Spanish Arquebus, Salvador Cenarro, Madrid, 1761-1793

About the Item

Marks: In key, chamber of the cannon and trigger guard. Date: between 1761 and 1793. Author: Salvador de Zenarro. "Real Arcabucero". Origin / Provenance: Madrid, Spain. Material: wood, steel, bone, gold. Salvador Cenarro (or De Cenarro or Zenarro) is documented between 1761 and 1793. Born in Barrinaga (Vizcaya), he trained with Joaquín de Celaya in Madrid, and was appointed "honorary arquebus maker" of Carlos III on June 3, 1761, and "number arquebus maker" on 29 January 1762. He is considered teacher of Juan de Soto, Carlos Montagris, Manuel Cantero and Hilario Mateo. He retired on May 2, 1792, and died on July 31, 1793. He had his workshop at home, where he would also mark the pieces and weapons he made (his widow had to give his "marking instruments" back to the Royal Armory of the Royal Palace in Madrid after his death). He is considered a Madrid "arquebus maker master" for having carried out his activity in this city, as is the case of Joaquín de Celaya, for example. The appreciation of Salvador Cenarro is clear with events such as Carlos III's request to this master gunsmith and Miguel de Cegarra to create an arquebus in his presence and that of the King's children, so that they can contemplate and value the work and the technology of the pieces. It is necessary to emphasize that the "arcabuceros" were not subject to union organizations, but the "Ballestería" of the Real Armory could have exerted certain tasks of control (including the collection of the marking instruments to remark the gold plate of the marks of the arms). In the 18th century, both the honorary and number "arabuceros" (arquebus makers), worked exclusively for the Royal Family (requiring authorization for orders from individuals outside this circle). The first ones did not receive a salary, but their works were well paid and they could access the "arcabucero number slot" when the owner of the post died, having to pass a test (show a shotgun before the senior stableman, the main crossbowman and other arquebusiers, who valued mainly the quality and safety of the cannon). Size: 128 x 6 x 8.5 cms.

Creator:

Salvador Cenarro (Maker)

Dimensions:

Height: 3.35 in (8.5 cm)Width: 50.4 in (128 cm)Depth: 2.37 in (6 cm)

Style:

Neoclassical (Of the Period)

Materials and Techniques:

Bone,Gold,Steel,Wood

Place of Origin:

Spain

Period:

Late 18th Century