hakenbuchse from Germanisches Nationalmuseum (Nurnberg)

[Spiridonov]

This is the very famous barrel. We all have seen it. But I still want to put my photos of this here:

[Spiridonov]

Else:

[fernando]

Great pictures; great haquebut.
What century?

[Spiridonov]

Great pictures; great haquebut.
What century?
Early XV century

[fernando]

Early XV century
Spasibo :)

[Matchlock]

Thanks so much for sharing this, Alexander,

A dating of ca. 1430 is exactly correct, and it's one of the earliest handguns equipped with a hook.

Actually this is to be defined as one of the latest small stone throwing guns (Steinbüchse), with an overall length of ca. 60-70 cm, including the long iron tiller.

The only pity about it is its acid cleaned and consequently riuned surface.

I will post some of my own pics of this item later.

Best,
Michael

[Matchlock]

Here they are.

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[Matchlock]

What's even more interesting:

While many Steinbüchsen would receive two superimposed stone balls at a time, the ball recess of this one is visibly just long enough for one single ball and that was literally situated at the muzzle and must have been optically prominent. The longer and smaller rear was all breech and would contain the powder load.

Not a really good way to aim at an individual target but fair enough for directing the muzzle towards a mass of men, I guess.

Best,
Michael