A cannon or a mortar ... old or very old

Philip · 15th August 2010, 06:39 AM

Fernando,
It's amazing the number of hand-cannons being discovered in Portugal, but the famed snapping match- or tinder-lock brought to the Far East during the Age of Discoveries is such a rarity -- like hen's teeth or boar's udders, as they say.

Spiridonov · 15th August 2010, 08:21 AM

touch hole is too wide. what is the sense of this?

Matchlock · 15th August 2010, 07:59 PM

Alexander,

As I tried to explain in former threads, we do not know anything for certain about the fact that large touch holes were characteristic of the period between ca. 1470 and 1500. I also pointed out that doubtlessly a considerable loss of gas and pressure must have been the result.

It seems not to make sense but still it is a fact. On the other hand we may not exclude the possibility that excessive use may have led to burnt out touch holes.

Best,
Michael

fernando · 15th August 2010, 09:57 PM

Hi dear Philip,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Philip

... the famed snapping match- or tinder-lock brought to the Far East during the Age of Discoveries is such a rarity -- like hen's teeth or boar's udders, as they say.

He, he, he.

Just let me know when you find one ... if you haven't yet

.

15th August 2010, 06:39 AM	#1
Philip Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: California Posts: 1,036	Fernando, It's amazing the number of hand-cannons being discovered in Portugal, but the famed snapping match- or tinder-lock brought to the Far East during the Age of Discoveries is such a rarity -- like hen's teeth or boar's udders, as they say.

15th August 2010, 08:21 AM	#2
Spiridonov Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Russia, Leningrad Posts: 355	touch hole is too wide. what is the sense of this?

15th August 2010, 07:59 PM	#3
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Alexander, As I tried to explain in former threads, we do not know anything for certain about the fact that large touch holes were characteristic of the period between ca. 1470 and 1500. I also pointed out that doubtlessly a considerable loss of gas and pressure must have been the result. It seems not to make sense but still it is a fact. On the other hand we may not exclude the possibility that excessive use may have led to burnt out touch holes. Best, Michael