonged to the bandit Miguel Córdova, a lieutenant of the montoneras (irregular guerrilla bands) of the republican era. The article analyzes the etymology of the term “pedreñal” (derived from “pedernal”, flint in Spanish), the weapon's flintlock mechanism, and its characteristic inscription: "Soi de mi dueño Migel Córdoba" [I belong to my owner Migel [sic] Córdoba]. Furthermore, a historical review is conducted of Spanish legislation (Royal decrees from Felipe II to Carlos III) that prohibited the use of short arquebuses and pistols due to their facility for committing "secret deaths" and assaults. Those weapons are linked to the history of banditry in Spain and Peru.