slow match

artillery

Also known as: match

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Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

A slow match is a type of fuse designed to burn slowly and evenly, used for igniting blasting charges. This technology was first used in 1651.1

The matchlock, developed in the 15th century, was an early firearm ignition system that utilized a slow match. It featured an S-shaped arm, known as a serpentine, which held the lighted match. When the trigger was pulled, the serpentine lowered the match to ignite gunpowder in a pan, firing the main charge in the barrel. While a significant advancement, matchlocks were susceptible to weather conditions and their glow posed a risk in certain situations.2

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military technology
The first small arms
…these was the development of slow match—or match, as it was commonly called. This was cord or twine soaked in a solution of potassium nitrate and dried. When lit, match smoldered at the end in a slow, controlled manner. Slow match found immediate acceptance among artillerists and remained a standard…
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…these was the development of slow match—or match, as it was commonly called. This was cord or twine soaked in a solution of potassium nitrate and dried. When lit, match smoldered at the end in a slow, controlled manner. Slow match found immediate acceptance among artillerists and remained a standard…
Read More