Touchhole reinforcement

[Ed]

This is the small barrel that I recently obtained.

I noted that the touchhole seems to be reinforced with some sort of insert. It is difficult to tell but I think that this "insert" (if it is) is non-magnetic.

As we have seen with other barrels, the corrosive nature of gunpowder can, and often did, erode the touchhole. Thing is that I have not noticed any sort of reinforcement on other barrels.

Thoughts?

[Marcus den toom]

Very nice and early barrel Ed, looks like it is made of wrought wound iron. Circa 1350-90s
For the touchhole i would refer to this thread post 29, 30 and 92
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18049&highlight=touchhole

I did see this on other barrels too but it is an exception to the more often seen dimpled touchhole.

[Ed]

Very nice and early barrel Ed, looks like it is made of wrought wound iron. Circa 1350-90s
For the touchhole i would refer to this thread post 29, 30 and 92
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18049&highlight=touchhole

I did see this on other barrels too but it is an exception to the more often seen dimpled touchhole.

Good catch. I see some subtle signs of it being wound. What alerted you to it?

[Marcus den toom]

Good catch. I see some subtle signs of it being wound. What alerted you to it?

It is very subtle but i have been fortunate to handle quite a few of barrels from all ages.
Attached picture showes the lines in the iron which makes me think this is indeed wound iron ;)
Could you make a picture from the inside of the barrel bore? Most likely it is very irregular.

[Ed]

Image missing ...
Here are two shots shot ... sorry ablaut the quality. If you want me to try again I shall.

[Marcus den toom]

Image missing ...
Here are two shots shot ... sorry ablaut the quality. If you want me to try again I shall.


Beautiful, thank you Ed. The barrel is very irregular forged as can be seen from the inside. It also looks, again, like a spiraling "wound" iron shape.

As to the picture, i noticed this happens lately. Refreshing the page should mend the unloaded picture

[Ed]

This is another Portuguese barrel (Fernando will recognize it). Do you see evidence of winding?

[Ed]

Funny.... now that I am looking for it, I see it.