Dating of chambers for breechloading cannon

Philip · 2nd March 2016, 01:49 AM

Fernando,
The similarity between the Portuguese and the Chinese examples of the breechloading guns can be explained by the fact that this type of gun with a chamber-piece retained by a "cradle" integral with the barrel is an introduction to the Far East by Europeans. Of course, the Portuguese were there first (although we must admit that the Dutch brought the same technology with them, later). Another name that the Chinese applied to the cradle breechloader was "folangji" or Frankish device. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach China in any numbers, and initially they were called Franks, after the Indian and Near Eastern habit of referring to Europeans as "firangi".

Portuguese breechloading cannon of the 16th cent. have a remarkable stylistic similarity to their Chinese and Korean counterparts of that period and later. The swiveling "lantaka" cannons of the Malay Archipelago no doubt have a similar origin, also noting that a few rare examples of those are breechloaders as well. You may have seen a few of those in private collections in Portugal as well.

2nd March 2016, 01:49 AM	#11
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Another gift of the Portuguese Fernando, The similarity between the Portuguese and the Chinese examples of the breechloading guns can be explained by the fact that this type of gun with a chamber-piece retained by a "cradle" integral with the barrel is an introduction to the Far East by Europeans. Of course, the Portuguese were there first (although we must admit that the Dutch brought the same technology with them, later). Another name that the Chinese applied to the cradle breechloader was "folangji" or Frankish device. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach China in any numbers, and initially they were called Franks, after the Indian and Near Eastern habit of referring to Europeans as "firangi". Portuguese breechloading cannon of the 16th cent. have a remarkable stylistic similarity to their Chinese and Korean counterparts of that period and later. The swiveling "lantaka" cannons of the Malay Archipelago no doubt have a similar origin, also noting that a few rare examples of those are breechloaders as well. You may have seen a few of those in private collections in Portugal as well.