Possibly the oldest hand cannon dated 1346

[Marcus den toom]

This piece might very well be the oldest cannon known sofar, beeing from the same time as the Loshult cannon which is commonly dated to the mid 14th century. As Michael pointed out to us in his Magnus Opus "Dating Earliest Barrels: the Importance of the Position of the Touch Hole" (http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...ght=touch+hole) the earliest cannons where cast bronze or wrought of wound band-iron. This cannon i present here is of the latter type with iron wrought bands of 28mm in width. The total cannon measures 13.1 cm with a bore lenght of 11cm. The Touchhole is small as per the time period (3,5mm).

The most interesting part about this barrel are the markings stamped on the right side. They read, to my interpretation, *D* 13 XXXXVI* which translates to 1346. It was during this time that the Roman numerals where replaced by the Arabian type we know and use today (see also post 3 here http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...t=dated+tiller).

My claim is a bold one, but to me there is little doubt these markings are a date, which would make it the oldest dated cannons known sofar.

More reference:
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=loshult
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...hlight=loshult
http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...highlight=1481