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]> HIS
[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
 
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