How does a matchlock pistol work?

One of the earliest forms of firearms, the matchlock used a length of smoldering cord (the slow match) to fire the weapon.

The match was typically large string treated to burn slowly, and was held in a metal clamp. When ready to fire, a pull of the trigger caused the metal clamp to swing down, pushing the slow burning string into a priming pan that holds a small quantity of gunpowder, lighting it. The flame from the powder flashes thru a very small hole in the barrel, igniting the main powder charge, and driving the bullet out of the barrel.