Dating Earliest Barrels: the Importance of the Position of the Touch Hole

Marcus den toom · 21st March 2019, 08:17 PM

As i like to raise this thread from its depts from now and than, i present this (for me) unknown hand cannon, dated! 1485 (?)
If anyone has better pictures of this piece and its whereabouts i would be greatfull.

Auction description:
A Rare Wrought-Iron Hand-Cannon
Possibly 15th Century
Of waisted cylindrical form reinforced at the muzzle and breech, the former struck with a mark between the date 1485 and inscribed 'INII' above, the latter with recessed touch-hole with remains of lead lining, the mid section inscribed 'Taufers' and numbered '16' (rust patinated overall)
24 cm. high, 4.3 cm. bore
FOOTNOTES
Provenance:
Acquired in Basel, 1960

The inscription presumably refers to Schloss Taufers which is located in the South Tyrol

21st March 2019, 08:17 PM	#13
Marcus den toom Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 534	As i like to raise this thread from its depts from now and than, i present this (for me) unknown hand cannon, dated! 1485 (?) If anyone has better pictures of this piece and its whereabouts i would be greatfull. Auction description: A Rare Wrought-Iron Hand-Cannon Possibly 15th Century Of waisted cylindrical form reinforced at the muzzle and breech, the former struck with a mark between the date 1485 and inscribed 'INII' above, the latter with recessed touch-hole with remains of lead lining, the mid section inscribed 'Taufers' and numbered '16' (rust patinated overall) 24 cm. high, 4.3 cm. bore FOOTNOTES Provenance: Acquired in Basel, 1960 The inscription presumably refers to Schloss Taufers which is located in the South Tyrol Attached Images