An unusually large (135 cm long) and heavy (ca. 15 kg) wrought iron tiller-socketed haquebut barrel, ca. 1490-1500, sold at the Dorotheum Vienna a few days ago. It fteched more than 9,300 euro.
On top of the end of the socket (tube) you can see the nail hole for fixing the (now missing) tiller. A bit further to the right, there is the touch hole on the right hand side.
As the later-added barrel loops and the hole in the hook indicate, it was alterated for a full stock during its working life, most probably in the 1520's, the Peasants' Wars. It must also have been then that a dove-tailed igniting pan was attached to the touch hole (now missing); the dovetail is still visible.
Best,
Michael
Last edited by Matchlock; 4th December 2011 at 08:29 PM.
|