Breech loading chamber for a cannon 16th century

Marcus den toom · 9th September 2013, 02:10 PM

Today my package arrived with the breech chamber.
It does look very nice, hopefully it will spark a lifely conversation on the forum.

Matchlock · 5th October 2013, 04:39 PM

Hi Marcus,

Congratulations on acquiring that nice wrought-iron detachable breech that has been preserved in perfectly uncleaned original condition. Please do keep it as it is.

Wrought-iron breech-loading pieces of cannon with interchangeable chambers/breeches have been made since at least the mid-15th c., thus continuing being kept in use for about 100 years, almost without any significant formal or stylistic development that would be noticeable and allow a closer dating.
From the later part of their working life, we have records thru the samples found in the wreck of the Mary Rose that sunk in 1545.

Best,
Michael

9th September 2013, 02:10 PM	#1
Marcus den toom Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Netherlands Posts: 543	Today my package arrived with the breech chamber. It does look very nice, hopefully it will spark a lifely conversation on the forum.

5th October 2013, 04:39 PM	#2
Matchlock (deceased) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bavaria, Germany - the center of 15th and 16th century gunmaking Posts: 4,310	Hi Marcus, Congratulations on acquiring that nice wrought-iron detachable breech that has been preserved in perfectly uncleaned original condition. Please do keep it as it is. Wrought-iron breech-loading pieces of cannon with interchangeable chambers/breeches have been made since at least the mid-15th c., thus continuing being kept in use for about 100 years, almost without any significant formal or stylistic development that would be noticeable and allow a closer dating. From the later part of their working life, we have records thru the samples found in the wreck of the Mary Rose that sunk in 1545. Best, Michael