An Early Renaissance Haquebut Barrel, ca. 1515-20
 

Of wrought iron, round throughout, divided into four sections by filed moldings. The muzzle section, short and slightly swamped, is characteristic of ca. 1515-20.

Near the large touch hole, which is located on the right-hand side and shows a deliberate molding acting as a preliminary stage of a pan, there is a barrelsmith's mark, star like and of round shape. Behind this, a rectangular hole marks the spot where the original back sight was. The mark is known to the author from similar barrels and may be attributed to one of the numerous prolific Nuremberg workshops.

A loop on the underside at the rear end of the barrel and a piercing in the hook denote and this barrel was originally fully stocked.

Overall length 96 cm, bore 22 mm.

Best,
Michael