Two Good Wrought-iron Hackbut Barrels, Late 15th Century - Sold for Record Prices!

Matchlock · 13th June 2012, 03:34 PM

Although preserved in unusually good condition, with all edges very crisp and the surfaces retaining much of their original bued or blackened finish, they fetched tremendous prices in yesterday's sale at the Dorotheum, Vienna. Together they sold for more than 35,000 euro, which in my eyes is sheer madness ...

Both are very similar, of octagonal section throughout, and with heavily swamped muzzle section, the hook fire-welded. The touch hole is located on the top right-hand side.
The most interesting of their features, I think, was that they were neither equiped with sockets, nor were their hooks pierced or did the barrels show pin loops.
Thus, they must have been fixed to the stocks by iron rings, which is an instance rare to find.

Their outer surface was partly covered by remains of grass, and the heavily swamped muzzle of the first barrel was damaged.

The measurements:

- barrel #1: length 100 cm, bore 27 mm
- barrel #2: length 95 cm, bore 25 mm

Enjoy the many close ups!

Best,
Michael

13th June 2012, 03:34 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Two Good Wrought-iron Hackbut Barrels, Late 15th Century - Sold for Record Prices! Although preserved in unusually good condition, with all edges very crisp and the surfaces retaining much of their original bued or blackened finish, they fetched tremendous prices in yesterday's sale at the Dorotheum, Vienna. Together they sold for more than 35,000 euro, which in my eyes is sheer madness ... Both are very similar, of octagonal section throughout, and with heavily swamped muzzle section, the hook fire-welded. The touch hole is located on the top right-hand side. The most interesting of their features, I think, was that they were neither equiped with sockets, nor were their hooks pierced or did the barrels show pin loops. Thus, they must have been fixed to the stocks by iron rings, which is an instance rare to find. Their outer surface was partly covered by remains of grass, and the heavily swamped muzzle of the first barrel was damaged. The measurements: - barrel #1: length 100 cm, bore 27 mm - barrel #2: length 95 cm, bore 25 mm Enjoy the many close ups! Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 13th June 2012 at 09:08 PM.