An Early 15th c. Cast-iron Bombard (Steinbüchse) in the Museum of Grandson

Matchlock · 21st February 2012, 03:31 PM

The German term Steinbüchse denotes that this sort of small cannon was designed to fire stone balls, mostly made of limestone.
No measurements are given, but judging from similar existing examples, I estimate the overall length to be ca. 60 cm.

Originally, this heavy barrel - which is obviously made of cast iron - would have been 'stocked' in some sort of primitive oaken cannon carriage to which it was attached by iron straps. For comparison, I post a completely preserved very similar but wrought-iron (!) sample in the museum of the fortress of Hohensalzburg, Austria, which is about the same size.

Also attached please find an image of a very rare 14th/15th c. limestone cannon ball in my collection.

Author's photographs.

Best,
Michael

fernando · 21st February 2012, 05:49 PM

Very, very good

Thanks for sharing

Matchlock · 14th March 2012, 12:19 PM

A very similar mid-15th century cast iron bombard (Steinbüchse) preseved in the Museum of Sursee, Switzerland.

Overall length: 41 cm
Cal. 15 cm, depth of 'bore' only 16 cm, meaning that the stone ball completely filled the bore and the muzzle area!
Breech 19 cm by 5 cm
Weight: no specification

Best,
Michael

Andi · 19th July 2013, 08:48 PM

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...946#post158946

Here is also an early example of an iron casted small mortar from Veste Oberhaus Museum, Passau Germany, dated to ca. 1400 and described as the oldest known example of an iron casted cannon.

Matchlock · 5th October 2013, 04:00 PM

Exactly, Andi,

I posted it in this thread:

http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=passau+museum

Best,
Michael

21st February 2012, 03:31 PM	#1
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	An Early 15th c. Cast-iron Bombard (Steinbüchse) in the Museum of Grandson The German term Steinbüchse denotes that this sort of small cannon was designed to fire stone balls, mostly made of limestone. No measurements are given, but judging from similar existing examples, I estimate the overall length to be ca. 60 cm. Originally, this heavy barrel - which is obviously made of cast iron - would have been 'stocked' in some sort of primitive oaken cannon carriage to which it was attached by iron straps. For comparison, I post a completely preserved very similar but wrought-iron (!) sample in the museum of the fortress of Hohensalzburg, Austria, which is about the same size. Also attached please find an image of a very rare 14th/15th c. limestone cannon ball in my collection. Author's photographs. Best, Michael Attached Images Last edited by Matchlock; 22nd February 2012 at 12:44 PM.

14th March 2012, 12:19 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	A very similar mid-15th century cast iron bombard (Steinbüchse) preseved in the Museum of Sursee, Switzerland. Overall length: 41 cm Cal. 15 cm, depth of 'bore' only 16 cm, meaning that the stone ball completely filled the bore and the muzzle area! Breech 19 cm by 5 cm Weight: no specification Best, Michael Attached Images

21st February 2012, 05:49 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Very, very good Thanks for sharing

19th July 2013, 08:48 PM	#4
Andi Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Halstenbek, Germany Posts: 203	http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...946#post158946 Here is also an early example of an iron casted small mortar from Veste Oberhaus Museum, Passau Germany, dated to ca. 1400 and described as the oldest known example of an iron casted cannon.

5th October 2013, 04:00 PM	#5
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Exactly, Andi, I posted it in this thread: http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showth...=passau+museum Best, Michael