Handgonnes with iron stock

[Matchlock]

My friend Alexender photographed this very interesting specimen in the Artillery Museum St. Petersburg:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...tillery+museum

I wish to repost his images in another of his threads where they probably belong the most, which is here.


The overall length of this huge and heavy all-iron tiller gone is 1.92 m, the monstrous bore 10.5 cm, denoting that it was not a portable but strictly stationary piece. Its rear grip end is shaped like the hilt of a knife and laterally punched with a series of decorative cross-shaped elements. The hook is rather short and blunt, mounted on a ring, and the outer surface of the gun retains its completely original red minium paint.

As the piece is fitted with a hook, and the right-hand side touch hole has what seems to be an integrally wrought pan molding, a date of late 15th c. seems appropriate.

This is the biggest tiller gun by far I have ever noticed! Its sheer dimensions are unbelievable!


Best,
Michael