Fixed and unfixed guns in probate inventories (the sources I am dealing
with) do not refer to major pieces of ordiance since A) they appear in
the inventories of individuals and B) they are of relatively low
value--their vaules are comprable to birding pieces and other personal
firearms.
 
Mary Ellin D'Agostino
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On Sat, 4 Nov 1995, Reynolds wrote:
 
> I may have this wrong, but since in the 17th century 'gun' retains
> its primary meaning (=cannon), and has aquired a secondary meaning
> (=moveable firearm except a pistol), I always have thought that 'fix'
> means 'fixed down, permanent', and 'unfixed' being portable.  I just
> checked in the OED - and it doesn't have 'unfixed' as being portable
> (it does have the other meanings), so I probably have got this wrong.
>
> In message  <[log in to unmask]> H
IS
> [log in to unmask] writes:
> > As long as we are on the subject of guns...
> > Does anyone know, exactly, what a 'fixed' vs 'unfixed' gun means in the
> > 17th century?  It does not mean 'broken' (many readers of probate data
> > make this assumption).  All the Oxford English Dictionary indicates for
> > this usage is "Prepared, put in order."
> >
> > Mary Ellin D'Agostino
> > [log in to unmask]
> >
>
> --
> Pat Reynolds
> Keeper of Social History, Buckinghamshire County Museum / Freelance Curator
>
> 16 Gibsons Green
> Heelands
> MILTON KEYNES
> England MK13 7NH
>
> [log in to unmask]
>