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

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.