Hand gonnes of the 15th century

[Matchlock]

Note the shapes of the touch holes and the irregular wrought-iron surfaces.

Matchlock/Michael

[kahnjar1]

What a great selection of pics!! Thanks for posting. :) Which museum?
I also see on some of these, what appear to be either Proof or Makers marks!
VERY EARLY EXAMPLES.
Fernando take note.
Regards Stu

[Matchlock]

Stu, they are all in my collection.

Michael

[fernando]

VERY EARLY EXAMPLES.
Fernando take note.


I do ... I do :)




Stu, they are all in my collection.
Michael


I thaught so :)

Fernando

[Matchlock]

Well done, Fernando!

[Jim McDougall]

Great Gonnes!

Interesting that the term 'gun' was apparantly once used to describe the large stone throwing device of the catapult or mangonel type. The word itself shortened from the Scandinavian female name Gunnildr (gunrr=Icelandic for war + hildr =battle). While it seems odd that these warring terms would be applied to a female name (though thinking of ex wives gives frivolous thought) it does seem that the use of female names on weapons was not at all unusual in history.
Ed has mentioned the famed cannon Mons Meg, and the ancient bronze cannon given by the Netherlands to Elizabeth I for her help against Philip II of Spain, was affectionately termed 'Queen Elizabeths Pocket Pistol' as it stood guard on the channel over Dover Cliffs.

The sword itself is typically referred to as the Queen of Weapons.