Curious stone cannon

CutlassCollector · 2nd December 2013, 11:18 AM

I think Marcus may be on the right track. Look at all the lugs on the bronze example. Attachments would have been needed for ropes or bars to locate, aim and absorb recoil on the stone cannon as well.
The breech touch hole makes sense also, instead of having a larger amount of powder which may explode as well as ignite the main charge.

I am sure I have seen pictures of an experimental double firing flintlock somewhere, with two inline locks one in front of the other - hence two in line touch holes - carrying two loads. Really advisable to fire the front one first! Not enough room in this cannon though.

CC

2nd December 2013, 11:18 AM	#18
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 357	I think Marcus may be on the right track. Look at all the lugs on the bronze example. Attachments would have been needed for ropes or bars to locate, aim and absorb recoil on the stone cannon as well. The breech touch hole makes sense also, instead of having a larger amount of powder which may explode as well as ignite the main charge. I am sure I have seen pictures of an experimental double firing flintlock somewhere, with two inline locks one in front of the other - hence two in line touch holes - carrying two loads. Really advisable to fire the front one first! Not enough room in this cannon though. CC